Definition
The central affirmation of Islam that God is one, unique and unassociated, principle that guides belief, worship and understanding of the world.
The theologians discuss divine attributes, the word of God, human action and how to preserve unity without simplifying doctrines. Sufism also develops a spiritual experience of taws.
To be retained
- Place him in the centre of Islamic theology
- Distinguish doctrine and mystical experience
- Respecting the diversity of schools
- Avoiding reduction translations
Origin of the term and context
Tawsd comes from the Arab root w-sd, linked to unity. The term refers to the affirmation and recognition of the uniqueness of God.
Why does it matter?
The tawsitud is a religious statement that structures Muslim life. It is not a scientific evidence and should not be used to erase the internal diversity of Islam.
- Place him in the centre of Islamic theology
- Distinguish doctrine and mystical experience
- Respecting the diversity of schools
- Avoiding reduction translations
How can it be explored or practised?
- Read a presentation from several Muslim currents
- Observe the link between uniqueness and refusal of idols
- Listen to the meaning of shahāda without using context
- Avoid turning the term into a political slogan
Misconceptions and points of caution
- Taws is not identical to any philosophy of unity.
- Muslim diversity does not mechanically contradict divine uniqueness.
- Theological debates require qualified sources.
Perspectives from different traditions
- Kalām Sunnite: Ash-Arite schools, maturiditis and other approaches.
- Chiism: Oneness articulated with divine justice and with the imamat.
- Sufism: inner realization of dependence on God.
To go further
- The Qur'an — Translation and Commentary
- The Cambridge Companion to Classical Islamic Theology