Tawhid: the Oneness of God.

Everything in Islam begins and ends with Tawhid: the belief that God (Allah) is One, unique and without partner. Today you'll understand what Tawhid means, how it shapes daily life, and how the Imams (a) taught it.

Who is Allah?

Allah is the Arabic name for the One God, the Creator of everything. Arab Christians also use the word "Allah" for God. Allah has no partner, no child, no parent, and nothing is like Him.

Surah al-Ikhlas (chapter 112) sums it up:

Say: He is Allah, the One.
Allah, the Self-Sufficient (whom all need).
He does not give birth, nor was He born.
And there is none comparable to Him.

Dimensions of Tawhid

The Imams' teaching on Tawhid

Imam Ali (a) began one of his famous sermons in Nahj al-Balagha by teaching that the foundation of religion is knowing God, and that true knowledge of God means affirming His Oneness and not likening Him to His creation. The Imams (a) warned against imagining God as a body or limiting Him to a place.

Respect for the Ahlulbayt is not worship

Shia Muslims love and honour the Prophet (s) and the Imams (a) and ask Allah through their status (tawassul), but worship belongs to Allah alone. The Imams themselves were the most devoted worshippers of Allah.

Tawhid in daily life

• Starting actions with Bismillah (in the name of Allah).
• Trusting Allah (tawakkul) while still doing your best.
• Not fearing people more than Allah, and not seeking anyone's approval above His.
• Thanking Allah in good times (Alhamdulillah) and turning to Him in hard times.