Tawhid: Divine Unity in Multiplicity

By Adis Duderija, New Age Islam 14 May 2024 In discussions surrounding Islamic theology, one concept often emerges as the cornerstone of understanding: Tawhid. Commonly translated as “Divine Oneness,” this term encapsulates the essence of Islamic belief in a singular, all-encompassing God. However, a more nuanced interpretation of Tawhid, as for example noted by Sachiko Murata in her excellent book “The Tao of Islam”, reveals the core idea to be about recognising Divine unity in multiplicity. This perspective invites a deeper exploration of Tawhid, moving beyond a simplistic understanding that often juxtaposes it against Christian Trinitarian theology, which some Muslim scholars erroneously label as tritheism. The Essence of Tawhid At its core, Tawhid signifies the absolute “monotheism” that is central to Islam. However, it is not merely a declaration of the unicity of God but an invitation to comprehend the intricate and interconnected nature of existence. The classical interpretation of Tawhid emphasises God’s uniqueness and indivisibility. Yet, this interpretation can lead to misunderstandings, particularly when it is framed in opposition to Christian or Hindu doctrines that approach the Divine from a lens of multiplicity. Misinterpretations of Trinitarian Theology The Christian doctrine of the Trinity posits “one God in three persons”: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Critics, particularly from an Islamic perspective, argue that this concept veers into tritheism, suggesting a belief in three separate deities rather than one unified God. This critique, while rooted in the desire to uphold Tawhid, often oversimplifies a complex theological framework that aims to express the multifaceted nature of the Divine that both Muslim and Christian theologians have been wrestling with for centuries. As noted by Joseph L. Cumming “mainstream Christian doctrine of Trinity is on the same spectrum as the Sunni and Shi’i doctrines of Sifat, demonstrating far more common ground than is usually assumed, and allowing for mutual recognition as monotheists.” In addressing the Trinity, some Muslims may inadvertently reinforce a binary opposition between Islam and Christianity, framing Tawhid as a stark contrast to what they perceive as a flawed understanding of God in Christianity. Yet, this perspective risks neglecting the richness of Tawhid itself, which encompasses not only the notion of God’s unity but also the diversity of Her manifestations (Zhuhur). Recognizing Multiplicity within Unity To appreciate Tawhid fully, we must consider the multiplicity inherent within the Divine. This understanding aligns with the Islamic view that while God is a unity , His attributes and actions manifest in various forms across creation. The Quran emphasises that God is the creator of all things, and in Her creation, we see an incredible diversity, an array of life forms, ecosystems, and cultural expressions. This multiplicity serves a purpose. It illustrates the boundless nature of God’s creativity and self-disclosure (Tajalli) the myriad ways in which He interacts with His creation. Each creature, each phenomenon, reflects an aspect of the Divine, contributing to a holistic understanding of God’s presence in the world. Thus, Tawhid becomes not just about asserting a unified divine identity but also about recognising the myriad ways in which that identity is expressed (Tajalli) and experienced. The Challenge of Simplistic Assertions When Tawhid is strictly framed as “Divine Oneness,” it risks becoming a point of contention rather than a bridge for understanding. Such a framing can alienate those seeking common ground between Islam and other faiths, such as Hinduism and Christianity. Rather than engaging in meaningful dialogue, it can lead to polemics that emphasise differences rather than common metaphysical, philosophical, theological and ethical concerns. For example, in apologetical approach dialogues around the nature of God often devolve into defensive posturing, with each side attempting to fortify its theological position without truly engaging with the other’s beliefs. This defensive stance can obscure the potential for mutual understanding and respect. If Tawhid is viewed through a lens that acknowledges both unity and multiplicity, it opens avenues for dialogue that affirm the complexity of faith rather than reduce it to simplistic binaries. The Philosophical Implications of Tawhid The philosophical implications of understanding Tawhid as recognising Divine unity in multiplicity extend beyond theological discourse. They invite us to reflect on our own experiences of the Divine in the world around us. How do we perceive the interconnectedness of life? How do we recognise the presence of the Divine in the diversity of human cultures, beliefs, and practices? This perspective encourages a holistic view of existence, one that values each individual and their unique contribution to life. It fosters a sense of humility, recognising that no single perspective can encapsulate the entirety of the Divine. Instead, each tradition is viewed as legitimately offering a glimpse into a greater reality, one that transcends human understanding. The Role of Language in Understanding Tawhid Language plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of complex theological concepts like Tawhid. The term “oneness” can imply a strict singularity that lacks nuance. In contrast, understanding Tawhid as “unity in multiplicity” allows for a richer interpretation. It acknowledges that while God is a unity, her manifestations (Zhuhur) and attributes (Sifat) are diverse, reflecting the complexity of the universe He created. This linguistic shift is not merely academic; it has practical implications for interfaith dialogue and coexistence. By embracing a more inclusive understanding of Tawhid, Muslims can engage more meaningfully with adherents of other faiths, especially Hindus and Christians. This approach fosters respect and recognition of the shared pursuit of understanding the Divine, while also celebrating the unique paths each tradition offers. Toward a More Inclusive Theology To move forward, it is essential for adherents of all religions/faiths to engage in open dialogue that transcends polemical boundaries. By reframing Tawhid as recognising Divine unity in multiplicity, we can foster discussions that emphasise the beauty of diversity within our shared belief in the Divine. This perspective encourages a collaborative exploration of faith, where constructive differences are not merely tolerated but also valued. The concept of Tawhid should not be understood as “Divine Oneness” but as Divine unity in multiplicity. This interpretation enriches our understanding of God and encourages a more nuanced approach to interfaith dialogue. By acknowledging the diverse expressions of the Divine, we can foster greater respect and appreciation for the complexities of faith. Ultimately, embracing this perspective invites us to recognise the interconnectedness of all creation and the myriad ways in which the Divine manifests in our lives. In doing so, we honour the essence of Tawhid and move toward a more inclusive and harmonious understanding of our shared humanity. ------ Checkout Dr. Adis Duderija’s personal website at: https://dradisduderija.com/ A decades old patron of New Age Islam, Dr Adis Duderija is a Senior Lecturer in the Study of Islam and Society, School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science; Senior Fellow Centre for Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue, Griffith University | Nathan | Queensland | Australia. His forthcoming books are (co-edited) - Shame, Modesty, and Honour in Islam and Interfaith Engagement beyond the Divide (Springer) URL: https://www.newageislam.com/debating-islam/tawhid-divine-unity-multiplicity/d/135530 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism