“And your God is One God; there is no god but He, the Gracious, the Merciful.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:163)
The Essence of Tawheed
This verse encapsulates the fundamental pillar of Islam: Tawheed—the absolute oneness of Allah. It establishes that all divinity belongs to Him alone, rejecting all forms of polytheism and associating partners with Him. The two attributes mentioned—Ar-Rahman (The Gracious) and Ar-Rahim (The Merciful)—reassure humanity that God’s unity is not one of despotism but one of boundless love and mercy.
Tawheed as the Core of Islam
From the first revelation to the last sermon of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the message remained constant: worship only Allah. The Kalimah—La ilaha illallah (There is no god but Allah)—is not just a statement but a revolutionary declaration that frees humankind from the shackles of servitude to false gods, whether in the form of idols, worldly desires, or human authority.
The Five Volume Commentary of the Holy Qur’an explains that this verse follows the discussion on divine signs in nature (e.g., rain, growth of crops, and celestial movements) to establish Allah’s unity through rational proofs. It directly challenges the false deities worshiped by polytheists and urges them to reflect: if all these blessings come from one source, why worship others?
The Social and Psychological Impact of Tawheed
- Liberation from Fear & Oppression
History has shown that polytheism breeds tyranny. When rulers and priests claim divine status, societies fall into oppression. Tawheed dismantles this false authority and restores equality. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) declared:
“O people! Your Lord is one, and your father (Adam) is one. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab over an Arab, except in righteousness.”
(Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 23489)
The doctrine of one God, one humanity is the foundation of justice. - Psychological Peace & Stability
Sociology and psychology affirm that belief in multiple gods leads to anxiety. People fear the wrath of different deities, unsure whom to please. But Tawheed unifies life under one purpose—pleasing Allah. This brings inner peace. The Holy Qur’an states:
“Those who believe and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah. Aye! It is in the remembrance of Allah that hearts can find comfort.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:29) - A Unified Purpose in Life
Without Tawheed, human life becomes fragmented. Materialism, nationalism, and personal ego become false gods that divide people. Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, the Promised Messiah, explained:
“Tawheed is not just uttering words; it is a transformative power. The true believer sees Allah’s presence in every aspect of life, submitting to Him alone.”
(Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Vol. 4)
Examples from History
- Prophet Ibrahim (AS)
He challenged idol-worshipers, saying:
“Do you worship what you carve with your own hands?” (Surah As-Saffat 37:95)
His Tawheed-based courage led to the downfall of Nimrod’s tyranny. - The Early Muslims vs. Quraysh
The Quraysh opposed Islam because Tawheed threatened their power. Yet, Bilal (RA) endured torture, refusing to abandon “Ahad, Ahad” (One God). This shows that Tawheed is not just theology but a revolution.
Living by Tawheed
- In Worship: Pray only to Allah. No saints, no graves, no intermediaries.
- In Society: Uphold justice, knowing only Allah is the ultimate authority.
- In Personal Life: Trust in Allah alone, not in wealth, status, or people.
This verse is not just about belief—it is about a way of life. True worship of Allah leads to spiritual fulfillment, social justice, and inner peace. Let us reaffirm our commitment to Tawheed, for in it lies the secret to true success.
Tawheed is not just an intellectual concept—it is a force that changes individuals and societies. It is the very foundation of Islam, liberating the soul from all fears and attachments except Allah. May Allah enable us to live by this truth and spread it with wisdom and love. Ameen.
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