At the heart of the Qur’an lies a single, unifying reality that underpins its teachings and truths—a foundation upon which the entire edifice of Islam is built. This fundamental reality is tawḥīd, the oneness of God, which permeates every facet of the Qur’an’s message. Islamic monotheism asserts that God is the sole Lord, to whom all creation is subject, fulfilling its ordained roles and responsibilities. All other Qur’anic teachings, whether doctrinal or legal, derive their significance and coherence from this foundational truth.
ʿAllāmah Ṭabāṭabāʾī provides profound insights into this cornerstone of faith in his monumental work, Tafsīr al-Mīzān. His interpretation elucidates that humanity, from its inception, has been divided into two opposing groups: a dominant, arrogant class and a subjugated, oppressed class. From a Qur’anic perspective, this imbalance stems from deviations from pure monotheism and can only be rectified by returning to it. In this context, ʿAllāmah Ṭabāṭabāʾī cites the Qur’anic metaphor:
“A good word is like a good tree: its roots are steady and its branches are in the sky. It gives its fruit every season by the leave of its Lord. Allah draws these parables for mankind so that they may take admonition.” (14:24-25)
For ʿAllāmah, tawḥīd is the ultimate equalizer, affirming God’s exclusive sovereignty and divinity. Pure monotheism abolishes distinctions based on power, privilege, or status, placing all human beings—regardless of race, gender, or social standing—on equal footing before God. This equality is enshrined in Qur’anic principles such as:
“O mankind! Indeed We created you from a male and a female, and made you nations and tribes that you may identify yourselves with one another. Indeed the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is the most Godwary among you.” (49:13)
“I do not waste the work of any worker among you, whether male or female; you are all on the same footing.” (3:195)
The Prophet Muḥammad’s mission was deeply rooted in this call to tawḥīd. His role was to guide humanity toward recognizing God’s uniqueness as the sole Lord (rabb) and Creator, rescuing them from the darkness of ignorance and leading them to the light of divine knowledge:
“This is a proclamation for mankind so that they may be warned thereby and know that He (Allah) is indeed One God, and those who possess intellect may take admonition.” (14:52)
To achieve this, the Prophet employed both glad tidings and stern warnings, particularly targeting those who arrogantly rejected divine accountability. Without belief in the Resurrection and divine judgment, the core purpose of monotheism and prophethood would be rendered meaningless. The polytheists of the Prophet’s time vehemently opposed these concepts, particularly the idea of the Resurrection. Their mockery and denial of life after death were strategies to undermine the message of tawḥīd and discredit the Prophet’s mission.
Yet, as ʿAllāmah Ṭabāṭabāʾī explains, tawḥīd remains the ultimate truth—a guiding principle that leads humanity toward eternal success. In contrast, associating partners with God (shirk) is a grave falsehood, one that brings about devastating consequences both in this world and in the Hereafter.
The Qur’an presents tawḥīd as a multifaceted concept, encompassing theological, ethical, and practical dimensions. Theologically, it affirms God’s beautiful names and attributes, ensuring that He alone is worthy of worship and recognition. Ethically, tawḥīd inspires virtues such as humility, contentment, and generosity while rejecting arrogance, greed, and selfishness. Practically, it manifests in righteous deeds, adherence to divine commands, and the avoidance of prohibitions. Together, these dimensions form the comprehensive framework of monotheism as expounded in the Qur’an, with each aspect reinforcing and enriching the others.
In addressing these dimensions, ʿAllāmah Ṭabāṭabāʾī emphasizes the practical implications of tawḥīd in building a just and harmonious society. By removing human-imposed hierarchies and acknowledging God as the sole sovereign, tawḥīd provides the foundation for equality, justice, and mutual respect among all people. Furthermore, the Qur’anic emphasis on sincere devotion to God highlights the transformative power of tawḥīd in purifying the soul and fostering a deeper connection with the Divine.
Reference: al-Mīzān, Eng. Volume 11.
