The Voice of Fitrah and the Call of Revelation: A Journey into the Proofs of Allah's Oneness

Introduction

In the silence of the tranquil night and the chaos of the bustling day, humans contemplate the magnificence and precision of the universe. While faith in the existence of a Creator settles in the heart, another, deeper, and more significant question emerges: Is this Creator One, or could there be more than one?

It is the question of monotheism—the essence of faith and the foundation of belief. Affirming Allah’s existence is the first step, but recognizing His Oneness is the ultimate summit sought by every truth-seeker.

In this article, we ascend together through the stages of knowledge, moving beyond the question of Allah’s existence to explore two powerful proofs of His Oneness. The first is the evidence of Fitrah, the inner voice that whispers the truth of monotheism in the depths of every human soul. The second is the evidence of revelation, the heavenly message that confirms and solidifies what Fitrah already testifies to.

These two proofs, like the wings of a bird soaring in the skies of truth, offer us a comprehensive vision of Allah’s Oneness. While the Fitrah reveals the natural inclination of the human self toward monotheism, revelation comes to affirm this truth and explain it with clarity.

Are you ready for an intellectual journey to explore the depths of Oneness? Let us sail through the seas of these two proofs, discovering together how the voice of Fitrah harmonizes with the message of revelation, confirming one undeniable truth: Allah is One, Alone, without partner or equal.

In the following pages, we will delve deeper into these two proofs, examining how they present a compelling case for the Oneness of Allah—a truth that is the core of faith and the foundation of the universe.

1. The Evidence of Fitrah

The Fitrah—the original, innate disposition planted deep within the human soul—serves as a powerful witness to Allah’s Oneness. It is not merely a fleeting inclination or an acquired idea but the very essence of the human spirit and psyche, driving it toward belief in one God. Let us explore the manifestations of this Fitrah:

A. The Innocence of Childhood and the Original Fitrah

Reflect on the words of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: "Every child is born upon Fitrah (the natural disposition); it is his parents who make him a Jew, Christian, or Zoroastrian.” [Bukhārī: 1385, Muslim: 2658]

This ḥadīth reveals a profound truth: every human being is born upon the pure Fitrah of monotheism.

Imagine a small child, untouched by the influences of society or education. Do we not observe that he naturally and instinctively inclines toward belief in a single, supreme power? The child’s first questions about the origin of the universe and who created it reflect this innate tendency toward monotheism. He does not ask about multiple gods or imagine a conflict between divine powers; rather, he seeks to understand a single Creator who is strong, wise, and omnipotent.

The Fitrah described in the ḥadīth is not a neutral state but a positive inclination toward Islam in its comprehensive meaning—submission to the One God. The child is born upon monotheism, not upon polytheism or corrupted belief systems that obscure the clarity of monotheism.

This truth has also been affirmed by modern psychological studies. Professor Justin Barrett, a renowned expert in this field, summarized his research on children’s innate Fitrah, stating: "Regardless of culture and without coercive instruction, children develop an inclination to seek meaning in their surroundings and understand them. When their minds are allowed to develop and grow naturally, this search leads them to believe in a designed world with a purpose, created by a wise Creator. They assume that this Creator is all-powerful, all-knowing, all-aware, and eternal.[47]"

Notice how the ḥadīth indicates that change comes later from external factors—parents and society. This confirms that the original state, the pure Fitrah, is one of pure monotheism. Shirk (associating partners with Allah) and other beliefs are deviations from this original Fitrah, imposed on the child by the surrounding environment.This understanding of Fitrah invites us to reflect on the importance of preserving the purity of human nature and protecting it from distortion and deviation. It also reminds us that returning to pure monotheism is, in truth, a return to the essence of human beings and their true nature.

B. Moments of Hardship: The Return of Fitrah to its Purity

In times of danger and distress, the reality of human Fitrah reveals itself in its clearest form. Even those who have strayed from faith or immersed themselves in Shirk find their hearts turning sincerely to one God. This phenomenon is not merely a random reaction but a return to the origin and essence of Fitrah.

The Qur’an portrays this state with remarkable precision in the verse:"So when they embark on a ship, they call upon Allah, sincere to Him in religion. But when He delivers them to the land, behold, they associate others with Him." [Al-‘Ankabut: 65]

This verse presents a vivid scene of humans returning to their original Fitrah in moments of imminent danger.

This phenomenon invites us to reflect on the strength and authenticity of Fitrah. It confirms that monotheism is not merely an acquired belief but the natural and original state of the human soul. Polytheism, regardless of how deeply rooted it appears, is in truth a foreign and unnatural intrusion upon a sound human nature.

However, some might ask: If Fitrah inclines naturally toward monotheism, why do we find polytheism widespread in certain societies?

