Tawheed Ar-Rububiyyah: Belief in Allah’s Lordship

Tawheed Ar-Rububiyyah: Belief in Allah’s Lordship

Tawheed (توحيد), the concept of the oneness of Allah, is the most fundamental principle in Islam. It is the foundation of a Muslim’s belief system and encompasses various dimensions. One of the most critical aspects of Tawheed is Tawheed Ar-Rububiyyah, which refers to the belief in Allah’s Lordship. This belief is essential because it acknowledges Allah as the sole Creator, Sustainer, and Master of the universe. Tawheed Ar-Rububiyyah emphasizes that Allah alone has control over all affairs of creation, from life and death to sustenance and guidance.

In Islam, Tawheed is divided into three main categories: Tawheed Ar-Rububiyyah, Tawheed Al-Uluhiyyah, and Tawheed Al-Asma’ wa Sifat. While each of these categories is distinct, they all complement each other and reinforce the central belief in the oneness of Allah. Tawheed Ar-Rububiyyah focuses specifically on Allah’s role as the Lord of the universe, responsible for its creation and maintenance. It is this belief that leads to the recognition of Allah’s authority and the need to submit to His will in all aspects of life.

In this article, we will explore Tawheed Ar-Rububiyyah in depth, examine its importance in Islam, and understand how it strengthens a Muslim’s Iman (faith). Through references from the Quran and Hadith, we will provide a detailed understanding of this critical aspect of Tawheed.

 Defining Tawheed Ar-Rububiyyah

Tawheed Ar-Rububiyyah (توحيد الربوبية) is the belief in Allah’s exclusive right to govern, create, sustain, and control all matters of the universe. It affirms that Allah is the sole Creator of the heavens and the earth, the One who provides sustenance, and the One who controls the affairs of His creation. This includes all physical, spiritual, and material matters, and no one shares in His dominion. Tawheed Ar-Rububiyyah is the foundation upon which a Muslim’s understanding of Allah’s greatness is built.

Allah’s Lordship encompasses everything that happens in the universe. He is the One who initiates creation, maintains its existence, and has complete power over life and death. This belief in Allah’s exclusive control and authority is central to a Muslim’s worldview and relationship with the Creator.

Quranic Reference:

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:255), Allah says:

“اللَّهُ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلا نَوْمٌ لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ مَنْ ذَا الَّذِي يَشْفَعُ عِندَهُ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِ يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ وَلا يُحِيطُونَ بِشَيْءٍ مِّنْ عِلْمِهِ إِلَّا بِمَا شَاءَ وَسِعَ كُرْسِيُّهُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ وَلا يَئُودُهُ حِفْظُهُمَا وَهُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْعَظِيمُ”

Translation: “Allah! There is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.”

This verse from Surah Al-Baqarah emphasizes Allah’s sovereignty and control over all matters, underscoring the belief in Tawheed Ar-Rububiyyah. Allah’s dominance over all that exists is made clear: He is the Creator, Sustainer, and the One who holds absolute knowledge and power over the heavens and the earth.

The Key Components of Tawheed Ar-Rububiyyah

Tawheed Ar-Rububiyyah includes several key components that explain Allah’s Lordship and His exclusive right to govern the universe. These components are:

• Creation: Allah alone is the Creator of all things, including the heavens, the earth, the universe, and all that is within it. He created everything from nothing and continues to sustain it by His will.

• Sustenance: Allah is the sole Provider and Sustainer of all living beings. He gives life and takes it away, provides sustenance for every creature, and grants them their needs according to His will.

• Control: Allah has complete control over the universe and all affairs of creation. Nothing happens without His will and permission. He controls the movements of the heavens, the earth, and all aspects of nature.

• Guidance: Allah alone has the power to guide and misguide. He is the One who sends guidance through His messengers and books, and He directs the affairs of mankind according to His wisdom.

• Ownership: Allah is the sole Owner of all that exists. Everything in the universe belongs to Him, and He is the rightful Sovereign over it.

Quranic Reference:

In Surah Al-Mulk (67:15), Allah says:

“هُوَ الَّذِي جَعَلَ لَكُمُ الْأَرْضَ ذَلُولًا فَامْشُوا۟ فِي مَنَاكِبِهَا وَكُلُوا۟ مِنْ رَزْقِهِۦ ۖ إِلَيْهِ تُحْشَرُونَ”

Translation: “It is He who made the earth subservient to you. So walk in its tracks and partake of the sustenance He has provided you with. To Him will you be gathered.”

