Last updated: November 3rd, 2025 at 3:18 pm · Est. Reading Time: 2 minutes
Belief in the Existence of a Single, Supreme Deity
Overview
Monotheism is the theological belief that only one God exists, who is the sole creator, sustainer, and moral authority of the universe. It stands in contrast to polytheism (belief in multiple gods) and atheism (denial of divine existence). Monotheism is a foundational concept in many Abrahamic religions and several ancient theological traditions. 1
Historical Origins
Monotheistic ideas emerged independently in various ancient cultures. One of the earliest known instances is the Atenist reform in 14th-century BCE Egypt under Akhenaten, though it was short-lived. Sustained monotheism is most strongly associated with the ancient Israelite religion, evolving into Judaism. From there, it profoundly influenced Christianity and Islam, both of which assert the exclusive worship of one God. 2
Monotheism in Arabia
In pre-Islamic Arabia, monotheism coexisted with polytheism and henotheism. Several South Arabian inscriptions, particularly from the Ḥimyarite Kingdom, invoke a single deity called Raḥmānān (“the Merciful”), associated with Jewish monotheism. Islam, emerging in the 7th century CE, emphasized tawḥīd (absolute oneness of God), becoming the dominant monotheistic faith in Arabia and beyond. 3
Core Features
Most monotheistic systems share several core features. They typically center on the belief in one supreme, transcendent deity and uphold the idea of divine revelation and prophecy. These systems also promote a universal moral order and often possess a sacred scripture or canon that guides religious practice and ethical behavior. Additionally, monotheistic traditions generally emphasize exclusive worship of the one deity and strictly prohibit idolatry. 4
Further Reading
https://historyofislam.org/sources-of-advent-of-islam
https://islamichistory.org/home/
End Notes
- John Hinnells (ed.), A Handbook of Living Religions (London: Penguin, 1991), pp. 3–5.
- Mark S. Smith, The Origins of Biblical Monotheism (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2001).
- Christian Robin, “The Religious Landscape of Ancient Arabia,” in Arabia and the Arabs, ed. Robert Hoyland (London: Routledge, 2001), pp. 75–94.
- Karen Armstrong, A History of God (New York: Knopf, 1993), pp. 32–60.