Belief in Allāh means acknowledging Him as the one and only true deity, the Creator, Sustainer, and Provider, who alone deserves all worship. This belief includes understanding His unique names and perfect attributes, His oneness, and His independence from creation. It is built upon three essential aspects:
- Oneness of Lordship (Tawḥīd al-Rubūbiyyah): Recognizing that Allāh alone is the Creator, Provider, and Controller of the universe, and that everything exists and operates by His will and power.
- Oneness of Worship (Tawḥīd al-Ulūhiyyah): Dedicating all acts of worship exclusively to Allāh, without associating any partners. Prayers, sacrifices, supplications, and all forms of devotion are directed solely to Him.
- Oneness of Names and Attributes (Tawḥīd al-Asmā’ wa Ṣifāt): Believing in the unique and perfect names and attributes of Allāh, as described in the Qur’an and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), without alteration, denial, or comparison to creation.
This belief requires that one’s worship, trust, and reverence be dedicated exclusively to Allāh, affirming His uniqueness in essence, worship, and attributes. This foundational concept is emphasized in the Qur’an:
“And your god is one God. There is no deity [worthy of worship] except Him, the Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy.”
— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:163)