Creations Greatest Need: Tawhid

Indeed, the affirmation of the Tawhid of Allaah is something that the whole of creation – whether they have accepted Islam or not – are more in need of than food and drink.

This article provides a detailed explanation of the three categories of Tawhid, along with its two types. Additionally, it explores what distinguishes the Tawhid of the muwahhid (true monotheist) from that of the mushrik (one who associates partners with Allaah).

Tawhid, in its essence, is to single out Allaah in worship, with love, lowliness, and submissiveness to Him, by complying with His commands and submitting to them. It is the foundation upon which the entire religion is built, and without it, no act of worship is valid.

The Excellence of Tawhid

Ibn Abil-’Izz (d. 792H) رحمه الله said: "Knowledge of Usoolud-Deen (the fundamentals of the Religion) is the most noble branch of knowledge since the excellence of a certain type of knowledge depends upon what it is concerned with. This is the greatest fiqh (understanding), which is why Imaam Aboo Hanefah (d. 150H) رحمه الله called that which he compiled concerning Usoolud-Deen: 'al-Fiqhul-Akbar' (the Greatest Fiqh)."

The need of the servants for this knowledge is greater than every other need, and it is the most necessary of all things for them. There is no life for the hearts, nor any delight or tranquility, except through knowing their Lord—the One to be worshipped—their Creator, through His Names, His Attributes, and His Actions. True Tawhid fills the heart with awe and love for Allaah, making all other concerns secondary.

The Role of the Messengers in Calling to Tawhid

It is impossible for human minds to comprehend all aspects of Tawhid in detail without divine guidance. Hence, the Most Merciful, the Most Majestic, sent Messengers to teach mankind about Tawhid and to call them to it. These Messengers gave glad tidings to those who accepted their call and warned those who rejected it. The essence of their message was to bring people closer to Allaah through knowing His Names, Attributes, and Actions, upon which everything else in the religion is built.

This foundation is followed by two great principles:

1. Knowing the path that leads to Allaah - This is the Sharee'ah, which consists of His commands and prohibitions.

   
   

2. Knowing the consequences of following or rejecting this path - This includes the eternal bliss for those who accept Tawhid and the punishment for those who reject it.

Firmness Upon the Religion:

Firmness upon the Religion of Allaah, excellence in this world, and salvation in the Hereafter depend on two crucial matters:

1. Knowledge of Allaah through His Beautiful Names and Lofty Attributes. This leads to reverence, fear, love, reliance, and complete submission to Him.

   
   

2. Knowledge of what pleases and displeases Him in terms of beliefs, statements, and actions. This necessitates striving to perform what He loves and avoid what He hates.

Sufyan Ibn ’Uyaynah (d.197H) رحمه الله said: "There are three types of Scholars: one who knows Allaah and knows Allaah’s commands; and one who knows Allaah, but does not know His commands; and one who knows Allaah’s commands, but does not know Allaah. And the most complete of them is the first - and that is the one who fears Allaah and knows His rulings."

The Essence of Islam: Tawhid

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Islam is built upon five: Testifying that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah, establishing the Salaah, paying the Zakah, making pilgrimage to the House, and fasting in Ramadan."

Thus, the testimony of Tawhid is the foundation upon which the entire religion stands. Without it, no act of worship is valid, and no good deed is accepted.

The Three Categories of Tawhid

The scholars of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah have categorized Tawhid into three types:

1. Tawhid ar-Ruboobiyyah - The Oneness of Allaah in His Lordship: This means affirming that Allaah alone is the Creator, Sustainer, and Controller of all affairs.

   
   

2. Tawhid al-Uloohiyyah - Singling out Allaah alone for all worship: This is the true essence of Tawhid, which differentiates a believer from a disbeliever.

   
   

3. Tawhid al-Asma’ wa Sifaat - The uniqueness of Allaah in His Names and Attributes: This entails affirming the Names and Attributes of Allaah as He has revealed them without distorting, denying, or comparing them to His creation.

Allaah says: "Lord of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them, so worship Him alone and be constant and patient in the worship of Him. Do you know of any who is similar to Him?" [1]

The Importance of Tawhid in the Qur’an

The entire Qur’an revolves around Tawhid, whether it is:

• Informing us about Allaah (Tawhid of knowledge and affirmation).

• Calling us to worship Allaah alone (Tawhid of action and intention).

• Commanding obedience to Him (a right of Tawhid and its completion).

• Describing the rewards of the people of Tawhid and their ultimate success.

• Warning against shirk and its consequences.

Ibn Abil-’Izz رحمه الله said: “The Qur’an – all of it – is about Tawhid, its rights, and its rewards; and about Shirk, its people, and their punishments.”

Even the greatest verse in the Qur’an, Aayatul-Kursee (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255), is entirely about Tawhid, detailing Allaah’s Names, Attributes, and Sovereignty. Similarly, Suratul-Ikhlas is dedicated to Tawhid al-Asma’ wa Sifaat, while Suratul-Kafiroon emphasizes Tawhid al-Uloohiyyah.

The Benefits of Tawhid

1. Tawhid is the foundation of success – No one enters Jannah without it.

2. It purifies the soul – True Tawhid fills the heart with peace and contentment.

3. It removes fear and anxiety – Trusting in Allaah alone leads to tranquility.

4. It strengthens character and willpower – A person of Tawhid is firm in their beliefs and actions.

5. It guarantees forgiveness – Sincere Tawhid erases sins, as mentioned in the hadith of the card (Sahih Muslim).

6. It unites the Muslim Ummah – Tawhid is the strongest bond that unites believers across time and place.

7. It is the key to true freedom – Worshipping Allaah alone liberates one from servitude to creation.

Conclusion

Tawhid is the greatest necessity of mankind. It is the foundation of faith, the essence of worship, and the means to eternal success. The Qur’an, the teachings of the Prophets, and the entire purpose of human existence revolve around the establishment of Tawhid. Therefore, every Muslim must strive to understand, implement, and call others to Tawhid, for it is the very reason for our creation.

May Allaah keep us firm upon His Tawhid until we meet Him. Ameen.

Footnotes:

[1] Surah Maryam 19:65