The Third Kalima: Kalima-e-Tawheed

The third Kalima is Kalima-e-Tawheed, which means "Monotheism" — it is one of the most important Kalimas in Islam, representing the belief in the Oneness of Allah, also known as Tawheed. The word "Tawheed" is derived from the Arabic word "Wahhad," which means singular or unique. Therefore, Tawheed is the belief in the oneness of Allah, meaning there is no god or power other than Allah.

Full Sentence of Kalima-e-Tawheed:

‘La ilaha illah anta wahidul la shaniyalaaka Muhammadar Rasoolullahi Imam-ul-Muttaqeena Rasoolu Rabbil Aalameen’

Meaning: "There is no deity except You (Allah). You are One, and there is no one else like You. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) is the leader of the righteous and the Messenger of the Lord of the Worlds."

This Kalima is one of the most fundamental and significant statements in Islam, representing the core foundation of the Muslim’s faith and belief.

Meaning of Kalima-e-Tawheed:

Tawheed (Monotheism):

"Tawheed" means the belief in the Oneness of Allah. This belief forms the foundation of Islamic faith, and it is one of Islam’s primary creeds. By reciting this Kalima, Muslims express their complete belief and obedience in the existence of Allah alone, acknowledging that there is no partner or assistant to Him.

Freedom from Shirk:

This Kalima helps Muslims remain free from Shirk (associating partners with Allah or idol worship). It proves Islam's anti-shirk belief, where only the worship and obedience of Allah is accepted. Through the belief in Tawheed, Muslims understand that there is no deity or power except Allah.

Denial of the Existence of Other Powers or Beings:

Kalima-e-Tawheed teaches Muslims that Allah is the only Creator, and everything happens according to His will. No created being or natural force has the ability to act independently from Allah or against His will.

Types of Tawheed:

In Islamic theology, Tawheed is classified into three types:

Tawheed al-Rububiyah (Oneness of Lordship):

This type of Tawheed affirms that Allah is the only Creator, the One who manages everything, and the One whose absolute authority governs all. Without His command, nothing happens.

Tawheed al-Uluhiyyah (Oneness of Worship):

This belief states that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah. All worship is due only to Allah, and He alone is accepted as the object of devotion.

Tawheed al-Asma wa-Sifat (Oneness of Names and Attributes):

This belief asserts that all of Allah's names and attributes are uniquely His. Allah’s attributes and names can never be compared to those of any creation, and they are His exclusive characteristics.

Importance of Kalima-e-Tawheed:

The Fundamental Basis of Islam:

Tawheed is the most important concept in Islam because it forms the core belief of a Muslim. Full belief in Allah and following His oneness is the essence of Islam.

Purity of Faith (Iman):

Kalima-e-Tawheed helps keep the faith of Muslims pure and correct. Through it, a Muslim acknowledges that they will not worship or submit to any power except Allah.

Guidance on the Right Path:

The belief in Tawheed guides Muslims on the right path, enabling them to live their lives according to Allah's guidance. Through this belief, their spiritual lives become purified, and they can always hope for Allah's mercy and assistance.

Freedom from Shirk:

Kalima-e-Tawheed protects Muslims from Shirk (idol worship or the worship of any other deity or power). Muslims believe that only Allah is the Creator of everything, and nothing can happen without His will. This protects them from all forms of idol worship and any other kind of shirk.

Impact of Kalima-e-Tawheed:

Importance in Prayers and Supplications:

Kalima-e-Tawheed is mentioned in the daily prayers (Salah) and supplications (Dua). In their prayers, Muslims reflect on the significance of the belief in Tawheed, dedicating their lives entirely to Allah.

Establishing Religious Unity:

This Kalima establishes a religious unity among Muslims, as all Muslims remain firm in the same belief and principle. They worship only Allah and follow the Prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH).

Preparation for the Afterlife and Resurrection:

Tawheed provides Muslims with guidance in preparation for the afterlife, as it acts as the appropriate belief for the salvation of their souls. When a Muslim is steadfast in their belief in Tawheed, they can hope for Allah’s mercy and assistance in the Hereafter.

Teachings of Tawheed:

There is no deity except Allah.

There is no power or deity other than Allah.

Allah is the only Creator and the Master of all powers.

Even the greatest of Prophets, like Muhammad (PBUH), are not partners or companions to Allah.

Tawheed forms the core foundation of a Muslim’s spiritual life and belief.

Conclusion:

Kalima-e-Tawheed is an essential part of the Muslim life, representing the complete belief and respect for Allah’s oneness and supremacy. It serves as the foundational basis of a Muslim's faith and provides a strong foundation for their spiritual life, establishing their obedience and devotion to Allah.