Belief in Allah: The First Pillar of Iman

The Foundation

Belief in Allah is the first and most important pillar of iman (faith). It encompasses believing in His existence, His Lordship (Rububiyyah), His sole right to worship (Uluhiyyah), and His unique Names and Attributes (al-Asma wa al-Sifat). This belief is the foundation upon which all other aspects of the religion are built.

Proofs of Allah's Existence

The Quran presents multiple arguments: the fitrah (innate disposition) that every human is born with, the argument from creation ('Were they created by nothing, or were they themselves the creators?' Quran 52:35), the precise order of the universe, and the testimony of the prophets confirmed by miracles. Imam Abu Hanifah, when asked about Allah's existence, pointed to a ship that cannot sail without a captain, and said: 'How then can this universe exist without a Creator?'

Tawhid al-Rububiyyah

Allah alone is the Creator, Sustainer, Provider, and Controller of the universe. No creation shares in His Lordship. Even the Quraysh polytheists acknowledged this, yet it was not sufficient for them to be considered Muslims, because they failed in the next category.

Tawhid al-Uluhiyyah

All worship, including prayer, supplication, sacrifice, vows, and every act of devotion, must be directed to Allah alone. This is the core message of every prophet: 'Worship Allah; you have no other god than Him' (Quran 7:59).

Tawhid al-Asma wa al-Sifat

Allah is described by the Names and Attributes mentioned in the Quran and authentic Sunnah. The Athari creed affirms them as they are, without distortion (tahrif), denial (ta'til), asking 'how' (takyif), or likening them to creation (tamthil). 'There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing' (Quran 42:11).