What is Tawhid?

'Tawhid' means monotheism. To accept and believe in Allah the Most High as One and Second to none is called Tawhid.

The basic point of Tawhid is - Allah the Most High is one and single. He is single in His entity and attributes. He is the only owner worthy of praise and servitude. There is none like unto Him. Allah the Most High declares -

لَيْسَ كَمِثْلِهِ شَيْءٌ

Meaning: "There is nothing that resembles Him." (Sura Ash-Shura, Verse 11) Tawhid is the belief in Allah the Most High as the Creator, Nourisher, Sustainer and the only One worthy of servitude.

Importance of Tawhid

Tawhid is the first and the most dominant aspect of Iman. That means, it is obligatory to believe in the oneness of Allah in order to become a Mumin or Muslim. Without belief in Tawhid no one can enter the fold of Iman or Islam. All the teachings of Islam have their base on Tawhid. All the Prophets and Messengers who were raised on earth extended the invitation to Tawhid. The gist of the invitation of them all was - لآونة إلا الله La Ilaha Illallah( there is no Ilah (God) but Allah. The Prophets and Messengers struggled all through their lives to establish the teachings of Tawhid. Hazrat Ibrahim (on him be peace) was cast into the fire-well. Our beloved Prophet (Sm.) migrated to Madinah. In fact, it is Tawhid which constitutes the root of Iman. Its importance in Islam is unbounded.

Impact of Tawhid

Tawhid is belief in the oneness of Allah the Most High. Its impact on man's life is very wide. Belief in Tawhid furnishes man the scope to tender gratitude, because Allah the Most High is our only Creator and Nourisher. With faith in Tawhid man admits this truth. Man thereby pays thanks to Allah the Most High.

Faith in Tawhid renders man self-conscious and self-respectful. Man does not bow down before anyone else. Consequently man's superiority over all other creatures is confirmed. Man attains respect as the best of all other creations (Ashraful Makhluqat).

The impact of Tawhid on human life is limitless on the question of attainment of a noble character. Tawhid also plays a role in establishing unity and fraternity in human society. For, faith in Tawhid establishes the idea in society that all men are servants of Allah and are entitled to the same status. Thus the realization of unity is aroused.

Belief in Tawhid encourages man towards servitude to Allah and good deeds. Man engages himself to good deeds for attaining divine pleasure. He abstains from dishonest and obscene activities. As a result, peace and discipline prevail.

Faith in Tawhid brings man success in his next life. None shall enter paradise without faith in Tawhid. In fact, faith in Tawhid opens the gateway to liberation and success in all spheres of life.