Definition
Affirming that Allah alone deserves to be worshipped — through prayer, du‘ā', sacrifice, vows, fear, hope, love, reliance, and every other act of worship. This is the category of Tawheed for which the messengers were sent and over which the Quraysh fought the Prophet ﷺ.
Pronunciation: taw-HEED al-u-loo-HEE-yah
Etymology & Root
From الإله (al-ilāh) — 'the one worshipped' — itself from the root أ-ل-ه (a-l-h), meaning 'to worship' or 'to turn to.' Hence, Tawḥīd al-Ulūhiyyah is to single Allah out as the sole object of worship.
Usage in the Qur'an
Allah says: 'And your god is one God; there is no deity except Him.' (al-Baqarah 2:163) Every messenger said to his people: 'Worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him.' (al-A‘rāf 7:59)
Scholarly Notes
Ibn Taymiyyah noted that this category is the heart of the dispute between the messengers and their nations. The kuffār affirmed Rubūbiyyah but rejected Ulūhiyyah — refusing to abandon worship of their idols and intercessors.
Common Misconceptions
Some assume worship is only ritual prayer. In reality, worship encompasses every word and deed — outward and inward — that Allah loves and is pleased with: du‘ā', fear, hope, trust, vows, slaughter, etc.
Practical Application
Audit your acts of devotion: do you fear anyone as you fear Allah? Do you place ultimate hope in anyone besides Him? Do you call upon anyone other than Him in moments of distress? All such inner acts are Ulūhiyyah.
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Related Terms
More from Aqeedah Terms
The natural disposition every soul is created upon.
Disbelief — rejecting Allah or what He revealed.
Singling Allah out for worship.
Intercession on the Day of Judgement.
Affirming Allah's names and attributes as He affirmed them.
Submission to Allah with Tawheed.