The answer lies in the fact that although Fitrah is powerful, it can be distorted and deviated due to external factors:

1. Social Influence: A person may grow up in an environment that implants ideas contrary to Fitrah.
2. Ignorance: A lack of understanding about the reality of the universe may lead to incorrect interpretations that result in polytheism.
3. Desire: Humans may incline toward what satisfies their desires, even if it contradicts Fitrah.
4. Blind Imitation: Following parents and ancestors without thought can lead to the continuation of polytheism.

Yet, even in societies where polytheism is prevalent, we find that people, in moments of honesty with themselves—particularly in times of hardship—naturally turn toward one God.

Polytheism, in essence, contradicts the sound Fitrah. It opposes the innate sense of unity and harmony within the universe and defies the logical tendency to seek the simplest and most consistent explanation for existence.

In conclusion, the evidence of Fitrah calls us to reflect on the depths of ourselves and discover that natural inclination toward monotheism. It affirms that faith in Allah's Oneness is not merely an acquired idea but an essential part of our human makeup. Will we listen to the voice of Fitrah and respond to its sincere call?

The Evidence of Revelation: The Consistency of the Message of Monotheism Across Time and Space

The evidence of revelation provides a strong proof of Allah’s Oneness through the consistency of the message of monotheism across all divine revelations. This consistency, despite differences in time, place, and circumstances, serves as irrefutable evidence of the singular divine source.

Since the dawn of human history, prophets and messengers—from Adam to Muhammad (peace be upon them all)—have consistently called for the worship of one God. This unity in the essence of their message, despite the separation of times and places, affirms their divine source. Allah says: “And We did not send any messenger before you but We revealed to him that ‘There is no god but Me, so worship Me.’” [Al-Anbiyā: 25]

It is essential to understand that these prophets did not merely claim prophethood but brought clear proofs to confirm their truthfulness. These proofs, including miracles, accurate prophecies, and their exceptional character, affirm that the prophets were truthful in delivering Allah’s message. A dedicated section on this platform details the proofs of prophethood for further exploration.

The key point here is that anyone who believes in the prophets and trusts in the truthfulness of their message must also accept the clear reality they unanimously proclaimed: the Creator is One with no partner. If these prophets were truthful regarding the unseen matters and divine laws they conveyed, then their affirmation of Allah’s Oneness is undoubtedly even more credible and deserving of acceptance.

The prophets lived in vastly different circumstances—culturally, socially, and politically. Nevertheless, the message of monotheism remained unchanged and unwavering. This steadfastness points to a singular divine source that transcends human conditions and changes.

All prophets unanimously rejected polytheism in all its forms—whether it be idol worship, reverence of humans, or the deification of nature. This unified rejection of Shirk is a clear indication of the Oneness of the divine source.

The Qur’an, as the final revelation, affirms this truth from beginning to end. Allah says:“Say, ‘He is Allah, the One; Allah, the Eternal Refuge.’” [Al-Ikhlas: 1-2]This short Surah encapsulates the essence of monotheism clearly and explicitly.

Even the previous scriptures, despite the distortions that affected them, still carry remnants of the call to pure monotheism. For instance, in the Old Testament:“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One.” [Deuteronomy 6:4]

Similarly, in the Gospel, Jesus (peace be upon him) emphasizes this truth:“The most important commandment is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One.’” [Mark 12:29]

The message of monotheism delivered by all prophets aligns perfectly with the Fitrah and sound reason. This harmony underscores the authenticity of their message and the unity of its divine source.

Conclusion

At the conclusion of our intellectual journey through the proofs of Fitrah and revelation, we find ourselves before a strong and comprehensive proof of Allah’s Oneness.

On the one hand, the evidence of Fitrah reveals the natural and innate inclination within the human soul toward belief in one God. This inclination is manifest in the innocence of childhood and in moments of hardship, where the soul naturally returns to its original state.

On the other hand, the evidence of revelation confirms this innate truth through the consistent message of monotheism across all divine revelations. From Adam to Muhammad (peace be upon them all), the message has been one: La ilaha illa Allah—“There is no deity worthy of worship but Allah.” This consistency, despite varying times and places, serves as undeniable proof of the singular divine source.

The harmony between the voice of Fitrah and the message of revelation presents a powerful proof of Allah’s Oneness, addressing both the intellect and the heart. Monotheism is not merely a theoretical doctrine, but a profound truth deeply rooted in human existence, affirmed by divine revelations throughout history.

Thus, these two proofs invite us to reflect deeply on the greatness and Oneness of the Creator, urging us to respond to the call of Fitrah and revelation by believing in Allah, the One and Only, who has no partner and no equal.