Modern cognitive science shows deep interest in the nature of consciousness and its unity patterns, but Western cognitive models often lack religious and spiritual dimensions. The central concept of Islamic philosophy – Tawhid – presents comprehensive models of consciousness unity that reveal deep connections between existence, knowledge, and ethics. This theory of “Cognitive Tawhid” not only believes in the oneness of God but also presents a perspective about the unity of human consciousness, knowledge, and reality that can serve as a bridge between modern cognitive science and Islamic philosophy. This paper will present a new model by combining these deep concepts of Islamic philosophy with modern cognitive science, which can help understand human consciousness not only theoretically but practically.

The literal meaning of Tawhid is “making one” or “believing as one,” which is the fundamental point of Islamic teachings. It is not merely acknowledging God’s oneness but presents a comprehensive view about the universe, humanity, and knowledge. In Islamic philosophy, Tawhid means that the center and pivot of reality is only one being, and perfect unity is found in all His attributes and actions. According to Imam Ali, “Knowing God is knowing His Tawhid.” This knowledge of unity actually leads humans to the reality of their consciousness. In the context of modern cognitive science, this concept of Tawhid lays the foundation for a unified cognitive model where different cognitive processes unite in one unity.

In Islamic philosophy, human consciousness is seen as a unity that reflects God’s oneness. Sufis like Ibn Arabi have clarified this unity of consciousness through the theory of Wahdat al-Wujud (Unity of Existence). According to them, true consciousness is that which eliminates the artificial division between Creator and creation and recognizes the real unity between both. According to Al-Junayd, Tawhid means “separating the eternal from the temporal,” which actually shows that process of consciousness where humans recognize God’s eternal being while realizing their own temporal nature. According to modern cognitive science, this unity resembles harmony between different parts of the human brain, where different cognitive functions together form a unified consciousness.

The theory of cognitive Tawhid states that all true knowledge actually points to the same reality. Al-Ghazali clarified this through the concept of “levels of knowledge.” According to him, sensory knowledge, rational knowledge, and heart knowledge are actually different links of the same chain that ultimately lead to the knowledge of God. This model of cognitive Tawhid is very important for modern cognitive science because it shows that different types of knowledge (science, philosophy, religion) actually express different aspects of the same reality. In modern cognitive science, this theory can help understand connections between different cognitive domains.

Ibn Sina’s theory of Wajib al-Wujud (Necessary Existence) presented the unity of existence in a philosophical manner. He said that only God is necessarily existent, while all other beings are possibly existent. Thus, the entire universe is actually a manifestation of one existence. This consciousness of existential unity makes humans feel that they don’t exist isolated from the universe, but are part of a broader reality. This feeling actually becomes the means of true spiritual and cognitive development. According to modern physics, similar unity is found at the fundamental level of the universe, which supports this theory of Islamic philosophy.

The attainment of Tawhid is actually the name of a special quality of consciousness, in which humans begin to see themselves, the universe, and God as one unity. In this state, human mental, psychological, and spiritual abilities unite and assume a balanced state. Imam Ghazali interpreted this as “the opening of the heart’s eye.” In modern psychological terminology, it can be called “peak experience” or “transpersonal consciousness,” where different parts of human personality unite with each other. Modern cognitive research reveals that during meditation and remembrance, brain waves assume a special pattern that indicates this unified conscious state.

In Islamic philosophy, knowledge is seen as a sequential system based on Tawhid. This chain starts from sensory knowledge, passes through rational knowledge, and reaches heart knowledge. Each knowledge has its own scope and limits, but all together express the same reality. The knowledge of this chain actually helps humans unite different levels of their consciousness. In modern cognitive science, this chain resembles different cognitive levels, spread from basic sensory information to highest cognitive processes.

An important aspect of Tawhid is that it teaches to see unity in diversity. Apparently, infinite diversity is seen in the universe, but according to Islamic philosophy, one unity operates behind this diversity. The same theory applies to human consciousness – despite different thoughts, emotions, and feelings, the basic unity of consciousness remains intact. Recognizing this unity is actually the means of true cognitive development. According to modern cognitive science, despite different neurological processes in the human brain, the unity of consciousness remains intact, which supports this theory of Islamic philosophy.

According to Tawhidi epistemology, the real source of knowledge is God, who is the absolute knower. The knowledge that humans acquire is actually a partial reflection of that absolute knowledge. Therefore, all true knowledge is actually interconnected. This theory is very important for modern educational systems, which divide different knowledge into separate compartments. Tawhidi epistemology maintains the comprehensiveness of knowledge by establishing connections between these knowledges. In modern cognitive science, this theory can provide a strong foundation for interdisciplinary research.

Sufis created various meditation and remembrance methods for attaining Tawhid, which are actually practical means of consciousness evolution. The purpose of these methods is to unite human different conscious centers. Modern cognitive science has proven that these methods of meditation and remembrance actually help reach the highest states of consciousness by balancing brain waves. Neuroscience research reveals that during remembrance and meditation, frontal lobe activity of the brain increases, which indicates the unity of consciousness.

The concept of Tawhid is not limited to individual consciousness alone, but it also has a social aspect. In Islamic philosophy, the concept of Ummah actually represents a collective consciousness, where different individuals together form a cognitive unity. This collective consciousness is much more powerful than individual consciousness and can play an important role in solving collective problems. In modern cognitive science, it can be understood through the concept of “collective consciousness” or “group mind,” where individuals together form a collective cognitive system.

In the field of ethics, Tawhid means that all moral values are derived from one source. In Islamic philosophy, the determination of good and evil is according to God’s commands rather than human desires. Thus, ethical Tawhid protects humans from moral relativism and provides a system of stable moral values, which helps maintain peace and balance at both individual and collective levels. In modern cognitive science, this theory can help understand moral decision-making processes.

Amazingly, these cognitive models of Tawhid are compatible with modern cognitive science. Modern physics has proven that at the fundamental level of the universe, unity is found in all things. Similarly, modern cognitive science has also proven that human consciousness works as a unity despite consisting of different parts. The cognitive model of Tawhid can serve as a bridge between these two fields. Modern neuroscience research reveals that different parts of the brain together form a unified consciousness, which supports Islamic philosophy’s theory of unity.

Practical applications of cognitive Tawhid models can occur in various fields of life. In the field of education, it can establish connections between different subjects. In psychological treatment, it can balance human different psychological states. In social sciences, it can help create harmony between different social groups. In modern cognitive science, this model can also help design integrated cognitive systems in the field of artificial intelligence.

This model of cognitive Tawhid opens several pathways for the future. It can provide a new theoretical framework in the field of artificial intelligence, where AI systems can be designed as a unity. It can also introduce new methods in treating cognitive disorders. Moreover, it can create new branches of knowledge by creating harmony between different sciences. Future research can determine how this cognitive model of Tawhid can work in complete harmony with modern science and technology.

This theory of cognitive Tawhid not only shows the depth of Islamic philosophy but can also prove to be a valuable gift for modern cognitive science. This theory teaches us how we can create balance and harmony in our individual and collective lives by attaining consciousness of unity. Future research on this subject can help us understand these deep mysteries of consciousness, which can become a means not only of cognitive development but also of spiritual evolution. This model of cognitive Tawhid can actually prove to be the precursor of a new era of knowledge and wisdom.