Why does Islam teach that God is One?

Why This Question Matters

Someone may believe that a Creator exists while still asking why Islam insists that worship must be directed to one God alone. This question reaches the heart of Islam: Tawhid.

Islamic Perspective

The Qur’an describes Allah as One and uniquely perfect. He does not have a partner, rival, parent, child, or anything comparable to Him. The Qur’an also gives a direct argument against multiple independent gods: competing ultimate deities would result in conflict and corruption in creation. But Tawhid is more than saying that only one Creator exists. Every messenger was sent with the call to worship Allah alone. Islam therefore joins two truths together: Allah alone is the true Lord, and Allah alone has the right to be worshipped.

Key Points

• Allah is One.
• Allah has no partner or equal.
• Allah does not beget and was not begotten.
• Nothing in creation is comparable to Allah.
• The existence of multiple independent gods is rejected by the Qur’an.
• Every messenger called people to worship Allah alone.
• Tawhid means directing worship to Allah alone, not merely believing that one Creator exists.

Supporting Evidence

• Qur’an 112:1–4 declares that Allah is One, Self-Sufficient, neither begets nor was begotten, and that none is comparable to Him.
• Qur’an 21:22 states that if there were other gods besides Allah in the heavens and earth, both would be corrupted.
• Qur’an 23:91 rejects the idea that Allah has a son or that another god exists alongside Him.
• Qur’an 42:11 establishes that nothing is comparable to Allah.
• Qur’an 21:25 establishes that every messenger was sent with the revelation that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah.

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