Definition and Origin #
Tawhid (توحيد) is the foundational concept in Islamic theology expressing the absolute oneness and uniqueness of God (Allah). The Arabic root word is waḥḥada (وَحَّدَ), meaning “to unify” or “to make one.” Tawhid, therefore, literally means “unification” or “asserting oneness.” It is derived from the verbal noun of wahhada, indicating a deliberate theological action: to affirm or declare that God is one.
Etymology and First Use #
The earliest articulations of Tawhid trace back to the Qur’an itself, where the emphasis on God’s indivisible nature is absolute. Surah Al-Ikhlas (112:1–4) is often cited:
“Say, ‘He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.'”
While the word Tawhid is not found in the Qur’an verbatim, its theological essence permeates every chapter. Its first formal usage as a theological term emerged in early Islamic scholasticism, especially in the context of debates with Christian, Jewish, and polytheistic theologies.
The Meaning of Tawhid in Islam #
Tawhid is not merely a monotheistic belief but a radical commitment to divine singularity. Islamic scholars divide it into three categories:
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Tawhid al-Rububiyyah – Oneness of Lordship: God alone is Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler.
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Tawhid al-Asma wa al-Sifat – Oneness of God’s Names and Attributes: God’s qualities are unique and must not be compared to creation.
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Tawhid al-Uluhiyyah (Ibadah) – Oneness of Worship: Only God is worthy of worship; any form of idolatry (shirk) violates Tawhid.
For Muslims, belief in Tawhid is the central pillar of faith, inseparable from salvation and divine approval. Denial of Tawhid is the gravest sin in Islam—shirk—an unpardonable offense unless repented from before death.
Christian Perspective on Tawhid #
From a Christian view, Tawhid presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The Christian doctrine of the Trinity affirms one God in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Deut. 6:4; Matt. 28:19). This appears, from an Islamic standpoint, to compromise God’s oneness. However, Christian theology maintains that:
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God’s oneness is not numerical simplicity but unified complexity.
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The Trinity is not tritheism, but relational monotheism—God is one essence in three persons.
Apologists like Norman Geisler argue that the Trinitarian view does not violate monotheism but fulfills it, offering a deeper relational and revelatory understanding of God (cf. John 1:1–14; Heb. 1:1–3).
How Ministers Can Use This Understanding #
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Evangelistic Bridges: Ministers can affirm the Islamic desire to worship one true God and then gently explore how the incarnation of Christ and the presence of the Spirit reveal God more fully.
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Comparative Teaching: Use Tawhid as a starting point in theological discussions or sermons to contrast monotheistic views and present the gospel respectfully.
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Pastoral Care: In interfaith contexts, understanding Tawhid allows pastors to speak compassionately and knowledgeably with Muslim-background individuals wrestling with Christian claims.
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Discipleship Training: Equip believers to articulate why the Trinity is not polytheism but the fullest expression of God’s love and unity (John 17:21–23).
Conclusion #
Tawhid is Islam’s heartbeat—uncompromising in its monotheism and central to Islamic identity. For Christians, understanding Tawhid opens the door to clearer gospel conversations, deeper respect in interfaith dialogue, and a firmer grasp of our own doctrine of God’s unity. By affirming the sincerity behind Tawhid while clarifying the distinct revelation of God in Christ, ministers can bridge gaps with truth and grace.
