Monotheism

4. The Interconnection Between Tawhid and Human Agency

The Shia interpretation of Tawhid also facilitates an understanding of human agency and free will (Ikhtiyar). While God’s omnipotence remains central to the discourse, Shia theology postulates that He grants humans the ability to make choices. This tension between divine sovereignty and human autonomy is profoundly significant; it implies that while God is the ultimate architect of existence, humans hold a critical role as active participants in the unfolding of their destinies.

The ability to exercise free will also brings forth a relationship characterized by accountability. Every action, motivated by the conscious desire to align oneself with Tawhid, embarks the believer on a path toward spiritual elevation. The interplay between divine guidance and human effort becomes a dynamic dance, where the believer constantly seeks to align their will with the divine intent.