What is the first belief in Iman-e-Mufassal?

The correct answer is No deity except Allah.

The belief in the Oneness of God, or Tawhid, is the first and most fundamental article of faith within the Iman-e-Mufassal. In Islamic theology, this is not merely a numerical statement that God is "one," but a profound philosophical and spiritual declaration that there is no entity worthy of worship, no ultimate creator, and no sustainer other than Allah. This belief serves as the "root" from which all other branches of the Islamic faith grow.

The Concept of Tawhid in Iman-e-Mufassal

The placement of the belief in Allah as the first item in the Iman-e-Mufassal is intentional and historically significant. Islamic scholars, drawing from the Quranic verse, "Say, He is Allah, [who is] One" (Surah Al-Ikhlas), established that all other beliefs—such as those in Angels, Books, or the Day of Judgment—depend entirely on the existence and authority of a single Creator.

Historically, this belief was the primary message of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during the Meccan period. For the first thirteen years of his mission, the focus was almost exclusively on establishing this singular truth in a society that practiced polytheism. By placing this belief first, the Iman-e-Mufassal mirrors the historical progression of the Islamic call.

Theological Dimensions of the First Belief

slamic jurists and theologians often divide this first belief into three distinct categories to ensure a comprehensive understanding:

Tawhid ar-Rububiyyah: The belief that Allah is the only Lord, Creator, and Controller of the universe.

Tawhid al-Uluhiyyah: The commitment that all acts of worship (prayer, fasting, sacrifice) must be directed solely toward Allah.

Tawhid al-Asma was-Sifat: The acknowledgment of Allah’s unique names and attributes as described in the Quran, without comparing them to human characteristics.

The Impact on a Believer’s Life

From a historical and sociological perspective, the first belief of Iman-e-Mufassal transformed the social fabric of the 7th-century Arabian Peninsula. It replaced tribal loyalties and the worship of various idols with a singular allegiance to one God. This shift promoted a sense of human equality, as all individuals were seen as equal subjects of the same Creator.

In the modern context, this belief remains the defining characteristic of a Muslim's identity. It provides a moral compass; if one believes that there is no deity except Allah, then one's ultimate accountability is to Him alone. This creates a sense of spiritual independence from worldly powers and material distractions.