The e-book Tawheed (Absolute Oneness of God) was compiled by Dr. Norlain bint Muhammad Dindang, published by Wisdom Enrichment Foundation, Inc. It is a concise overview of the essence of Islam, Tawheed: that there is no god deserving of worship except Allah, and Allah Alone. Tawheed is the central concept upon which all of Islam rests.  This e-book is very informative and comprehensive.  It is well structured and begins with a list of contents letting the reader know the topics that will be covered.

The e-book begins by explaining the Oneness of Allah (Tawheed), outlining its meaning and categories. It is not enough the knowledge that Allah is One; this Tawheed must be reflected in one’s actions. A person who says it, must be certain about what this affirmation, (Kalima) implies “except for those who bear witness to the truth knowingly [i.e. believed in the Oneness of Allah, and obeyed His Orders], and they know [the facts about the Oneness of Allah].” (Quran 43:86) It explains how Tawheed is the backbone of Islamic belief, it is the central concept upon which all of Islam rests. All laws, beliefs and commands of Islam stand firm on this foundation. All the prophets called the people to Tawheed:

 “And verily we have sent among every nation a Messenger proclaiming Worship Allah Alone and avoid all false deities.” (Quran 16:36)

The e-book is clear on how to achieve salvation; Tawheed in all its essence is how we achieve salvation from eternal punishment in the Hereafter, right guidance in this world and forgiveness of sins. Allah states in the Quran:

“Verily Allah does not forgive associating partners with Him (shirk) however He forgives all other sins as He pleases.” (Quran 4:48)

The Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said:

“The worshipper’s right on Allah is that He will not punish those who worship none besides Him.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The e-book teaches us that Tawheed is divided into three categories. The writer gives a brief explanation on each category making each category very clear. The first category is Tawhhed Ar-Ruboobiyyah (The Oneness of Lordship) meaning, that He is the maintainer and sustainer of all things without whom nothing would exist:

 “And Allah created you all and whatever you do.” (Quran 8:17)

“And no calamity strikes except by Allah’s permission.” (Quran 8:17)

The belief in Qadr is incorporated in this aspect of Tawheed.  The second category is Tawheed Al-Uloohiyyah or Tawheed Al-Ibaadah, which means that only Allah is the object of worship (ibaadah) No acts of devotion as prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, total obedience, complete trust, love or hope is to be given to no other than Allah because He alone is the true deity. The Prophet (sallallahu’alaihu wa sallam) said,

“If you ask in prayer, ask only Allah, and if you seek help, seek it only from Allah.” [Reported by Ibn Abbad and collected by At-Tirmidhee]

The confirmation and belief in Tawheed Al-Uloohiyyah is denying all forms of intercession or associating partners with Allah.  The third category is Tawheed Al-Asmaa wa Sifaat. This is the firm conviction that Allah, the Glorious and Mighty, is characterized by all the attributes of perfection, is above all defects and deficiencies, and that He alone is distinguished from His creation by these characteristics.

The e-book also lists the twenty five principles regarding Allah’s Attributes. Included with each principle are detailed information and some directives for each one.  The topic on Al-Uboodiyah is in when one subdues himself with humility and love to the will of someone else, clarifies what happens when Al-Uboodiyah is given to another other than Allah. The writer for this chapter is one of my favourites Sheikul Islam Ibn Taymiyah (r.a). It is translated by Abdallah Mekkaoui and allows us some details about my favourite scholar. In this chapter we deal with many topics including Al-Ibaadah which is the term which compromises everything that Allah (S.W.T.) loves and approves of from the apparent and hidden sayings and deeds. Al-Qadhaa (Diving Decree) and Al-Qada (Devine measure) is explained briefly.

This e-book has confirmed that understanding Tawheed is important for me and my brothers and sisters in Islam and we must be sure we have full understanding so that we do not fall into error. My Aqeeda has been strengthened as I am now more knowledgeable on this subject and what is required of me. I believe that this new knowledge will help deter me from falling into Ash- Shirk al-Asghar (minor shirk) as now I am more aware of this type of shirk. This e-book has given me more confidence that my worship is for the Only One worthy of worship, the One and Only true Allah. I will now call upon Allah (S.W.T) by His Attributes as he has ordered us to do.

I understand clearly how Da’wah as well as Jihad is done for the very reason, to establish Tawheed. As Allah the Almighty says:

 “And fight them until there is no more fitnah (disbelief and polytheism) and the religion is for Allah alone. But if they cease, then Allah is All-Seer of what they do.” (Qur'an 8:39)

This verse is an order that we must be sure that mankind understands the concept of Tawheed. We must be more active in Da’wah to both the Muslim and Non-Muslim to be sure our Islam is on the correct base. The knowledge I have acquired can aid me to give Da’wah with non Muslims so they too can accept the only true religion which is Islam.

The reader of this e-book will be left with the understanding of the importance of and benefits of Tawheed. The reader will now understand that Tawheed is the only reason for the world’s creation. This e-book I highly recommend to every Muslim so they will have a full understanding, as all other laws and commands of Islam stand firm on this foundation.