Pure Monotheism: Recognizing Allah as the Ultimate Source of Power Sayyid Hussain Muhammad al-Qaini relates that his esteemed teacher, the great Ayatollah Sheikh Murtada al-Ansari (may God bless his soul), once offered a profound illustration of the reality of pure monotheism (Tawhid). He says: "If someone were to place a knife on your stomach in a dark alley at night, with the intention of stabbing you, and yet you were sure that the knife could not cut you unless Allah willed it, then you would be truly a monotheist. How many people in the world can maintain such certainty in a moment of imminent danger? This example invites us to reflect on the depth of our faith: it is easy to declare faith in Allah when life is peaceful and circumstances are comfortable. The real test, however, lies in whether our hearts remain firmly attached to Him when fear, uncertainty and danger surround us. Allah declares in the Holy Qur'an: "And if Allah touches you with an affliction, there is no remover from it except Him; and if He intends your good, then there is no turning back His bounty. " (Qur'an 10:107) This verse reminds us that nothing operates independently of the will of Allah. Although this world operates through material causes and natural laws, these causes have no independent power. A knife may cut, medicine may heal, and fire may burn, but none of these act beyond the command and authority of the Creator. Allah also says: "And you did not throw when you threw, but it was Allah who threw." " (Qur'an 8:17) This verse illustrates a fundamental dimension of Tawhid: human beings act, and the factors produce their effects, but all power and existence ultimately depend on Allah. Pure monotheism does not mean abandoning caution or ignoring worldly causes. This means recognizing that these causes are not independent of their Creator.

Pure Monotheism: Recognizing Allah as the Ultimate Source of Power Sayyid Hussain Muhammad al-Qaini relates that his esteemed teacher, the great Ayatollah Sheikh Murtada al-Ansari (may God bless his soul), once offered a profound illustration of the reality of pure monotheism (Tawhid). He says: "If someone were to place a knife on your stomach in a dark alley at night, with the intention of stabbing you, and yet you were sure that the knife could not cut you unless Allah willed it, then you would be truly a monotheist. How many people in the world can maintain such certainty in a moment of imminent danger? This example invites us to reflect on the depth of our faith: it is easy to declare faith in Allah when life is peaceful and circumstances are comfortable. The real test, however, lies in whether our hearts remain firmly attached to Him when fear, uncertainty and danger surround us. Allah declares in the Holy Qur'an: "And if Allah touches you with an affliction, there is no remover from it except Him; and if He intends your good, then there is no turning back His bounty. " (Qur'an 10:107) This verse reminds us that nothing operates independently of the will of Allah. Although this world operates through material causes and natural laws, these causes have no independent power. A knife may cut, medicine may heal, and fire may burn, but none of these act beyond the command and authority of the Creator. Allah also says: "And you did not throw when you threw, but it was Allah who threw." " (Qur'an 8:17) This verse illustrates a fundamental dimension of Tawhid: human beings act, and the factors produce their effects, but all power and existence ultimately depend on Allah. Pure monotheism does not mean abandoning caution or ignoring worldly causes. This means recognizing that these causes are not independent of their Creator.