The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said, “The most virtuous statement spoken by me and those prophets before me is the declaration of Tawheed.” This statement—the acknowledgment that there is no deity but Allah—is the foundation of faith. Let’s delve deeper into the meaning and blessings associated with it.
According to Abu Hurairah, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever says this phrase a hundred times a day, it will be as though he freed ten slaves. Moreover, he will gain a hundred rewards, and a hundred sins will be erased from his record. It will also act as protection from Satan for the whole day.”
Imagine the value in simply repeating this phrase with sincerity! Another narration by Abu Sa’id al-Khudri states that whoever recites this phrase after Fajr prayer will gain the reward of having freed a slave from the descendants of Ismail. This short phrase of Tawheed brings a multitude of blessings and rewards.
But what does this concept of Tawheed mean in a broader sense? It is about clearing one’s heart of all idols—not just physical ones but the invisible ones in our hearts and minds. It is about finding peace in knowing that Allah alone has control over everything, especially when the human heart often becomes entangled in worldly worries.
Our hearts, much like a compassionate mother, care deeply about everything we love. When a child is happy, the mother is happy; when the child suffers, the mother suffers. Similarly, when our hearts attach to worldly things, they bear the weight of these attachments. If the heart loves something or becomes deeply involved with it, then the pain and distress of that attachment take a toll.
This intense attachment and involvement with worldly affairs can lead to stress and anxiety. When we care about everything, from distant political events to small inconveniences like a torn shirt, we become overwhelmed. We often find ourselves concerned about the weather, the stock market, or even minor frustrations. This attachment to the world weighs us down, but Tawheed provides a way out.
Stress, as many say, arises when we assume that everything is chaotic or “left to chance.” But Tawheed teaches us that Allah controls all things—from the smallest atom to the largest galaxies. This belief brings relief, as it reminds us that everything operates within His divine plan.
By focusing on Tawheed, we understand that Allah is our sole provider and sustainer. All that happens is by His decree. This realization helps us to avoid placing undue hope on people or things, which often lead to disappointment. Instead, by trusting in Allah, we find a safe refuge and peace of mind.
In this life, we often look to others for solutions, making appeals to those in authority or relying on others for support. However, Tawheed teaches us to turn only to Allah in our time of need, knowing that He alone can fulfill our desires. This is a profound lesson—one that can save us from the stress of unmet expectations and the heartache of worldly attachments.
Let’s remember that asking Allah requires sincerity and faith. When we pray, it’s not just about making requests but about believing in His ability to answer. A true supplication is made from the heart, with a deep trust in Allah’s mercy and wisdom.
Thus, the Tawheed statement, “La ilaha illallah,” is more than a phrase; it’s a path to liberation from worldly anxieties, a reminder of who truly holds power, and a reassurance that all our affairs are in Allah’s hands. Through this profound understanding, we free ourselves from the mental burdens that life places on us and find peace in His divine guidance.