- Radio seminars
- /
- ٠07 Various topics - Damascus Radio
Definition of Tawheed (monotheism)
Monotheism is the essence of the religion of Islam and the pivot of all revealed religions as well. To this effect, Allah, Most Gracious, says:
“Not a Messenger did We send before you without this inspiration sent by Us to him: that there is no god but I; therefore, worship and serve Me (Alone).”
According to the teachings of Islam, there is only one God (Allah), Who is the Creator of everything, the Lord of everything, to Whom do belong creation and decision of all things and matters, and to Whom is our Return. He, All-Mighty, is the Only God (Allah) in the heavens and the earth. To this effect, Allah, Most Gracious, says,“Your Lord is the (sure) Accomplisher of what He plans.”
“And to Him is every affair is returned (for decision); and, therefore, worship Him and put your trust in Him”
In Islam, it is only Allah Who is worthy of worship, praise, and obedience. Imam Al-Boukhari and Imam Muslim narrated that Mo’ath Ibn Jabal (May Allah be pleased with him) said:I was riding behind the Prophet (PBUH), when he addressed me, saying: “O Mo’ath Ibn Jabal!” I said: “Here I am at your service, O Messenger of Allah!” Then, he kept riding for a while and then said: “O Mo’ath!” I said: “Here I am at your service, O Messenger of Allah!” He rode on for a while and then said: “O Mo’ath!” I said: “Here I am at your service, O Messenger of Allah!” He said: “Do you know what Allah’s right upon His slaves is?” I said: “Allah and His Messenger know best.” He said: “Allah’s right upon his slaves is to worship Him, Alone, and not to take any partner unto him.” He rode on for a while and then said: “O Mo’adh Ibn Jabal!” I said: “Here I am at your service, O Messenger of Allah!” He said: “Do you know what the slaves’ right upon Allah is – if they so did?” I said: “Allah and His Messenger know best.” He said:
“The slaves’ right upon Allah is not to torture them.”
“I have only created Jinns and men that they may serve Me (Alone).”
In other words, Allah’s right upon His slaves is to worship Him (Alone) and not to take any partner unto Him. And the slaves’ right upon Allah is not to torture those who do not take any partner unto Him.Prerequisites of Monotheism:
Man should not take a lord - other than Allah - whom he glorifies as much as he glorifies Allah.“Say: shall I seek for (myself) a lord other than Allah, when He is the Lord of all things (that exist)?”
Whosoever believes that there is someone, other than Allah, who can give or withhold, who can upgrade or degrade, or who can honor or humiliate – away from Allah’s Will – is a polytheist. To this effect, Allah, All-Mighty, says,“Say: "O Allah! Lord of Power (and Rule), You give Power to whom You please, and You strip off Power from whom You please; You endue with honour whom You please, and You bring low whom You please; In Your Hand is all Good. Verily, over all things You have power.”
Man should not take a friend and protector - other than Allah - whom he loves as much as he loves Allah. Allah, Most Gracious, says,“Say: shall I take for myself a friend (and protector) other than Allah, the Maker of the heavens and the earth?!”
He, All-High, also says:“Those who say, ‘Our Lord is Allah’ and, further, stand straight and steadfast, the angels descend on them: ‘Fear you not! Nor grieve! But receive the Glad Tidings of the Garden (of Bliss), which you were promised! We are your friends in this life and in the Hereafter: therein shall you have all that your souls shall desire; and therein shall you have all that you ask for!’”
Man should not take a judge - other than Allah - whom he obeys as much as he obeys Allah. Allah, All-Mighty, tackles this issue:“Say: shall I seek for a judge other than Allah? when it is He Who has sent unto you the Book, explained in detail.”
He, Most Merciful, also says:“It is not fitting for a believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by Allah and His Messenger, to have any option about their decision.”
