Islam and Monotheism

The Element introduces the concept of God in Islamic thought and explores conceptions of truth, morality, and virtue.

Celene Ibrahim (Author)

9781108986519, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 15 September 2022

62 pages
22.8 x 15.1 x 0.4 cm, 0.11 kg

Monotheism (tawḥīd)-as attested to by the cosmos, known through reason, explicated in revelation, and exemplified by the lives of the righteous-forms the core of the Islamic worldview. A conviction in this unadulterated monotheism unifies Muslims across time and place; it is found in the core profession of faith (the shahāda) and is reinforced by thousands of Qur'anic verses and prophetic teachings. Drawing on the Qur'anic discourse, sayings of the Prophet Muḥammad, and select theological works, this Element provides a concise and accessible introduction to the most fundamental concept in Islamic thought. The work explains the nature and attributes of God and examines how tawḥīd informs conceptions of truth, morality, piety, and virtue.

1. Introduction
2. Conceptualizing Tawḥīd: God in Islamic Theology
3. Discerning Tawḥīd: Human Awareness of God
4. Compromising Tawḥīd: Deficient Understanding of God
5. Imbibing Tawḥīd: Ritual and Contemplative Life
6. Forty Qur'anic Verses on God's Nature
7. Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Theology [HRLB], Islamic theology [HRHT], Islam [HRH], Religious issues & debates [HRAM], Religion: general [HRA], Religion & beliefs [HR]