This verse emphasizes Allah’s role as the Sustainer and Provider of all living beings, highlighting His Lordship over the earth and everything within it.

 The Rejection of Tawheed Ar-Rububiyyah by Polytheists

While the belief in Tawheed Ar-Rububiyyah is intrinsic to Islam, it is important to note that the disbelievers of the past, particularly the polytheists of Makkah, accepted the concept of Allah’s Lordship but failed to acknowledge His exclusive right to worship. They believed that Allah was the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, yet they associated partners with Him in worship.

Quranic Reference:

In Surah Az-Zumar (39:38), Allah says:

“وَلَئِن سَأَلْتَهُمْ مَنۡ خَلَقَ السَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ لَيَقُولُونَ ٱللَّهُ ۗ قُلْ أَفَرَءَيْتُمْ مَّا تَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنْ أَرَادَنِىَ ٱللَّهُ بِضُرٍّ لَّهُنَّ كَشْفُهُۥ عَنْٓكُمْ أَوْ أَرَادَنِىَ بِرَحْمَةٍ هَلۡ هُنَّ مُنفِكَّٰتٌۚ قُلۡ حَسۡبِىَ ٱللَّهُ ۚ عَلَيْهِ يَتَوَكَّلُ ٱلۡمُتَوَكِّلُونَ”

Translation: “And if you were to ask them, ‘Who created the heavens and the earth?’ they would surely say, ‘Allah.’ Say, ‘Then have you considered what you invoke besides Allah? If Allah intended harm for me, could they remove His harm? Or if He intended mercy for me, could they withhold His mercy?’ Say, ‘Allah is Sufficient for me. Upon Him [alone] rely the ones who trust.'”

This verse highlights the contradiction in the beliefs of the polytheists of Makkah, who acknowledged Allah’s Lordship but still associated partners with Him in worship.

Tawheed Ar-Rububiyyah and the Believer’s Faith

For a true believer, recognizing and affirming Tawheed Ar-Rububiyyah is not only an acknowledgment of Allah’s sovereignty but also a deep realization of His power and control over every aspect of life. This belief in Allah’s Lordship leads to an overwhelming sense of humility and submission to Allah’s will. A Muslim’s reliance on Allah grows stronger, and they seek to worship Him alone, as He alone has the power to provide, protect, and guide them.

Quranic Reference:

In Surah Al-Fatiha (1:2), Allah is referred to as:

“ٱلۡرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ”

Translation: “The Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.”

These two names of Allah, Ar-Rahman (The Beneficent) and Ar-Rahim (The Merciful), reflect His mercy and compassion, which are essential components of His Lordship. Allah’s mercy is manifested in His continuous care and sustenance for His creation.

 The Importance of Tawheed Ar-Rububiyyah in Strengthening Iman

Understanding Tawheed Ar-Rububiyyah is crucial for strengthening a Muslim’s Iman. It cultivates a profound awareness of Allah’s omnipotence and encourages reliance on Him alone. By recognizing that Allah is the Creator, Sustainer, and Controller of all things, a believer’s trust in Him deepens. This strengthens their resolve to submit to Allah’s will in every aspect of life, from daily routines to major life decisions.

When a Muslim truly believes in Tawheed Ar-Rububiyyah, they understand that their lives, sustenance, and well-being are entirely dependent on Allah. This realization leads to a deep sense of gratitude, humility, and reliance on Allah’s power and mercy.

Conclusion

Tawheed Ar-Rububiyyah, the belief in Allah’s Lordship, is a foundational concept in Islam that acknowledges Allah as the sole Creator, Sustainer, and Controller of the universe. Recognizing Allah’s absolute authority over all existence strengthens a believer’s iman (faith) by fostering trust, reliance, and gratitude. It reminds believers that every blessing, trial, and moment of life is part of Allah’s divine wisdom and decree.

This belief encourages humility and submission, as believers understand that no power or will exists except by Allah’s permission. It also deepens a sense of gratitude for His countless blessings and patience during hardships, knowing that Allah’s plan is just and purposeful. Furthermore, accepting Allah’s Lordship instills hope, as believers trust in His mercy and justice, finding comfort in His perfect knowledge and control.

Tawheed Ar-Rububiyyah also serves as a gateway to Tawheed Al-Uluhiyyah, inspiring believers to dedicate their worship solely to Allah. By acknowledging His Lordship, they recognize His exclusive right to be worshiped. Ultimately, this belief strengthens the bond between a servant and their Creator, guiding them towards a life of sincerity, righteousness, and unwavering faith, leading to eternal success in the Hereafter.