Understanding the Oneness of Allah Through the Teachings of the Prophet (PBUH)
The concept of Tawheed, or the oneness of Allah, is the foundation of the Islamic faith. Through the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), believers are taught the importance of worshipping Allah alone, recognizing His unique attributes, and seeking His guidance in every aspect of life. This article presents eight significant hadiths that highlight various dimensions of Tawheed, from praising Allah’s attributes to understanding His proximity and seeking His mercy. Each hadith offers profound lessons for strengthening one’s faith and emphasizes Allah’s unmatched role in our lives.
In the following sections, each hadith will be discussed in detail, with translations in English, Urdu, and Arabic, along with an in-depth explanation of its significance.
Praising Allah’s Attributes
Hadith in English
Narrated by Ibn ‘Abbas: The Prophet (PBUH) used to invoke Allah at night, saying, “O Allah: All the praises are for You; You are the Lord of the Heavens and the Earth. All praises are for You; You are the Maintainer of the Heaven and the Earth and everything within them. All praises are for You; You are the Light of the Heavens and the Earth…”
Hadith in Urdu
حضرت ابن عباس سے روایت ہے کہ نبی صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم رات کو اللہ سے دعا کرتے تھے، ’’اے اللہ! تمام تعریفیں آپ کے لئے ہیں؛ آپ زمین اور آسمان کے رب ہیں۔ تمام تعریفیں آپ کے لئے ہیں؛ آپ زمین اور آسمان اور ان میں موجود سب کچھ کے محافظ ہیں۔ تمام تعریفیں آپ کے لئے ہیں؛ آپ زمین اور آسمان کا نور ہیں…‘‘
Hadith in Arabic
عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَبَّاسٍ قَالَ: كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يُنَاجِي اللهَ تَعَالَى لَيْلًا وَيَقُولُ: “اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ رَبُّ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ…”
Explanation of the Hadith
This hadith showcases the importance of acknowledging Allah’s unique attributes, which is a core part of Tawheed. The Prophet (PBUH) praises Allah as the Creator, Maintainer, and Light of all that exists. By beginning his invocation with these affirmations, the Prophet (PBUH) teaches us the value of recognizing Allah’s supreme role in our lives. Every aspect of this praise reminds believers of Allah’s unmatched power and His role as the ultimate source of guidance. This hadith encourages Muslims to turn to Allah in all circumstances and to appreciate His presence in every aspect of existence.
Reference
- Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 9, Book 93, Number 482
Recognizing Allah as the Ultimate Truth
Hadith in English
Narrated by Sufyan: Regarding the above narration, the Prophet (PBUH) added, “You are the Truth, and Your Word is the Truth.”
Hadith in Urdu
حضرت سفیان سے روایت ہے: اس مذکورہ روایت کے بارے میں، نبی صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے مزید فرمایا، ’’آپ ہی حق ہیں، اور آپ کا کلام حق ہے۔‘‘
Hadith in Arabic
عَنْ سُفْيَانَ قَالَ: فِي هَذِهِ الرِّوَايَةِ زَادَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَوْلُهُ: “أَنْتَ الْحَقُّ وَكَلَامُكَ الْحَقُّ”
Explanation of the Hadith
This simple yet profound statement highlights the essence of Tawheed—acknowledging Allah as the only absolute truth. The Prophet (PBUH) affirmed that Allah’s words, promises, and commands are the ultimate reality. This hadith teaches Muslims to trust Allah’s guidance and to rely on Him for wisdom and clarity in life. Recognizing Allah as the ultimate truth also serves as a reminder to reject falsehood and remain devoted to the path Allah has set for us.
