Knowledge card

First Testimony: Lā ilāha illā Allāh

Tawḥīd (Uṣūl al-Dīn)Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamāʿah

The testimony of divine oneness: negating every false object of worship and affirming God alone as the only deity worthy of it.

Also known as:لا إله إلا اللهKalimat al-Tawḥīd

ʿAqīdah (Creed)

Essence
S1Negation of every false object of worship, then exclusive affirmation of God. [1.1]

Dimension I

Definition

What it is — and what it is not

What it is: S2In language — Tawḥīd means to make one — to single out a thing as unique.
S3In the Sacred Law — Singling out God alone in His lordship, His worship, and His names and attributes.
Wisdoms: S4It is the very purpose for which creation was made and the messengers were sent.
Attributes: S5Its three categories — Oneness of Lordship (rubūbiyyah), of Worship (ulūhiyyah), and of Names and Attributes (asmāʾ wa ṣifāt).

Dimension II

How to deal with it

What to do: S6Devote every act of worship to God alone and reject every rival object of devotion.
Consequences: S7If neglected — Affirming a Creator while worshipping others does not enter one into Islam.