The Arabic word "wahid" (واحد) means "one" in English. The spelling of this word in English may be confusing for non-native speakers due to its unique pronunciation. The IPA phonetic transcription of "wahid" is /wɑːˈhiːd/. The first sound, "w", is pronounced like the beginning of the word "we". The vowel sound in "ah" is pronounced like "a" in "father". The "d" at the end is pronounced like a soft "th" sound, making the full pronunciation "wah-heeth".
Wahid is an Arabic and Persian adjective or numeral that refers to the number one. In Arabic, it is written as وَاحِد (wāhid), while in Persian it is written as واحد (vāhid). This term is extensively used in the Islamic faith, specifically in the Quran and Hadith, to represent both the concept of oneness and unity.
In the Islamic context, Wahid is one of the names of Allah (God). It reflects the belief in tawhid, the fundamental Islamic principle emphasizing the oneness and unity of Allah. This concept of Wahid is deeply rooted in the idea that Allah is unique, unparalleled, and possesses no partners.
Beyond its theological usage, Wahid can also be understood as a general adjective that describes something or someone as single, singular, or solitary. In this sense, it can be used to characterize an individual unit or a lone entity.
Furthermore, Wahid can extend beyond numerical reference to symbolize uniqueness and distinction. It is often associated with commendations of excellence, as in referring to an exceptional achievement or a person with remarkable qualities.
Overall, whether as a numeral, a divine name, or an adjective, Wahid holds significant cultural, religious, and linguistic importance, emphasizing the oneness, singularity, uniqueness, and prominence within various contexts in the Arabic and Persian languages.
The word wahid has its roots in the Arabic language. Its etymology can be traced back to the Arabic root w-h-d, which carries the basic meaning of one or unity. In Arabic, wahid translates to one, and it is used to refer to the number one. It is also used in Islamic theology and philosophy to convey the concept of the oneness and unity of God, known as Tawhid. The word wahid has been adopted into various languages, including Persian, Urdu, and Turkish, with the same meaning of one.