A Clear Statement on Divine Unity

The phrase “And there is no god except one God” is clearer in expressing unity (tawḥīd) than “there is no god but God” (lā ilāha illā llāh), because the word of negation with the addition of “min” (min) conveys an emphasis that cannot be understood without this addition, just as if the word “god” (ilāh) were definite - for example, if it were said “there is no god except God” (mā min al-ilāh illā llāh) - it would still not be sufficient, because the nunation (tanwīn) of “god” (ilāh) and its indefinite state contribute greatly to conveying emphasis. On the other hand, the first “god” (ilāh), which is also indefinite, with the addition of “min” (min) has great effect in clarifying unity (tawḥīd) and emphasizing it.