Reference
- Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 9, Book 93, Number 483
Allah’s Nearness and His Response to Prayers
Hadith in English
Narrated by Abu Musa: “We were with the Prophet (PBUH) on a journey, and whenever we ascended a high place, we used to say, ‘Allahu Akbar.’ The Prophet (PBUH) said, ‘Do not trouble yourselves too much! You are not calling a deaf or an absent person, but you are calling One Who Hears, Sees, and is very near…’”
Hadith in Urdu
حضرت ابو موسیٰ سے روایت ہے: ’’ہم نبی صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کے ساتھ ایک سفر میں تھے اور جب بھی ہم کسی اونچی جگہ پر چڑھتے تو کہتے، ‘اللہ اکبر’۔ نبی صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا، ‘خود کو زیادہ تکلیف نہ دو! تم کسی بہرے یا غیر حاضر کو نہیں پکار رہے، بلکہ تم ایک ایسے کو پکار رہے ہو جو سنتا، دیکھتا اور بہت قریب ہے…’‘‘
Hadith in Arabic
عَنْ أَبِي مُوسَى قَالَ: “كُنَّا مَعَ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فِي سَفَرٍ، وَكُنَّا إِذَا عَلَوْنَا كَبَّرْنَا، فَقَالَ: لَا تُشَقُّوا عَلَى أَنْفُسِكُمْ، فَإِنَّكُمْ لَا تَدْعُونَ أَصَمَّ وَلَا غَائِبًا وَلَكِنْ تَدْعُونَ سَمِيعًا بَصِيرًا قَرِيبًا…”
Explanation of the Hadith
In this hadith, the Prophet (PBUH) reminds us that Allah is always near, fully aware of our needs and conditions. He emphasizes that calling on Allah does not require loud voices or elaborate rituals; instead, Allah is always accessible to those who seek Him sincerely. This reinforces the concept of Tawheed, as believers are encouraged to rely solely on Allah and turn to Him in moments of difficulty. The hadith serves as a comforting reminder that Allah listens to every call, understands every hardship, and remains close to His creation.
Reference
- Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 9, Book 93, Number 484
Seeking Forgiveness and Mercy from Allah
Hadith in English
Narrated by Abdullah bin ‘Amr: Abu Bakr As-Siddiq said to the Prophet (PBUH), “O Allah’s Apostle! Teach me an invocation with which I may invoke Allah in my prayers.” The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Say: O Allah! I have wronged my soul very much, and none forgives sins but You; so please bestow Your Forgiveness upon me. No doubt, You are the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
Hadith in Urdu
حضرت عبداللہ بن عمرو سے روایت ہے کہ حضرت ابو بکر صدیق نے نبی صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم سے کہا، ’’اے اللہ کے رسول! مجھے کوئی دعا سکھائیں جس کے ذریعے میں اللہ سے دعا کرسکوں۔‘‘ نبی صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا، ’’کہو: اے اللہ! میں نے اپنی جان پر بہت ظلم کیا ہے، اور گناہوں کو آپ کے سوا کوئی نہیں بخش سکتا؛ تو براہ کرم مجھے اپنی بخشش عطا فرمائیں۔ بلاشبہ، آپ ہی معاف کرنے والے، نہایت مہربان ہیں۔‘‘
Hadith in Arabic
عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَمْرٍ قَالَ: قَالَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ الصِّدِّيقُ لِلنَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم: “يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ عَلِّمْنِي دُعَاءً أَدْعُو بِهِ فِي صَلَاتِي.” فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم: “قُلِ: اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِي ظُلْمًا كَثِيرًا، وَلَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ، فَاغْفِرْ لِي.”
Explanation of the Hadith
This hadith conveys a powerful message about seeking Allah’s forgiveness and mercy. The Prophet (PBUH) teaches us that no matter how many mistakes or sins we commit, Allah’s mercy remains boundless. Acknowledging our mistakes and sincerely asking Allah for forgiveness is a key aspect of Tawheed, as it reflects our dependence on Allah’s compassion. This hadith reinforces the idea that Allah alone has the power to forgive, encouraging believers to approach Him with humility and hope for His mercy.
Reference
- Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 75, Number 318