Concept Of Tawhid In Islam According To Quran And Hadith

August 23, 2025 Islamic Teachings 8 Views

Islam is a religion built on one central belief – the Oneness of Allah (Tawhid). Tawhid is the foundation of Islam, and without it, no worship or deed is accepted. The Quran and Hadith emphasize again and again that Allah is One, without any partner, child, or equal. Understanding Tawhid is essential for every Muslim because it defines our faith, our worship, and our relationship with our Creator.

In this article, we will explain the concept of Tawhid in Islam according to Quran and Hadith, its importance, its types, and how it shapes the life of a Muslim.

What is Tawhid?

The word Tawhid comes from the Arabic root wahhada, which means “to make one” or “to unify.” In Islam, Tawhid means believing in the Oneness of Allah in His Lordship, Names and Attributes, and Worship. It means that Allah alone deserves to be worshipped, and no one shares His power, authority, or divinity.

Importance of Tawhid in Islam

Tawhid is the first pillar of faith in Islam.
The declaration “La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur Rasoolullah” (There is no god except Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger) begins with Tawhid.
Without Tawhid, all acts of worship like prayer, fasting, zakat, and Hajj are meaningless.
Tawhid separates Islam from all other religions and belief systems.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever dies knowing that there is no god except Allah shall enter Paradise.”
(Sahih Muslim)

Tawhid in the Quran

The Quran constantly reminds us of Allah’s Oneness. Some key verses include:

Surah Al-Ikhlas (112:1-4):
“Say: He is Allah, the One. Allah, the Eternal. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.”
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:255) – Ayat al-Kursi:
“Allah! There is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence.”
Surah Al-Ankabut (29:61):
“If you ask them, ‘Who created the heavens and the earth?’ They will surely say, ‘Allah.’”

These verses show that Allah is the Creator, the Sustainer, and the Only One worthy of worship.

Tawhid in Hadith

The Hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him) further explains Tawhid:

The Prophet said:
“Islam is built upon five pillars: Testifying that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah…”
(Sahih Bukhari & Muslim)
In another Hadith, the Prophet said:
“Whoever says ‘La ilaha illallah’ with sincerity of heart will enter Paradise.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah)
The Prophet also warned against shirk (associating partners with Allah):
“The greatest sin is to associate partners with Allah.”
(Sahih Bukhari)

Types of Tawhid

Scholars have explained Tawhid in three main categories:

1. Tawhid al-Rububiyyah (Oneness of Lordship)

Believing that Allah alone is the Creator, Provider, and Controller of the universe.
No one shares His power of creation or management.

Example from Quran:
“All praise is for Allah, Lord of the worlds.” (Surah Al-Fatiha 1:2)

2. Tawhid al-Asma wa’l-Sifat (Oneness of Names and Attributes)

Believing that Allah’s names and attributes are unique.
We affirm His names (like Ar-Rahman, Al-Ghafoor) without adding, denying, or comparing them with creation.

Example from Quran:
“There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the Hearing, the Seeing.” (Surah Ash-Shura 42:11)

3. Tawhid al-Uluhiyyah (Oneness of Worship)

Believing that only Allah deserves worship in all forms – prayer, dua, sacrifice, fasting, Hajj, etc.
Directing worship to anyone other than Allah is shirk.

Example from Quran:
“And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him.” (Surah Al-Isra 17:23)

Shirk: The Opposite of Tawhid

Shirk means associating partners with Allah. It is the greatest sin in Islam and will not be forgiven if a person dies without repenting.

Allah says in the Quran:
“Indeed, Allah does not forgive associating others with Him, but He forgives anything else for whom He wills.” (Surah An-Nisa 4:48)

Forms of shirk include:

Worshipping idols or saints.
Believing others can control fate.
Praying to graves or asking help from the dead.

Why Tawhid is Central to a Muslim’s Life

Guides Worship: Tawhid teaches us to worship only Allah sincerely.
Brings Inner Peace: Knowing that Allah controls everything gives a believer peace of heart.
Strengthens Brotherhood: All Muslims are united under the belief in One God.
Protects from Superstition: Tawhid frees us from worshipping objects, people, or false gods.

Practical Examples of Living Tawhid

Praying only to Allah.
Making dua directly to Allah without intermediaries.
Trusting Allah in times of difficulty.
Following the Sunnah of the Prophet as an act of obedience to Allah.

The concept of Tawhid in Islam according to Quran and Hadith is the heart of the Islamic faith. It means recognizing Allah as the only Creator, affirming His unique attributes, and worshipping Him alone. Tawhid gives purpose, direction, and peace to a Muslim’s life. Without Tawhid, Islam is incomplete. That is why the Quran and Hadith emphasize this belief as the foundation of success in this world and the Hereafter.

FAQs

Q1. What is the meaning of Tawhid in Islam?
Tawhid means the belief in the Oneness of Allah in His Lordship, Names and Attributes, and Worship.

Q2. Why is Tawhid important in Islam?
Tawhid is the foundation of Islamic faith. Without it, no act of worship is accepted.

Q3. What are the three types of Tawhid?

Tawhid al-Rububiyyah (Oneness of Lordship)
Tawhid al-Asma wa’l-Sifat (Oneness of Names and Attributes)
Tawhid al-Uluhiyyah (Oneness of Worship)

Q4. What is shirk and why is it dangerous?
Shirk means associating partners with Allah. It is the greatest sin and will not be forgiven if someone dies without repentance.

Q5. Which Surah explains Tawhid clearly?
Surah Al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112) perfectly explains the Oneness of Allah.