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      Tawhid and the nature of Allah

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain what Muslims believe about tawhid and the nature of Allah.

      Key learning points

      1. Tawhid means a belief in the oneness of God. Surah 3:18 supports this.
      2. In Islam, Allah is believed to be omnipotent, beneficent, merciful, fair and just. Surah 46:33 supports this.
      3. In Islam, Allah is believed to be both transcendent and immanent.

      Keywords

      • Beneficent - Allah as all loving, generous and kind; one of Allah’s 99 names

      • Immanent - Allah is present and active in the world

      • Omnipotent - Allah is all powerful

      • Tawhid - 'oneness' in reference to God; the basic Muslim belief in the oneness of Allah

      • Transcendent - Allah is above, beyond and independent of the world

      Common misconception

      Sunni Muslims do not believe in the justice of Allah (adalat) because it is not mentioned in the six articles of faith.

      Al-Adl ('the Just') is one of the 99 names of Allah and is important to Sunni Muslims as well as Shia Muslims. While it isn't in the six articles of faith, it may be seen as part of a belief in tawhid - the oneness of God.

      Teacher tip

      Students can read lists of the other 99 names of Allah in order to learn more about Muslim beliefs about the nature of Allah.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      Crucifixion, as an ancient Roman method of execution, is most famously associated with the death of .

      Correct Answer: Jesus, jesus

      Q2.
      What is the significance of the crucifixion in Christianity?

      it represents Jesus' ascension to heaven
      Correct answer: it refers to Jesus' death on the cross as an act of sacrifice
      it was a ceremonial ritual before the resurrection
      it is a symbol of Jesus' miracles

      Q3.
      Why did the Jewish leaders want to arrest Jesus?

      he performed miracles
      Correct answer: he was accused of blasphemy
      he healed the sick
      he claimed to be the Messiah

      Q4.
      Who betrayed Jesus on the night of Passover and the Last Supper?

      Peter
      John
      Correct answer: Judas
      Thomas

      Q5.
      What do the Gospels agree on regarding Jesus' crucifixion?

      they all provide identical details of the crucifixion
      Correct answer: they all confirm that Jesus died on the cross
      they only describe Jesus' resurrection
      they do not mention Jesus' crucifixion

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      What does Tawhid in Islam refer to?

      the belief in multiple gods
      Correct answer: the belief in the oneness of God
      the belief that Allah has no power
      the belief in the importance of angels

      Q2.
      Which Surah supports the concept of Tawhid in Islam?

      Correct answer: Surah 3:18
      Surah 5:32
      Surah 2:255
      Surah 4:56

      Q3.
      Which of the following qualities is not attributed to Allah in Islam, according to Surah 46:33?

      omnipotence
      mercifulness
      benevolence
      Correct answer: vengefulness

      Q4.
      In Islam, Allah is believed to be both and immanent, meaning He is beyond and within the world.

      Correct Answer: transcendent, Transcendent

      Q5.
      Which of the following statements about the belief in Al-Adl ('the Just') in Islam is correct?

      it is one of the six articles of faith in Islam
      Correct answer: it refers to the belief that Allah is fair and just in all matters
      it is a name only recognised by Sunni Muslims
      it is not considered important in Sunni or Shi'a Islam

      To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Tawhid and the nature of Allah, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...