The Oneness of God (Tawhid)
Tawhid, the cornerstone of Islamic belief, emphasizes the absolute oneness and unity of Allah. This concept is deeply rooted in Islamic theology and practice, shaping every aspect of a Muslim's life and worldview.
Definition: Tawhid comes from the Arabic word 'wahid', meaning 'one', and refers to the Islamic doctrine of monotheism.
The First Pillar of Islam, the Shahadah, directly expresses this belief with the declaration: "There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger." This statement is fundamental to both Sunni and Shi'a Muslims, underlining the universal importance of tawhid in Islam.
Highlight: Shirk, the sin of associating partners with Allah or denying His oneness, is considered the gravest sin in Islam. It is the only sin that Allah may not forgive if a person dies without seeking forgiveness for it.
The Qur'an reinforces the concept of tawhid in various surahs, with Surah 112 being entirely dedicated to this principle. This surah succinctly captures the essence of Allah's oneness, eternity, and uniqueness.
Quote: "Say: He is Allah, the One and Only; Allah, the Eternal, Absolute; He begetteth not, nor is He begotten; And there is none like unto Him." - Surah 112, Qur'an