Why Do Muslims Believe in Only One God?

2. “Allah, the Eternal Refuge. (Everything is in need of Him, while He is in need of nothing.)”

3. “He neither begets nor is born.”

4. “And there is nothing comparable to Him.”

Source: Quran (Surah Al-Ikhlas)

So why do Muslims believe in only one God? What is this belief based on?

In this article, we discuss in detail the Islamic understanding of one God, the explanations in the Quran, and the meaning of Tawhid.

What Is Tawhid?

Tawhid is the fundamental belief in Islam that expresses the oneness of Allah. For a Muslim, faith does not only mean accepting the existence of Allah, but also believing that He:

• Is the only creator,
• Possesses infinite power,
• Does not resemble any created being,
• Has no partner or equal.

According to Islam, Allah:

• Was not born,
• Does not give birth,
• Is independent of time and space,
• Does not possess human characteristics.

For this reason, God is not humanized in Islam, and holiness is not attributed to any human being. The greatest sin in Islam is associating partners with Allah. This is called shirk. Islam rejects the belief that anyone other than God possesses divine powers.

Why Does Islam Have a Belief in One God?

1. The Order of the Universe Points to One Creator

According to Muslims, the perfect order in the universe points to a single creator. The movement of planets, the laws of nature, the balance of living beings, and the laws of physics all function harmoniously within one system.

According to Islamic thought, if there were more than one absolute power in the universe:

• Conflict would arise,
• Order would be disrupted,
• The universe would not remain stable.

For this reason, Islam argues that the universe is governed by one divine will.

2. Allah Is Infinite and Unique

According to the Islamic understanding of Allah, God possesses absolute power. If there were two separate infinite powers, one would have to limit the other. In that case, neither could truly be infinite.

Therefore, Muslims believe:

• There must be only one God,
• The true God is unique and unmatched.

The Quran clearly states that Allah resembles nothing.

3. The Message of All Prophets Is the Same

According to Islam, all prophets called people to worship one God. Muslims believe that prophets such as Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad delivered the same essential message:

“Worship Allah alone.”

According to Islam, over time some societies altered this belief and began to sanctify people or other beings.

Belief in One God in the Quran

The oneness of Allah is emphasized in many verses of the Quran. Especially Surah Al-Ikhlas is considered a summary of the Islamic understanding of Tawhid:

“Say: He is Allah, the One. Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born. And there is nothing comparable to Him.”

This chapter is one of the clearest texts explaining why Muslims believe in one God.

Is There an Intermediary Between Allah and Humans in Islam?

In Islam, a person prays directly to Allah. Seeking forgiveness, asking for help, and worship are directed only to Allah.

Therefore:

• Humans are not sanctified,
• Religious leaders are not considered divine. Islam also does not recognize a special clergy class, although it values scholars and knowledgeable people.
• No religious leader or person has the authority to permit what Allah has forbidden or forbid what Allah has permitted.
• Worship is performed only for Allah. Worship directed to anyone other than Allah is considered a major sin.

The belief in Tawhid establishes a direct connection between humans and God.

The Importance of Belief in One God for Muslims

Tawhid is at the center of Islam. According to Muslims:

• The purpose of life is to know Allah,
• Humans should worship only Allah,
• True power and authority belong only to Allah.

For this reason, belief in one God forms the foundation of all worship and the Islamic way of life.

In Summary

The answer to the question “Why do Muslims believe in only one God?” lies in the Islamic understanding of Tawhid. According to Islam, Allah alone is the creator and ruler of the universe. He is unique, incomparable, and no being is equal to Him.

For Muslims, belief in one God is not merely a religious idea; it is a fundamental belief system that gives meaning to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Tawhid mean?

Tawhid means believing that Allah is One and Unique.

Why do Muslims believe in one God?

Because according to Islam, Allah is the sole creator of the universe and there is no deity except Him.

Can Allah be imagined in human form in Islam?

No. According to Islam, Allah does not resemble any created being.

Does the Quran mention the oneness of Allah?

Yes. Especially Surah Al-Ikhlas clearly explains the oneness of Allah. It is also mentioned frequently in many other verses.

What does the Quran say about Allah?

Allah! There is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is before them and what is behind them, and they cannot comprehend anything of His knowledge except what He wills. His Throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and preserving them does not tire Him. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.

Source: Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah (2), Verse 255