The religion of Islam is based on one
core belief, that there is no god worthy of worship but Allah. When a
person embraces Islam or a Muslim wants to renew or confirm his or her
faith, they profess their belief that there is no god worthy of worship
but Allah and that Muhammad is His final messenger. Ashadu an la ill
laha il Allah wa Ashadu anna Muhammadan Rasulullah, Saying these words,
the Testimony of Faith, is the first of five pillars or foundations
of the religion of Islam. Belief in God is the first of six pillars of
faith.[1]
Muslims believe that there is only One
God. He alone is the Sustainer and Creator of the universe. He is
without partners, children, or associates. He is the Most Merciful, the
Most Wise, and the Most Just. He is the all hearer, all seer, and the
all knowing. He is the First , He is the Last.
“Say (O Muhammad), He is Allah, (the)
One. Allah-us-Samad (The Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures
need, He neither eats nor drinks). He begets not, nor was He begotten;
And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him.” (Quran 112)
“He is the Originator of the heavens and
the earth. How can He have children when He has no wife? He created
all things and He is the All-Knower of everything. Such is Allah, your
Lord! La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He),
the Creator of all things. So worship Him (Alone), and He is the
Trustee, Disposer of affairs, Guardian, over all things. No vision can
grasp Him, but His Grasp is over all vision. He is the Most Subtle and
Courteous, Well Acquainted with all things.” (Quran 6:101-103)
This belief is sometimes called
Monotheism which is derived from the Greek words ‘monos’ meaning only
and ‘theos’ meaning god. It is a relatively new word in the English
language and it is used to denote a supreme being Who is all-powerful,
the One who is responsible for life, the One who rewards or punishes.
Monotheism is directly opposed to Polytheism, which is belief in more
than one god, and to Atheism, a disbelief in all deities.
If we were to take into consideration the
general meaning of the word ‘monotheism’ Judaism, Christianity,
Islam and Zoroastrianism, and some Hindu philosophies could all be
included. However it is, more commonplace to refer to Judaism,
Christianity, and Islam as the three monotheistic religions and group
them together; nonetheless, there are glaring differences between
Christianity and Islam.
The concept of a trinity inherent in most
Christian denominations ostensibly includes aspects of plurality. The
belief that one God is some how three divinities (father, son, and holy
spirit) contradicts the concept of Monotheism inherent in Islam, where
the Oneness of God is unquestionable. Some Christian groups, including
those known as Unitarians believe that God is One and cannot be God and
human at the same time. They take the words of Jesus in John 17:3, “the
One True God” literally. However, the vast majority of Christians do
not share this belief.
In the religion of Islam belief in One
God, without partners or associates is essential. It is the focal point
of the religion and it is the essence of the Quran. The Quran calls on
humankind to worship God alone and to give up worshipping false gods or
associates. The Quran urges us to look at the wonders of creation and
understand God’s greatness and power, and it speaks directly of His
names, attributes, and actions. The Quran commands us to reject
anything that is worshipped instead of, or along with God.
“And I (God) created not the jinns and humankind except they should worship Me (Alone).” (Quran 51:56)
Islam is often referred to as pure
monotheism. It is not adulterated with strange concepts or
superstitions. Belief in One God entails certainty. Muslims worship
God alone, He has no partners, associates, or helpers. Worship is
directed solely to God, for He is the only One worthy of worship. There
is nothing greater than God Alone.
“Praise and thanks be to God, and peace
be on His slaves whom He has chosen (for His Message)! Is God better,
or (all) that you ascribe as partners (to Him)?” (Of course, God is
Better)
Is not He (better than your gods) Who
created the heavens and the earth, and sends down for you water (rain)
from the sky, whereby We cause to grow wonderful gardens full of beauty
and delight? It is not in your ability to cause the growth of their
trees. Is there any god with God? Nay, but they are a people who
ascribe equals (to Him)!
Is not He (better than your gods) Who has
made the earth as a fixed abode, and has placed rivers in its midst,
and has placed firm mountains therein, and has set a barrier between the
two seas (of salt and sweet water).Is there any god with God? Nay,
but most of them know not.
Is not He (better than your gods) Who
responds to the distressed one, when he calls Him, and Who removes the
evil, and makes you inheritors of the earth, generations after
generations. Is there any god with God? Little is that you remember!
Is not He (better than your gods) Who
guides you in the darkness of the land and the sea, and Who sends the
winds as heralds of glad tidings, going before His Mercy (rain)? Is
there any god with God? High Exalted be God above all that they
associate as partners (to Him)!
Is not He (better than your so-called
gods) Who originates creation, and shall thereafter repeat it, and Who
provides for you from heaven and earth? Is there any god with God?
Say, “Bring forth your proofs, if you are truthful.” (Quran 27:59-64)
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