The Creed of Islam

By Imam Tahawi (may Allah be pleased with him).

1: “We say about Allaah’s Unity (1) believing - by Allaah’s help (2)- that Allaah is One (3)"

Explaination

1). The Author begins with Towheed (oneness of Allah), because it is the first tenet from amongst the tenets of Islaam, and it is the first fundamental from amongst the fundamentals of Islaam and Belief. It is the first thing that is binding upon a (mature) believer, and it is the first Da`wat (invitation) of all the prophets (pbut) to their respective nations, era after era, age after age. To such an extent that Allaah Subhaanahu Wata`ala had firstly testified to this Himself, secondly, the angels have testified to this and thirdly, the knowledgeable ones have testified to this.

Allaah Ta`ala states in the Qur`aan: "Allaah is Witness (He clearly proves to His creation) that there is no god but Him and the angels and men of knowledge (are also witnesses to this, as proven by their worship and glorification). (Allaah is always) Maintaining (His creation) with justice (wisdom and sound judgement). There is no Ilaah but Him The Mighty, The Wise." {Quran: 3:18}

And then The Seal of all the prophets (Muhammad) (pbuh) was most knowledgeable about the Kalimah of Towheed. Allaah Ta`ala says: Know well that none is worthy of worship but Allaah and seek forgiveness for your shortcomings and for the believing men and women. {Surah Muhammad r, verse 19}

And then Allaah Ta`ala mentions the word “Anna” (Surely Indeed l without doubt), which He had revealed to all His prophets This is the word of certainty.

He says: We sent revelation to every Rasool (messenger) before you (O Muhammad e, telling them) that, “Without doubt there is no god but Me, so worship Me only.” {Surah Ambiyaa, verse 25}

Hence, Towheed (oneness), was the religion of all the prophets, and it was the way of the predecessors and the latter generations, from amongst the truthful and pious ones, may Allaah Ta`ala’s peace and salutations be upon all of them.

2). Holding on firmly to the words of Allaah Ta`ala: "My ability is only from Allaah. Only on Him do I rely and only to Him do I turn." {Surah Hood, verse 88}

3). As Allaah Ta`ala says: "He is Pure, and He is Allaah, the One, the Omnipotent." {Surah Zumar, verse 4}

And as Allaah Ta`ala says: "Our Ilaah (God) and your Ilaah (God) is One and (therefore) we surrender (Only) to Him (to His commands)." {Surah Ankaboot, verse 46}

This is for certainty (that Allaah is One), however, as a negation (of any other deity), Allaah Ta`ala mentions: If there were other Aaliha besides Allaah in the heavens and the earth, the (system of the) two would be in chaos." {Surah Ambiyaa, verse 22}

An image of this chaos is mentioned in the Aayat: If there were (others sharing power with Him), then every Ilaah (god) would have separated his creation (so that only he should have control over them) and some would overpower the others (in the fight for supremacy. This would have resulted in the system of the universe being reduced to chaos. However, since the universe is functioning smoothly, it follows that such a scenario did not occur).

Allaah is Pure of the partners that they ascribe to Him (Only He is in control and worthy of worship). {Surah Mu'minoon, verse 91}

An image of the helplessness of the partners to divine actions, is given in the Aayat: "It is Allaah Who has created you, then sustains you, will then give you death and again give you life (on the Day of Qiyaamah). Are there any of your partners (gods) who can do any of this? Allaah is Pure and Exalted above the partners they (the Mushrikeen, polytheists) ascribe to Him (because none can do what He can do)." {Surah Room, verse 40}

The negation of many (deities) is the confirmation of One (Allaah). All the Aayaat that negate Shirk (polytheism), are proofs for the confirmation of Oneness.

From: Aqeedatu Tahawi with explaination by Mawlana Qari Muhammad Tayyab Qasami (former Chancellor of Deoband)

Source: www.taleemulislam.net