Understanding the Divine Oneness: Al-Wāḥid and Al-Aḥad

In this enlightening post, we explore two of the most profound names of Allah — Al-Wāḥid (The One) and Al-Aḥad (The Unique One). These divine names emphasize the absolute oneness, uniqueness, and perfection of Allah, who has no partner, peer, or rival. Every creation depends upon Him, while He depends on none.

The names Al-Wāḥid and Al-Aḥad both point to the essence of Tawḥīd — the belief in the oneness of Allah. Bilāl (may Allah be pleased with him), when tortured for his faith, repeatedly declared “Aḥad Aḥad” — affirming that Allah alone deserves worship. This phrase became a timeless symbol of unwavering faith and devotion.

The Dimensions of Oneness

The oneness of Allah manifests in several aspects:

1. Oneness in His Essence and Attributes (al-Asmāʾ wa Ṣifāt):

   Allah is unique in His being and attributes. He neither begets nor is begotten, and there is none comparable to Him. It is not befitting for Him to have a child or partner, for He is the Creator of all things. As the Qur’an states (interpretation of the meaning), “The heavens almost rupture at the claim that the Most Merciful has taken a son” (Surah Maryam 19:90–91).

2. Oneness in His Lordship (Rubūbiyyah):

   Allah alone creates, sustains, and governs the universe. Every action — from bringing life and causing death to granting sustenance — is solely under His command. Were there multiple deities managing creation, disorder would ensue, as even two rulers cannot coexist in perfect harmony. This divine unity ensures the balance and perfection of all existence.

3. Oneness in His Divinity (Ulūhiyyah):

   Only Allah is worthy of worship. Any being or object worshipped besides Him is a false deity. True servitude means directing all acts of devotion, love, and reliance toward Allah alone.

   
   

The Perfect Pairing of Divine Names

Allah pairs Al-Wāḥid with Al-Qahhār (The Subduer) in the Qur’an, signifying that His oneness is inseparable from His absolute power. Similarly, Al-Aḥad is paired with As-Ṣamad (The Eternal Refuge) in Surat al-Ikhlāṣ, describing Allah as the One to whom all creation turns in need — self-sufficient, eternal, and beyond comparison.

Living Tawḥīd in Our Lives

Belief in Al-Wāḥid and Al-Aḥad has deep practical implications. It teaches full trust and reliance upon Allah, for He alone controls our affairs. It nurtures peace of heart, knowing that we are under His care. It also strengthens the heart’s attachment to Allah above worldly means — seeking help first through prayer and supplication.

Ultimately, understanding these names transforms faith into action. A believer who internalizes Tawḥīd becomes mindful of time, purposeful in deeds, and sincere in worship. As Al-Ḥasan al-Baṣrī said, “O son of Adam, you are but days; when a day passes, a part of you is gone.”

Let us strive to live every moment conscious of the One and Unique — Al-Wāḥid, Al-Aḥad — and find peace in being His devoted servants.

The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/76kqSN5--Ek

The direct link to the audio on the podcast app is here: https://on.soundcloud.com/9eZD8eAIECpxFtE0KL