Tawḥīd, Tazkiyah, and Islah: The Muslim Mission to Resist Oppression and Establish Justice
Tawḥīd: The Source of Moral Clarity
Tawḥīd—affirming the Oneness of God—is the foundation of all prophetic missions. It is not merely a theological claim; it is a moral stance. To affirm lā ilāha illā Allāh is to reject all false authorities, unjust systems, and ego-driven allegiances.
“Say: Indeed, my prayer, my sacrifice, my life, and my death are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.” (Qur’an 6:162)
This declaration gives birth to two lifelong objectives:
– Tazkiyah: Purifying the soul from arrogance, fear, and hypocrisy
– Islah: Reforming society to reflect divine justice and mercy
Together, they form the rhythm of true worship (‘ibādah), living for Allah by transforming both the self and the world.
Tazkiyah: The Inner Struggle That Fuels Justice
Tazkiyah is the spiritual engine of justice. It is the process of aligning the heart with divine truth, removing the toxins of ego, tribalism, and apathy. Without Tazkiyah, justice becomes performative or politicized. With it, justice becomes worship.
“He has succeeded who purifies it, and he has failed who corrupts it.” (Qur’an 91:9–10)
Tazkiyah prepares the soul to:
– Resist oppression with sincerity
– Act justly without arrogance
– Sacrifice comfort for principle
Islah: Reform as a Manifestation of Tawḥīd
Islah is the outward expression of Tawḥīd. It is the prophetic mission to repair what is broken, whether in institutions, communities, or relationships. Every prophet was sent not just to warn, but to reform.
“And do not cause corruption on the earth after its reformation.” (Qur’an 7:56)
Islah is not reactive, it is visionary. It seeks to build a society where divine justice is not just preached but practiced.
Resisting Oppression: Tazkiyah and Islah in Action
Oppression (ẓulm) is a violation of Tawḥīd. It elevates human power above divine truth. The Qur’an warns:
“Do not think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them…” (Qur’an 14:42)
In Democratic Societies
– Tazkiyah: Purify intentions—resist ego-driven activism and factionalism.
– Islah: Use civic tools to challenge unjust laws and educate the public.
“Stand firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah…” (Qur’an 4:135)
In Authoritarian Contexts
– Tazkiyah: Cultivate courage and dignity in the face of fear.
– Islah: Build moral networks, protect the vulnerable, and preserve truth.
“Do not incline toward those who do wrong…” (Qur’an 11:113)
In Conflict Zones
– Tazkiyah: Maintain spiritual resilience and hope.
– Islah: Document truth, support nonviolent resistance, and amplify voices.
“Establish the testimony for Allah.” (Qur’an 65:2)
Establishing Justice: The Fruit of Tazkiyah and Islah
Justice (ʿadl and qisṭ) is a divine attribute. To establish it is to reflect God’s Oneness in society.
“Indeed, Allah commands justice, excellence, and giving to relatives…” (Qur’an 16:90)
In Education
– Tazkiyah: Teach with humility and sincerity.
– Islah: Reform curricula and empower youth to become agents of justice.
In Civic Institutions
– Tazkiyah: Serve with integrity, resisting corruption and favoritism.
– Islah: Advocate for laws that protect the marginalized and hold power accountable.
“Judge between them by what Allah has revealed…” (Qur’an 5:48)
In Daily Life
– Tazkiyah: Practice fairness even when inconvenient.
– Islah: Support the oppressed and model prophetic ethics.
> “Give full measure and weight in justice…” (Qur’an 6:152)
The Sacred Cycle: Tazkiyah and Islah as Worship
Tazkiyah without Islah becomes isolation. Islah without Tazkiyah becomes corruption. Together, they form the sacred cycle of prophetic mission:
– Purify the soul (Tazkiyah) →
– Reform the world (Islah) →
– Return to purification →
– Deepen reform
This cycle is the essence of true ‘ibādah, living for Allah by transforming both the self and society.
Closing Reflection: Tawḥīd as Resistance
“And what is [the matter] with you that you fight not in the cause of Allah and [for] the oppressed…” (Qur’an 4:75)
Tawḥīd is not a retreat, it is a revolution. It liberates the soul from fear, the mind from confusion, and society from tyranny. To resist oppression and establish justice is not political activism, it is worship. It is the living expression of lā ilāha illā Allāh.