Ibn Taymiyyah on The Oneness of God

” Ibn Taymiyyah ” The principle of Tawheed, the all encompassing Oneness of Allah constitutes the very building block of Islamic faith. Lacking Tawheed, every act of worship is of no worth, and every belief structure cannot be legitimate in Islam. Among the grand scholars who devoted most of his life to defining and upholding the principle of Tawheed was Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah. His contributions in this field have indeed profoundly impacted Islamic thought and continue to motivate Muslims worldwide.

Through Ibn Taymiyyah’s books, Ibn Taymiyyah clarified that Tawheed is not merely a faith limited to the heart, but it’s a lifestyle that should be evident in one’s worship, deeds, and acknowledgment of Allah’s names and attributes.

Understanding Tawheed: The Central Pillar of Islam

Tawheed is to attest and acknowledge the Unity of Allah in all respects: His Lordship (Tawheed al-Ruboobiyyah), His Names and Qualities (Tawheed al-Asmaa’ wa’l-Sifaat), and His Right to be invoked Alone (Tawheed al-Uloohiyyah).

Ibn Taymiyyah held the view that ignorance of any of these divisions may cause significant errors in faith. Thus, his writings place particular emphasis on lucidity and accuracy when referring to Allah and His Unity.

Tawheed al-Ruboobiyyah

This is the acknowledgment that Allah is the sole Creator, Sustainer, and Controller of all things in the universe. No partner or assistant shares His authority. Ibn Taymiyyah emphasized that even the pre-Islamic Arabs recognized Allah’s Lordship, but what they did not maintain was Tawheed in worship.

Tawheed al-Uloohiyyah

This is the recognition that Allah and Allah alone is worthy of every kind of worship — prayer, supplication, sacrifice, and hope. Ibn Taymiyyah emphasized that to attribute partners to Allah (shirk) in worship is what separates a believer from a disbeliever.

Tawheed al-Asmaa’ wa’l-Sifaat

Ibn Taymiyyah strongly defended the right belief in Allah’s Names and Attributes. He rejected anthropomorphism (comparing Allah to His creation) as well as denying or distorting His attributes. His rule was to confirm what Allah confirmed for Himself in the Quran and Sunnah, without comparison, questioning how, denial, or twisting.

Ibn Taymiyyah’s Method of Defending Tawheed

Ibn Taymiyyah’s writings, including Al-Aqeedah Al-Waasitiyyah and Dar’ Ta’aarud al-‘Aql wa’l-Naql, provide profound discussions of Islamic faith. He argued for Tawheed against philosophical and theological deviations that had entered Muslim thought. His approach was to go back to the Quran and authentic Sunnah for direction, avoiding excessive reliance on Greek philosophy and speculative theology (kalam) that distorted the simple and pure message of Islam.

Ibn Taymiyyah’s stance was evident: Submit to the revelation as it is, without distorting its meanings. He believed that correct knowledge of Allah comes through what He has revealed about Himself, and not through human logic or analogies.

The Importance of Tawheed in the Life of a Muslim

Ibn Taymiyyah taught that Tawheed is not just a theory. It requires practical implementation:

Worshipping Allah and none else. Asking for help only from Allah in those things, which none but He can give. Loving, fearing, and having dependence upon Allah more than on anyone else or anything else. Staying away from all kinds of shirk, whether big or small. He said that the heart must be pledged to Allah alone, and a Muslim must free his worship from any type of association. Tawheed leads to sincerity, humility, trust, and peace of mind.

Effects of Contravening Tawheed

In his writings, Ibn Taymiyyah cautioned against the consequences of contravening the teachings of Tawheed:

Major Shirk (Shirk Akbar): To equate partners with Allah in worship makes all good deeds futile and leads to punishment in the afterlife if not forgiven before death.

Minor Shirk (Shirk Asghar): Actions such as ostentation (riyaa’) can undermine the cleanliness of one’s worship and reduce its reward.

He strictly denounced innovations (bid’ah) in religious observance that involve actions of worship not ordained by Allah or His Messenger (PBUH), since these actions commonly give rise to more severe forms of misguidance.

Tawheed and Society

Ibn Taymiyyah also related the idea of Tawheed to political and social life. He believed that justice, leadership, and the wellbeing of society should be founded on acknowledging Allah’s absolute authority. Without Tawheed, societies degenerate into tyranny, oppression, and moral corruption. Real freedom and dignity for people and communities exist only when they surrender to the will of Allah alone.

Lessons from Ibn Taymiyyah’s Life

Ibn Taymiyyah’s life was an echo of his dedication to Tawheed. In spite of imprisonment, exile, and opposition, he never wavered in his faith. His bravery, endurance, and commitment to upholding the pure message of Islam make him an inspiration to Muslims even in the modern era. His works still influence Islamic education and intellectualism throughout the Muslim world, evidencing the ever-lasting significance of Tawhed.

Conclusion

“Ibn Taymiyyah on The Oneness of God” is not just an academic contribution but a clarion call to all Muslims to revert to the spirit of Islam pure, untainted Tawheed. His teachings underscore that the knowledge and worship of Allah in the proper manner is the real achievement of this life and the Hereafter. For all who would find a more profound, true grasp of Islamic faith, Ibn Taymiyyah’s writings are still the guide. His adherence to the Oneness of God still lights the way for every honest truth-seeker.

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