Ibn Taymiyyah on The Oneness of God

” Ibn Taymiyyah ” The principle of Tawheed the complete Oneness of Allah is the quintessence of Islamic faith. All prophets from Adam to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ were sent with the fundamental message to worship Allah by Himself alone with no partners. Among the magnificent scholars who gave their lives explaining, defending, and restoring knowledge of Tawheed was the great Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah. His work as a scholar in the field became a pillar within Islamic theology that still affects Muslim communities globally today.

At Darussalam US, we cherish and encourage true Islamic knowledge. Ibn Taymiyyah’s writings, especially on the subject of Tawheed, manifest a genuine and profound commitment to the Qur’an and Sunnah. This blog discusses his understanding of the Oneness of God and how it applies today.

Who Was Ibn Taymiyyah?

Ahmad ibn Abdul-Halim Ibn Taymiyyah (1263–1328 CE) was a celebrated Hanbali scholar, theologian, jurist, and reformer. His time was marked by turmoil political unrest, Mongol raids, and rampant innovation in religious thinking. In spite of imprisonment and resistance, he was unyielding in his call to return to true Islam on the basis of the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Ibn Taymiyyah was not just a textual scholar but a philosopher with profound insight into the spiritual and social ills of his era. His insistence on unadulterated monotheism (Tawheed) sought to purge the Muslim Ummah of polytheism, superstition, and mere imitation of cultural traditions.

Tawheed in Islamic Creed

Ibn Taymiyyah characterized Tawheed as not only a mental conviction, but an experiential way of life that must govern every facet of a Muslim’s existence. He divided Tawheed into three vital components:

Tawheed al-Ruboobiyyah: Oneness of Allah’s Lordship, Tawheed al-Asma wa al-Sifaat: Oneness of Allah’s Names and Attributes, Tawheed al-Uloohiyyah: Oneness of Allah in Worship.These are not Ibn Taymiyyah’s invented divisions but analytical categories taken from the Qur’an and Sunnah to enable Muslims to comprehend Allah’s Oneness in its entire depth.

Tawheed al-Ruboobiyyah: Oneness of Lordship

This type of Tawheed is the belief that Allah is the only One Who created, sustains, and controls the universe. Ibn Taymiyyah clarified that being a believer in this fact alone is not sufficient for salvation. He reminded us that even the pagans of Makkah believed in Allah’s Lordship:

“If you ask them who created the heavens and the earth, they will surely say: Allah.” (Surah Luqman, 31:25). But even if they believed so, they remained polytheists since they had partners with Him in worship. Ibn Taymiyyah conveyed that faith in Allah’s Lordship should produce genuine and unique worship—else it is partial.

Tawheed al-Asma wa al-Sifaat: Oneness in Names and Attributes

Ibn Taymiyyah resolutely opposed the distortion (ta’weel), denial (ta’teel), or anthropomorphism (tashbeeh) of the names and attributes of Allah. He adhered to the methodology of the early generations (Salaf), believing all that Allah and His Messenger ﷺ believed without describing how they are or comparing them with creation.

For instance, when Allah declares Himself to be “al-Rahman” (The Most Merciful) or that He “rose above the Throne,” Ibn Taymiyyah held that these must be taken literally as they are, without denying or reinterpreting them in a manner that undermines divine transcendence.

In his renowned treatise al-Aqidah al-Wasitiyyah, he stated:

“We confirm for Allah what He has confirmed for Himself without likening Him to His creation or denying any of His names or attributes.” This balanced method maintains both the distinctiveness of Allah and the lucidity of revelation.

Tawheed al-Uloohiyyah: Oneness in Worship

This is the most highlighted characteristic of Tawheed in the works of Ibn Taymiyyah. It means isolating Allah alone in all activities of worship—prayer, dua, fasting, vows, sacrifices, also love.

Ibn Taymiyyah strongly protested against such practices as:

Praying to saints or prophets, Asking assistance from the dead, Performing rituals near graves. He maintained that such actions are contrary to Tawheed also are similar to the shirk of the pre-Islamic pagans. For him, the heart should turn towards Allah alone, in hope, fear, and trust.

He stated:

“Every kind of worship that is not sincerely for Allah alone is rejected. Allah does not accept any share in His worship.” This type of Tawheed is the foremost call of each of the prophets, and most commonly broken with innovation and superstitions of cultures.

His Rebuttal against Innovation and Shirk

Ibn Taymiyyah was a reformist who thought the increase in innovations (bid’ah) was the primary cause for the decay of the Ummah. He thought a great number of Muslims had entered types of shirk because they had been in ignorance and were following devotion for things other than God. For instance, going to the graves of good people and seeking their assistance, although based on love, might create concealed means of shirk.

He propagated the teaching that sincerity to Allah has to be accompanied by knowledge and following the Sunnah. His position had earned him admiration and criticism, but his sincerity and evidences gained the respect of scholars throughout history.

Legacy and Modern Impact

Today, Ibn Taymiyyah’s writings are studied in Islamic institutions worldwide. His call to return to pure Tawheed, avoid innovations, and stick to the Sunnah resonates with Muslims seeking clarity and authenticity in their faith. His impact can be viewed in the works of subsequent scholars such as Ibn al-Qayyim, Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, and most current Islamic thinkers.

Works such as “The Fundamentals of Tawheed,” “Aqidah al-Wasitiyyah,” and “Dar Ta’arud al-‘Aql wal-Naql” are easily accessible and contain profound insights into the subject. It is our privilege at Darussalam US to offer books that present Ibn Taymiyyah’s heritage and encourage our readers to learn from his works with open minds and hearts.

Conclusion

Ibn Taymiyyah’s contribution towards the knowledge of the Oneness of God is historic. His forthright also unapologetic advocacy for Tawheed continues to serve Muslims today, leading them down the path of sincerity, knowledge, also uncompromising love for Allah alone.

Understanding Tawheed as Ibn Taymiyyah explained it is not only about rejecting falsehoods but about nurturing a deep and exclusive relationship with the Creator. It is about living a life where every breath, act, and intention is for Allah alone.

Read more: The Biography of Caliph