Introduction

Oneness (Tawhid), like a radiant light on the path of divine journey, illuminates the way for the seekers of truth. Among the various degrees of Tawhid, Tawhid 'Aammah stands as a gateway calling all to the knowledge of the Divine. This level, which begins with the testimony of "There is no god but Allah" (translated by Fouladand: "There is no god but Allah"), is the foundational pillar of faith that requires neither intricate arguments nor detailed knowledge. In this discourse, lessons of (may his soul rest in peace) in Session 653, the concept of Tawhid 'Aammah is analyzed and explained within the framework of the mystical stages of the wayfarers.

Section 1: Elucidation of the Concept of Tawhid 'Aammah

Definition of Tawhid 'Aammah and Denial of the Greatest Polytheism

Tawhid 'Aammah, like a key that opens the lock of the heart towards faith, is the most fundamental stage of Tawhid. It is realized through the testimony of "There is no god but Allah, He is One, and has no partner" (translated by Fouladand: "There is no god but Allah, He is unique and has no partner"), and the rejection of the greatest polytheism, i.e., idol worship. Tawhid at this level considers the divinity to be exclusive to Allah and denies any other cause or deity, as stated in the Qur'an: "Say, 'Indeed, He is Allah, the One and Only'" (Al-An'am: 19, translated by Fouladand). This level is accessible to all, even without the need for argumentation, and serves as a bridge guiding humanity from the darkness of polytheism to the light of faith. Key Point: Tawhid 'Aammah, with its denial of the greatest polytheism and the testimony of the oneness of Allah, is the gateway to Islam, achievable for all people, irrespective of reasoning, through heartfelt belief.

The Heartfelt Belief as the Essence of Tawhid 'Aammah

The essence of Tawhid 'Aammah lies in the heartfelt belief, not in complex reasoning. This level requires neither detailed knowledge nor argumentation but is perfected with a sincere acknowledgment, even if it is by imitation. As the Prophet said: "Say, 'There is no god but Allah, and you will prosper.'" (Say, "There is no god but Allah" and you will be successful), the emphasis is on saying it with belief, not merely the utterance. This utterance, like a seed planted in the soil of the heart, is nourished by faith. The distinction between knowledge (conceptual understanding) and belief (heartfelt affirmation) is that belief, even without reasoning, distinguishes a monotheist from a non-monotheist. This principle paves the way for accepting Tawhid and avoids any complications on the path of faith.

Critique of the Necessity of Reasoning in Religious Principles

One of the prominent points in the discourse is the critique of the view that reasoning is a prerequisite for the principles of religion. This view, which conditions belief in Tawhid on proof, can be a heavy burden on believers and may provoke doubt and confusion in their hearts. (may his soul rest in peace) refers to this obligation as a form of "people's oppression" because belief in Tawhid, however it is acquiredthrough imitation, investigation, or direct experienceis valid. This view aligns with the Qur'anic verse "There is no compulsion in religion" (Al-Baqara: 256, translated by Fouladand), which emphasizes freedom in accepting faith. This critique, like a breeze, clears the path of faith and makes it accessible to everyone. Key Point: The compulsion of reasoning in religious principles acts as an obstacle on the path to faith. Heartfelt belief, even through imitation, suffices to achieve Tawhid 'Aammah.

Section 2: The Legal and Social Consequences of Tawhid 'Aammah

Legal and Social Impacts of Tawhid 'Aammah

Although Tawhid 'Aammah is the most elementary level of Tawhid, it leaves profound effects in the legal and social spheres. These effects, like the branches of a sturdy tree, manifest the Islamic identity in both the individual and the society:

• Sanctity of Blood and Property: Through the testimony of Tawhid, the life and wealth of a believer are respected, as the Prophets tradition states: "Whoever says there is no god but Allah, their wealth and blood are sacred."
• The Direction of the Qibla: The Ka'bah, like a mirror reflecting the light of Tawhid, is attributed to this level.
• Distinction Between Dar al-Islam and Dar al-Kufr: A monotheistic society, with markers such as the Adhan (call to prayer) and the performance of religious rites, distinguishes itself from non-monotheistic societies.

These effects firmly establish Tawhid 'Aammah as the foundation for both individual and social Islamic identity.

