The First Pillar of Faith: Belief in Allah (Iman bi Allah)

• Oneness (Tawhid): The belief that Allah is one, with no partners, equals, or rivals. Tawhid is the essence of the Islamic faith, asserting that Allah alone is worthy of worship.
• Attributes (Sifat): Recognizing Allah’s divine attributes, such as His mercy, wisdom, power, and justice. These attributes are unique to Him and cannot be compared to any created being.
• Sovereignty (Rububiyyah): Understanding that Allah is the sole Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler of everything in existence. He has control over all matters and nothing happens without His will.

Qur'anic Perspective on Belief in Allah

The Qur'an, being the word of Allah, repeatedly emphasizes the importance of belief in Him and the consequences of disbelief. The concept of Tawhid is highlighted throughout the Qur'an in various verses:
"Say, 'He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.'" (Surah Al-Ikhlas, 112:1-4)

This short yet profound chapter encapsulates the essence of Tawhid, asserting Allah’s oneness and refuting any notion of polytheism or idolatry.

Another verse underscores the relationship between belief in Allah and the purpose of human creation:
"And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me." (Surah Adh-Dhariyat, 51:56)

Here, Allah explicitly mentions that the sole purpose of creation is to recognize His oneness and engage in worship, which includes obedience, devotion, and gratitude.

The Attributes of Allah: Knowing Him Through His Names

To truly believe in Allah, one must seek to understand His divine attributes. The Qur'an and Hadith provide a comprehensive list of Allah’s Asma'ul Husna (the 99 Beautiful Names), each representing a different attribute of His nature. Some of the key attributes include:

• Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful): Allah's mercy is all-encompassing, extending to every creature. This attribute reminds Muslims that Allah is compassionate and forgiving.

"Say, 'Call upon Allah or call upon the Most Merciful. Whichever [name] you call - to Him belong the best names.'" (Surah Al-Isra, 17:110)

• Al-Aziz (The Almighty): This attribute emphasizes Allah’s unparalleled power and might. He is strong and invincible, and nothing can challenge His authority.

"And to Allah belongs [all] honor, and to His Messenger, and to the believers, but the hypocrites do not know." (Surah Al-Munafiqun, 63:8)

• Al-Hakeem (The All-Wise): Allah’s wisdom is perfect, and everything He does is based on His infinite knowledge and wisdom. This attribute encourages Muslims to trust in Allah’s plan, even when it is beyond human comprehension.

"He is Allah, besides whom there is no deity, the Knower of the unseen and the witnessed. He is the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful." (Surah Al-Hashr, 59:22)

The Impact of Belief in Allah on a Muslim’s Life

Belief in Allah fundamentally transforms a Muslim’s approach to life. It influences their actions, attitudes, and ethical standards in various ways:

• Developing Taqwa (God-consciousness): When a person truly believes in Allah, they become aware of His presence at all times. This constant awareness, known as Taqwa, encourages Muslims to live righteously, avoid sinful behavior, and strive to fulfill their obligations.

"O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims [in submission to Him]." (Surah Al-Imran, 3:102)

• Cultivating Sabr (Patience) and Shukr (Gratitude): Belief in Allah fosters patience in times of hardship and gratitude in moments of ease. A Muslim understands that trials are a test of faith and that gratitude is an acknowledgment of Allah’s countless blessings.

"And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:155)

• Strengthening Trust in Allah (Tawakkul): Muslims who have firm belief in Allah place their trust in Him completely. They understand that Allah’s wisdom is beyond human understanding and that He will always choose what is best for His servants.

"And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose." (Surah At-Talaq, 65:3)

Rejecting Shirk: The Greatest Sin in Islam

The belief in the oneness of Allah necessitates the rejection of shirk, which is the act of associating partners with Allah. Shirk is considered the gravest sin in Islam because it contradicts the core message of monotheism.

"Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills." (Surah An-Nisa, 4:48)

This verse highlights the severity of shirk and serves as a warning to all Muslims to safeguard their faith by ensuring that their worship and devotion are directed solely toward Allah.

The Shahadah: The Declaration of Faith

The Shahadah is the verbal declaration of the belief in Allah's oneness. It is the first and most significant pillar of Islam, serving as the entry point into the Muslim faith. The Shahadah states:

(I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.)

This simple yet profound statement encapsulates the essence of the Islamic belief system, affirming both monotheism and the finality of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as Allah’s messenger.

Conclusion

Belief in Allah is the first and foremost tenet of the Islamic faith, forming the bedrock upon which all other beliefs and practices are built. It is not just an acknowledgment of a higher power but a deep, spiritual connection that influences every aspect of a Muslim’s life. By understanding and internalizing this belief, a Muslim commits to living in accordance with Allah’s will, seeking His pleasure, and adhering to the teachings of Islam.

The first pillar of faith is a call to a life of submission, humility, and reverence for the Creator. It shapes the heart, mind, and actions of a Muslim, guiding them toward a path of righteousness and eternal success.