FAQs on Islam: Islam Monotheism (Tawheed) its virtues and Categories

Monotheism (in Greek monon = single and Theos = God) is the belief in a single, universal, all-encompassing. Muslims believe that all Messengers were sent to the face of this Earth to call people towards Monotheism.

The Last and Final Messenger of Allah Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)taught his companions to begin their call to the people to the Truth with Monotheism(Tawheed) .So he said to Mu’aadh ibn Jabal, when he (PBUH) sent him to Yemen: “So let the first thing you call them to be the testification that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah”. Tawheed is embodied in the testification “None has the right to be worshipped except Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah”. It is this testification which allows an unbeliever to enter Islam, since it is the key to paradise.

Verily all the Messengers began their call with tawheed, which they were commanded by Allah to convey it to the people. He, the Most High said

“We have not sent before you from the Messengers, except We inspired to him that He is the only One worthy of worship, so worship Him” The Holy Qur'an , Chapter 21, Verse 25

People of knowledge have divided Tawheed into three categories for better understanding.

1. Tawheed ur-Ruboobiyyah:

Ruboobiyyah is a term denoting absolute sovereignty and kingship of Allah over the Heavens and Earth and whatever is in between them.
This is an acknowledgement and firm belief that Allah the sublime is alone in
• Creating
• Owning and
• Regulating/Administering the Creation

2. Tawheed ul-Uloohiyyah:

This is the Unification of ALL the acts of the servants such as Supplication, taking oath and making sacrifice (slaughter), Hope, Fear, Reliance, Aspiration, Repentance, Remorse and all other acts of worship whether actions of the heart, tongue or limbs, for Allah, the Exalted alone.

3. Tawheed ul-Asmaa was-Sifaat:

Asmaa was Sifaat implies Names & Lofty Attributes
This is belief in the attributes by which Allah has described Himself or by which the Messenger (SAWS) described Him.
It includes the belief that there is nothing like unto Him and He is the Hearer, the Seer.
"Say: He is Allah, the One and Only; Allah, the Eternal, Absolute; He begetteth not, nor is He begotten; And there is none like unto Him." The Holy Qur'an,Chapter 112,Verse 1-4.