The Ka'bah: The Symbol of Divine Unity

The Ka'bah, like a radiant star in the sky of Tawhid, symbolizes divine unity. Unlike the scattered and diverse idols of pre-Islamic times, the Ka'bah, as a single heart, is attributed to Allah and manifests unity. As the Qur'an states: "Indeed, the first house established for mankind was that at Bakkah, a blessed place" (Al-Imran: 96, translated by Fouladand). The Ka'bah, due to its unity and connection to Tawhid, is distinct from the concept of idols and serves as a signpost that guides the wayfarers towards Allah. Key Point: The Ka'bah, as a symbol of divine unity, facilitates the acceptance of Tawhid and prevents the confusion and bewilderment of the seekers.

The Difference Between Utterance and Meaning in the Testimony of Tawhid

In the Prophets tradition "Say, 'There is no god but Allah, and you will succeed,'" the term "Say" refers to heartfelt belief, not merely the utterance. The statement is like a clear stream from the heart, necessitating intention and affirmation, unlike the mere pronunciation, which can be devoid of meaning. This distinction emphasizes the significance of belief in realizing Tawhid 'Aammah. Even if this belief is acquired through imitation, it places one at this stage of monotheism.

Section 3: Evidence and Manifestations of Tawhid 'Aammah

Evidence of Tawhid 'Aammah

Tawhid 'Aammah is confirmed through two types of witnesses, like two wings that allow the bird of faith to soar:

• Textual Evidence: The news of the Qur'an and Sunnah, such as the verse: "Know that there is no god but Allah" (Muhammad: 19, translated by Fouladand).
• Creative Evidence: The works of creation, which point to the Creator with their exquisite craftsmanship, such as the verse: "Do they not look at the camels, how they are created?" (Al-Ghashiyah: 17, translated by Fouladand).

These evidences make Tawhid 'Aammah comprehensible and accessible to all, like a mirror reflecting the divine truth before the eyes of the servants.

The Role of the Heart in Realizing Tawhid

The heart, like the focal point of the light of Tawhid, is central to realizing this stage. Tawhid 'Aammah is achieved with sincere affirmation from the heart, free from doubt and confusion. As the Qur'an says: "Except for the one who comes to Allah with a sound heart" (Ash-Shu'ara: 89, translated by Fouladand). This sincere affirmation, like a pure stream, guarantees a truthful testimony and leads the monotheist towards the ultimate truth. Key Point: The heart is the center of Tawhid 'Aammah, and heartfelt belief, even without reasoning, leads one to this stage of monotheism.

The Truth and Sweetness of Tawhid

The truth and sweetness of Tawhid 'Aammah, like a sweet nectar, can only be understood through divine interpretation and the light of faith that Allah places in the believers heart. This light, nurtured through reflection upon the signs of creation, grows and transforms Tawhid from a mere belief into an inner experience. This process, like the blooming of a flower in the garden of faith, shows the role of divine guidance in deepening Tawhid.

Active Tawhid: The Foundation of Tawhid 'Aammah

Tawhid 'Aammah, which is the active Tawhid, denies any creator or agent other than Allah. This stage, which is understood by considering Allah's actions in creation, is made clear in the Qur'anic verse: "Do they not look at the sky above them, how we built it?" (Qaf: 6, translated by Fouladand). Active Tawhid serves as the fertile soil in which the seed of faith is planted and provides the foundation for advancing towards higher stages of Tawhid. Key Point: Tawhid 'Aammah, as active Tawhid, forms the basis for the journey towards higher levels of monotheism.

Section 4: Conclusion

Tawhid 'Aammah, like an open gateway to divine knowledge, is realized through the testimony of "There is no god but Allah" and the denial of the greatest polytheism, thus paving the way for all people. This level does not require reasoning and is achieved with heartfelt belief, even through imitation. Its consequences, from the sanctity of life and property to the direction of the Qibla and the distinction between Dar al-Islam and Dar al-Kufr, manifest the Tawhid identity in both the individual and the society. The Ka'bah, as the symbol of unity, guides the seekers away from confusion. The evidences of Tawhid 'Aammah, including Qur'anic reports and the signs of creation, make this level comprehensible to everyone. The heart, as the center of this Tawhid, ensures the sincere belief necessary to achieve it. With the sincere oversight of Khadim,