Monotheism in Islam

Tawheed, or monotheism in Islam, is very unique. Muslim beliefs of monotheism are very different from other faiths.

All faiths have some similarities and likenesses. But Islam distinguishes itself from all others with its pure monotheistic values. Muslims practice monotheism the way it should be. Muslims practice pure, unadulterated worship of one, sole creator.

Just about every faith on earth has some monotheistic aspects. Even polytheistic religions usually single out a primary or superior deity that reigns above the other, ‘lesser’ deities. This is because monotheism is a natural inclination of mankind. This is proven in the fact that a monotheistic faith has replaced polytheism in just about every culture.

Monotheism has proven itself superior to polytheism in every way. And while there are still pockets of paganism in certain areas of the earth, it is a dying trend. However, monotheism has been flourishing for centuries now and appears destined to continue its dominance.

And that is what makes up the first of three parts of Islamic monotheism. This first part is simply the belief that Allah exists. Every faith that has some monotheistic inclinations accepts this belief. Every person that believes in a superior deity accepts this belief. In Islam, this is called Tawheed Ar-Rububiyyah, or “Oneness of Divine Lordship.” This simply means the belief that one, divine deity, superior to all others, exists.

But what really makes Islam different from all other faiths is the second part of Islamic monotheism. This is the make or break concept that puts Islam above and beyond all other faiths. This part of Islamic monotheism is called Tawheed Al-Uluhiyyah, or “Oneness of the Divine Nature.” This is the understanding that Allah, the creator of all that exists and all that will ever exist, is the only deity worthy of worship.

Oneness of Divine Nature means that nothing else, no creature, no ‘deity’, no man, no animal, no prophet or saint, NOTHING, deserves any form of worship except Allah. Therefore, not only do we direct all worship towards Allah, we also refrain from using any intercessors, or partners, or go-betweens in this worship. This is the awesome power of Islamic monotheism. Man is encouraged, in fact obligated, to communicate directly with Allah for all of his needs, wants, and desires.

And finally the third aspect of Islamic monotheism, or Tawheed, is to understand the names and attributes of Allah, the almighty creator. Mankind throughout history has tried to give God a face, or a body, or specific attributes. Whenever man does this, inevitably the picture they create of God resembles the man. So Indian representations of God look Indian, European paintings of God look Caucasian, and African pictures of God look African.

Monotheism in Islam avoids this destructive pattern. Tawheed Al-Asmaa was Sifaat, or “Oneness of the Divine Names and Attributes” is the belief that Allah’s attributes are nothing like anything we can imagine. Allah has informed us of His names and attributes through His divine revelation the Quran, and through the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh). Therefore, Muslims accept, without denial or comparison, the attributes that Allah has given Himself.

As you can see, Islam requires true monotheism and explains it thoroughly. The beauty of Islamic monotheism is in its simplicity. All one must do is worship Allah alone, with no intercessors or partners, and accept His divine attributes. There is no need to understand complex theology or accept irrational explanations.

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