The Fundamentals of Tawheed (Monotheism)
Tawheed ( )توحيدis the core concept of Islamic belief, emphasizing the oneness and uniqueness of
Allah. Understanding the fundamentals of Tawheed is essential because it establishes the
relationship between the Creator and His creation. Tawheed is divided into three primary
categories:
1. Tawheed ar-Rububiyyah (Oneness of Lordship)
This category refers to the belief that Allah is the sole Creator, Sustainer, and Maintainer of the
universe. He alone has the power to give life, cause death, and control all affairs. No one shares
in His authority or actions in terms of creation, provision, or regulation of the cosmos.
Key aspects:
Allah is the sole Creator of all that exists (both seen and unseen).
Allah alone controls the natural world, including the skies, earth, seasons, and sustenance.
No one else possesses ultimate control over anything in existence.
2. Tawheed al-Uluhiyyah (Oneness of Worship)
This category signifies that Allah alone deserves to be worshipped. No other entity—whether
idol, human, or spiritual being—deserves worship, prayer, or reverence. All forms of worship
(du’a, prayers, sacrifices) should be directed solely toward Allah.
Key aspects:
All acts of worship, from prayer to fasting, should be dedicated to Allah.
Associating partners with Allah in worship is a violation of this principle.
Worshipping saints, idols, or any other created being alongside Allah contradicts Tawheed.
Following the orders of saints that contradict with Allah’s order (Permitting of what Allah has
forbidden and prohibition of what Allah has permitted).
3. Tawheed al-Asma wa-Sifaat (Oneness of Allah's Names and Attributes)
This refers to affirming that Allah's names and attributes are unique, perfect, and incomparable.
Believers must accept all of Allah's names and attributes as mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah
without altering, denying, or likening them to the characteristics of creation.
Key aspects:
Allah’s names are unique, such as Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful), Al-Aleem (The All-
Knowing).
His attributes, such as mercy, knowledge, and power, are perfect and beyond comparison with
creation.
We must not attribute human qualities to Allah or imagine Him as similar to anything in creation.
Shirk (Polytheism)
Shirk ()شرك, or associating partners with Allah, is the opposite of Tawheed and is considered the
gravest sin in Islam. It is the act of giving divine attributes, worship, or lordship to anyone or
anything other than Allah. Shirk negates the very essence of Tawheed and is unforgivable unless
a person repents.
Types of Shirk:
Shirk is generally divided into two main categories: Major Shirk (Shirk al-Akbar) and Minor
Shirk (Shirk al-Asghar).
1. Major Shirk (Shirk al-Akbar)
Major shirk is the greatest form of shirk and occurs when an individual directly associates others
with Allah in worship or divine qualities. This form of shirk expels a person from the fold of
Islam and is unforgivable if one dies without repentance.
Major shirk is further categorized as:
a. Shirk in Rububiyyah (Lordship)
This occurs when someone believes that another entity shares in Allah’s control over creation,
sustenance, or governance of the universe. For instance, believing that someone or something
other than Allah has control over life, death, or natural phenomena.
Examples:
Believing in multiple gods who control various aspects of life (e.g., gods of sun, rain, or death).
Claiming that humans or other beings can alter fate or control events in the universe.
b. Shirk in Uluhiyyah (Worship)
This happens when acts of worship are directed toward other than Allah. This includes praying,
bowing, or sacrificing for saints, idols, or anyone other than Allah.
Examples:
Offering prayers or sacrifices to saints, ancestors, or deities.
Engaging in rituals that invoke spirits or idols for help or blessings.
c. Shirk in Asma wa-Sifaat (Names and Attributes)
This form of shirk occurs when one attributes Allah’s unique names or attributes to other beings,
or denies Allah’s attributes as they are.
Examples:
Believing that a prophet or saint has divine qualities such as omniscience (knowing everything) or
omnipotence (being all-powerful).
Giving human or materialistic qualities to Allah, such as imagining Him in the form of a man or
any other creation.
2. Minor Shirk (Shirk al-Asghar)
Minor shirk refers to actions or beliefs that do not expel a person from Islam but undermine the
purity of Tawheed. Although they are less severe than major shirk, they are still considered
serious sins and must be avoided.
Minor shirk is divided into two types:
a. Shirk al-Riya (Shirk of Showing Off)
This occurs when a person performs an act of worship to gain praise or recognition from people,
rather than for the sake of Allah alone. While the worship may appear to be for Allah, the
individual’s intention is tainted with a desire for worldly acknowledgment.
Examples:
Praying or fasting to impress others with one’s piety.
Giving charity to be seen as generous by others, rather than doing it sincerely for Allah.
b. Shirk in Words
This form of minor shirk occurs when a person says something that may imply shirk, even
though they do not believe in it. This includes phrases or oaths that ascribe power or control to
someone other than Allah.
Examples:
Swearing by someone other than Allah (e.g., “I swear by my mother”).
Saying phrases that suggest fate is controlled by someone other than Allah (e.g., “If it wasn’t for
the doctor, I would’ve died”).
Consequences of Shirk:
Major Shirk: A person who dies while committing major shirk will not be forgiven and
will be doomed to eternal punishment in the Hereafter. Allah says in the Quran:
“Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than
that for whom He wills. And he who associates others with Allah has certainly fabricated
a tremendous sin.” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:48)
Minor Shirk: While it does not expel a person from Islam, it diminishes the reward for
good deeds and can lead to major shirk if left unchecked.
Conclusion:
Tawheed is the foundation of Islamic belief, affirming the oneness of Allah in every aspect.
Understanding and protecting this oneness is critical for a Muslim, as violating it through shirk is
the greatest transgression against Allah. By recognizing and avoiding both major and minor
forms of shirk, a believer can maintain purity in their worship and relationship with their Creator.
