Journal Of Islamic Denominations

Journal Of Islamic Denominations

The Categories and Proofs of Tawḥīd (Monotheism) according to the Ibadi School (al-Abādḍiyya)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
mostafa sharifi 1
mostafa soltani 2
ebrahim qasemi 3
1 PhD Student in Islamic Theological Sects, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Islamic Denominations, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Denominations, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran
10.22034/jid.2025.416126.2449
Abstract
The issue of Tawḥīd (monotheism) is the most important creedal principle among Muslims. Tawḥīd means affirming the oneness of God in all existential dimensions and is considered the primary message and teaching of the call of Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) at the beginning of his mission: inviting people to the utterance "Lā ilāha illā Allāh" (There is no god but Allah). By testifying to this utterance and acknowledging it — which encompasses nothing but testifying to God's oneness and distancing oneself from polytheism (shirk) — an individual is called a Muslim. Special attention has been paid to Tawḥīd in the teachings of the Holy Qur'an and the narrations of the Prophet (SAWA), and its importance becomes clear through searching the Qur'anic verses. Due to the importance of this issue and to remove any doubt, God Almig'hty revealed the chapter "Al- Tawḥīd " (Surah al-Ikhlāṣ - Q 112) and reminds people of the issue of Tawḥīd in this chapter. "The Ibadis" al-Abādḍiyya) are one of the dynamic and active Islamic denominations in the Muslim world, which, according to historical evidence, is one of the earliest Islamic denominations and sects. A correct understanding of this sect's viewpoint can pave the way for resolving many disagreements in the Islamic world. The Ibadis use the term "Jumlat al-Tawḥīd " (the totality of monotheism) in discussions of Tawḥīd and claim it is a term specific to them (i.e. the Ibadis). Ibadi scholars believe that their thought and perspective on Tawḥīd repels all forms of atheism, anthropomorphism (tashbīh), and corporealism (tajsīm). The subject matter of the science of Tawḥīd is the attributes of God Almighty, the attributes of the divine prophets, and contingent beings (mumkināt) insofar as the existence of the Creator is proven through them. The Ibadis categorize deniers of Tawḥīd into three groups and consider the first two groups to be polytheists (mushrik); however, regarding the third type, they believe such a person is an ungrateful disbeliever (kāfir kufr al-niʿmah). This article examines the Ibadi viewpoint on the issue of Tawḥīd.
Keywords
Ibadi Tawḥīd, Categories of Tawḥīd, Proofs of Tawḥīd, Lordship (Rubūbiyyah), Divinity (ʿUlūhiyyah)
Subjects
The Holy Qur'an.
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