At Tawheed means believing in Allaah
in Islaamic Monotheism. We frequently hear some people say that the knowledge
of Tawheed is theoretical and not practical, especially regarding Allaah's
Names and Attributes. They also claim that Allaah neither requires
knowledge in such matters from the creation, nor does He make acquiring
this knowledge a condition for being saved from the Fire. Some people even
say that since this is not a practical knowledge, then being ignorant in
its parts and various aspects is not a liability. Some also claim that
we do not need to acquire knowledge in the deviant sects and their beliefs
and ideologies. They claim that these sects are a matter of history,
Yet, it is a well established fact that many
Muslims in the present time have fallen prey for alien un-Islaamic ideologies,
such as referring all matters, including aspects of the religion, to the
mind, their own minds, and such as embracing various philosophical theories.
This method of referring to the mind and embracing alien philosophies is
not new however. Rather, it was established by some Muslim sects centuries
ago. Such sects still operate freely in the Muslim World, although many
of them have changed their names, hoping to escape the scrutiny of the
vigorous Muslim scholars. Hence, it is important to study the knowledge
of Tawheed, which is not merely a theoretical knowledge, so that Muslims
can defend themselves against such and all types of heretic ideologies.
Further, studying Tawheed and what defies it of Shirk, will enable the
Muslims to expose any type of deviant beliefs and ideologies whenever they
are confronted with them.
1.- At-Tawheed provides safety from Allaah's Wrath on the Day of Judgment and is also the reason behind being entered into Paradise. Further, Allaah forbids Paradise for those who fail into Shirk. He said, what translated means, "Verily, whosoever sets up partners in worship with Allaah, then Allaah has forbidden Paradise for him, and the Fire will be his abode. And for the Zālimūn (polytheists and wrongdoers) there are no helpers." [Surah Al-Ma'idah Verse 72]. In addition, those who fall into Shirk will abide in Hellfire for eternity, as Allaah said, what translated means, "Verily, Allaah forgives not that partners should be set up with him in worship, but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He pleases, and whoever sets up partners with Allaah in worship, he has indeed invented a tremendous sin" [Surah An-Nisa Verse 48].
2.- Knowing Allaah's Names and Attributes
allows one to acquire knowledge in how to call Allaah in Du'aa' (supplication)
by invoking His Names and Attributes. Du'aa' is one of the most honorable
acts of worship with which the slave worships Allaah, the Exalted and Ever-High.
Asking Allaah by His Mighty Names and High Attributes, an effective remedy
for all the heart's worries and for the entire slave's needs is obviously
dependent on knowing these Names and Attributes. Allaah has stated in the
Glorious Qur'aan, what translated means, "And (all) the Most
Beautiful Names belong to Allaah, so call on Him by them, and leave the
company of those who belie or deny (or utter impious speech against)
His Names. They will be requited for what they used to do.
" [Surah Al-A'raf
Verse 180].
3. - When the slaves acquire sufficient knowledge in Tawheed, they also acquire knowledge in what He hates of acts and dealings They will also be able to avoid what will lead to the Fire of Shirk and Kufr. In addition, they will know what acts should be directed to Allaah alone and to no one else. Hence, knowledge in Tawheed will ensure the slave's dominance on earth, for dominance comes from Allaah alone, and He awards it to those who deserve to be victorious and dominant. Allaah, the Exalted and Ever-High, said in the Glorious Qur'aan, what translated means, "Allaah has promised those among you who believe, and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the earth, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practise their religion, that which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islaam). And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they (believers) worship Me and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me. But whoever disbelieved after this, they are the Fāsiqūn (rebellious, disobedient to Allaah). [Surah An-Nur Verse 55].
4.- One can never be able to take the correct positions against the Kuffar's plots against Muslims, all the while being certain with which segment of the people the truth resides, except after relying on the correct faith and the true Tawheed. Also, knowing the teachings of the various deviant sects, their history and methodology, will help greatly in enlightening the path of the Muslim, so that he knows the truth and then follows it, and knows the falsehood and then avoids it. This will occur to the Muslim, even when all other people are confused about such matters.
Hence, studying the knowledge of Tawheed
and the correct creed will elevate the status of the slave in this life
and in the Hereafter, Further, a tremendous amount of the acts of worship
are dependent on acquiring knowledge in Tawheed. Ignorance in Tawheed,
on the other hand, constitutes ignorance in the One Lord Who owns all the
existence. Knowing Tawheed and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah 
will
also enlighten the Muslim about the deviant groups and the misguided methodologies,
thus saving him from being misguided and falling into error.
