“The First ‘Monotheist’ Was Satan: A Deep Reading in the Light of the Qur’an, Hadith, and Social Reality”
Tawheed — the unwavering belief in the oneness of Allah — is the foundational pillar of Islam. Every true Muslim must reflect this belief in all aspects of their life. However, merely believing in tawheed does not complete one’s faith. Islam defines faith (Iman) as a combination of belief in Tawheed, Risalah (belief in and obedience to the Prophets), and the Hereafter.
In today’s society, we observe a group that calls itself the “Tawheedi Janata” (Monotheistic People), who claim allegiance to Allah alone while disregarding the Messenger of Allah, the Awliya (saints), Islamic traditions, and spiritual leadership. Under the guise of tawheed, they spread hatred, violence, and division. This ideology, however, is not new — the first follower of this path was none other than Iblis (Satan) himself.
Satan: The First ‘Tawheedi Janata’
Iblis was a being who firmly believed in the existence, authority, and oneness of Allah. His original name was Azazil — a devout jinn who had ascended to such a high spiritual rank through worship that he dwelled among the angels.
“Iblis’s name was Azazil. He was a pious jinn on earth. His devotion was so intense that he was counted among the leaders of the angels.”
(Ibn Kathir, Al-Bidaya wa’l-Nihaya, Vol 1, Page 142)
He was a staunch “monotheist.” He acknowledged none but Allah. Yet, his faith was incomplete, for he rejected the command of the Prophet.
The Command to Prostrate Before Adam (AS): Iblis’s Pride and Rejection
When Allah created Adam (AS), He ordered the angels and Iblis to prostrate before him. This prostration was not of worship but of honor and obedience.
“And [mention] when We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate before Adam’; so they prostrated, except for Iblis. He refused, was arrogant, and became one of the disbelievers.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah: 34)
Iblis argued:
“I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay.”
(Surah Al-A’raf: 12)
The core of Iblis’s sin was rejecting Allah’s command, denying the honor of the Prophet, and expressing arrogance. Thus, although he believed in Allah — tawheed — he denied risalah, or Prophethood.
Belief in Tawheed Alone Is Not Enough — Belief in Prophethood Is Also Obligatory
Iblis believed in Allah; he spoke directly with Him. Yet, because he rejected the Prophet, he became a disbeliever.
“Whoever does not believe in Allah and His Messenger is surely among the disbelievers.”
(Surah At-Tawbah: 84)
“Obey the Messenger; but if you turn away — then know that Our Messenger’s duty is only to deliver [the message] clearly.”
(Surah An-Nur: 54)
Thus, belief in the oneness of Allah alone does not make one a true believer unless one also follows His Messenger.
The Faith of Abu Jahl: A Corrupted ‘Monotheism’
During the time of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), there was a man named Abu Jahl — a symbol of anti-Islamic opposition. Yet, historians note that he, too, believed in the oneness of Allah.
His problem was with risalah — he refused to accept Prophethood. He said, “How can my nephew be a Prophet? I am the leader of the tribe. If I accept him, where does that leave my status?”
“Abu Jahl used to say — I know Muhammad (PBUH) does not lie. But we and the Banu Hashim clan have always competed. If we accept his Prophethood, we admit defeat forever.”
(Ibn Hisham, Sirat-un-Nabi)
This arrogance, tribal pride, and concern for worldly status led him to reject the truth. Like Iblis, he acknowledged Allah but denied the Messenger.
Read More:The sacrifice that Allah loves
Today’s ‘Tawheedi Janata’ and the Spirit of Iblis
Today, there is a group that brands itself as the “Tawheedi Janata”. They say, “We believe in Allah alone. We reject saints, shrines, and spiritual hierarchy. Excessive respect for the Prophet is shirk.”
They demolish shrines, consider the graves of saints impure, and try to erase centuries of Islamic tradition. In truth, their ideology mirrors the arrogance of Iblis and the pride of Abu Jahl.
The True Spirit of Islam: Tawheed + Risalah + Sainthood (Wilayah)
A true Muslim never limits faith to a one-dimensional belief. According to the Qur’an and Hadith, complete faith requires:
“There are three qualities, whoever possesses them will taste the sweetness of faith: (1) Allah and His Messenger are more beloved to him than anything else, (2) He loves a person solely for the sake of Allah, (3) He hates to return to disbelief as much as he would hate to be thrown into fire.”
(Sahih Bukhari)
Read More:The Trap of Ayat-e-Mutashabihat and Mental-Imani Impurity
Conclusion
Satan was the first “monotheistic” rebel in history. He acknowledged Allah but rejected the Prophethood of Adam (AS). His arrogance, hatred, pride, and defiance led him to ruin.
Today, those who deny the Prophet, saints, Islamic heritage, and the Sufi path in the name of tawheed are merely carrying forward the ideology of Iblis.
Belief in Allah is obligatory, but so is belief in His Messenger and the spiritual leadership (wilayah). Whoever denies any of these three, their faith is incomplete — they are not true believers.
