Tawheed is basically classified into three categories, as follows:

* Tawheed al-Rubiyyah (Oneness of Divine Lordship),

* Tawheed al-Uluhiyyah (Oneness of Divinity) and

* Tawheed al-Asma’ wa’l-Sifaat (Oneness of the Divine Names and Attributes).

Tawheed al-Ruboobiyyah (Oneness of Divine Lordship): means believing in Allah as One and Unique with regard to His actions such as creation, sovereignty, control, giving life and death, and so on. Whoever believes that there is any creator other than Allah or any sovereign controlling this universe and disposing of its affairs other than Allah has denied this aspect of Tawheed and disbelieved in Allah. Don’t be surprised that that some non-Muslim also belief in tawheed rububiyah, it has been confirmed in suratul ankabut 29:61 and 63, 43:87. Believing in tawheed rububiyah and disbelief in other(s)

Tawheed al-Uluhiyyah: This is also known as Tawheed al-‘Ibaadah or Tawheed -t-Talab wal-Qasd wal-Iraadah. It means devoting all acts of worship, both inward and outward, in word and deed, to Allaah Alone, and not worshipping anything or anyone other than Allaah, no matter who he is. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], “uff,” and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word” Q17:23, 4:36

Tawheed al-Asma’ wa’l-Sifaat (Oneness of the Divine Names and Attributes): This means affirming the names and attributes of Allah and believing that there is none like unto Allah in His names and attributes.

This Tawheed is based on two principles:

1 – Affirmation: i.e., affirming that which Allah has affirmed for Himself in His Book or that His Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has affirmed of His beautiful names and sublime attributes in a manner that suits the Majesty and Greatness of Allaah, without distorting them, twisting their meanings, denying their reality or discussing how they are.

2 – Denial: i.e., denying that Allah has any faults and denying any shortcomings that He has denied Himself. The evidence for that is the words of Allah (interpretation of the meaning): “There is nothing like Him, and He is the All‑Hearer, the All‑Seer” 42:11 culled from al-Hujjah fi Bayaan al-Mahajjah, 1/305; Lawaami’ al-Anwaar al-Bahiyyah, 1/57.

Whatever written of truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength, may He continue to guide me and you.

Reference:

1. Al‘Aqeedatu wasitiya – Ibn Taymiah

2. Al’uluwi – Sheik Dhahabiy

3. Al-Mufhim ‘ala Saheeh Muslim – Al-Qurtubi

4. Asharee’ah – Alajriy

5. ASharhu lmuyasar ‘ala faqiheen labsat walakbar lmansubeen liabi haneefah – Dr Muhammad aburarahman

6. Attaoheed – Ibn Khuzaymah

7. I’tiqad salaf ishabi lhadith – Sheik Sobuni

8. Ibn Abi Al Izz Al Damishqi (D 792 A.H.) in Sharah Aqeedatut Tahawi

9. Ithbat l’uluwi – Ibn Qudamah

10. Kashful asrar imam abdul azeez bukhari al Anafi; marifatu nafsi ma laha wama ‘alayha

11. Kitab At t-T Tawhid – Muhammad bin Abdul-Wahhab

12. Nazmu durar qadi ubaidullah al anafi

13. Sharhu usuli I’tiqadi ahli Sunnah wajama’ah – Imam Tabriy

May Allah grant us benefiting understanding