Dusra Kalma Shahadat (The Word of Testimony)
The dusra Kalma Shahadat, also known as the Word of Testimony, is the foundation of the Islamic faith. It is a simple yet powerful announcement that expresses a Muslim’s belief in the oneness of ALLAH and the prophet hood of Muhammad (peace be upon him).
This statement is the first and most important step in becoming a Muslim, and it holds a deep spiritual and practical importance in the life of every believer in Islam.
This article will give you the information and explore the Kalma Shahadat in detail, explaining its meaning, importance, and the role it plays in shaping a Muslim’s faith and daily life.
What is the Kalma Shahadat?
The Kalma Shahadat is the first pillar of Islam and shows a Muslim’s belief in one God and that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His prophet.It is recited as:
Kalma Shahadat in Arabic
اَشْهَدُ اَنْ لَّآ اِلٰهَ اِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَہٗ لَاشَرِيْكَ لَہٗ وَاَشْهَدُ اَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهٗ وَرَسُولُہٗ
Kalma Shahadat in English
“I bear witness that no one deserves to be worshiped except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
Kalma Shahadat in Urdu
“میں گواہی دیتا ہوں کہ اللہ کے سوا کوئی معبود نہیں، اور میں گواہی دیتا ہوں کہ محمد (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) اللہ کے رسول ہیں۔”
The Meaning of the Kalma Shahadat
Meaning of second kalima Shahadat
1. Belief in the Oneness of Allah (Tawheed)
The first part of the Shahadat,
أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله
(Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah)
This translates to: “I declare that no one deserves to be worshiped except Allah.” It confirms the main belief in Tawheed (believing in one God), making it clear that only Allah should be worshiped. It rejects worshiping idols or many gods, which is the base of Islam.
2. Belief in the Prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him)
The second part of the Shahadah,
This translates to: “And I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.” This phrase acknowledges that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is Allah’s final prophet, sent to guide humanity with the message of the Quran and his teachings (Sunnah).
Importance of the Kalma Shahadat
The First Step to Islam
The Shahadah is the first and most important step in becoming a Muslim. Saying it sincerely and with understanding means accepting Islam and its teachings fully.
Daily Reminder of Faith
Muslims say the Shahadah many times every day, especially during their prayers (Salah). Repeating it often strengthens their belief and helps them stay connected to Allah.
A Statement That Brings Muslims Together
The Kalma Shahadah is something all Muslims around the world have in common. No matter their nationality, language, or culture, this belief unites them as one community.
The Base for Other Pillars of Islam
The Shahadah is the foundation for the other four pillars of Islam:
Prayer (Salah)
Charity (Zakat)
Fasting (Sawm)
Pilgrimage (Hajj)
Without believing in the Shahadah, these acts wouldn’t have any religious value. It gives meaning to everything else in Islam.
How to Recite the Kalma Shahadah
Reciting the Kalma Shahadah involves:
- Believing in Your Heart: You must truly understand and believe in the meaning of the Shahadah.
- Saying the Words: Recite the Shahadah in Arabic with honesty and sincerity.
- Living by Its Teachings: Follow the guidance of Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in your daily life.
For non-Muslims who want to become Muslim, it is common to say the Shahadah in front of witnesses to officially accept Islam.
The Kalma Shahadah in the Quran and Hadith
References of Kalma Shahadah in the Quran
The idea of the Shahadah is mentioned many times in the Quran:
“So know, [O Muhammad], that there is no deity except Allah…”
(Surah Muhammad: 19)
“There is no deity except Him, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.”
(Surah Al-Imran: 18)
References of Kalma Shahadat in the Hadith
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also stressed the importance of the Shahadah:
“Whoever declares that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger will enter Paradise.”
(Sahih Muslim)
“The best action is to believe in Allah alone, and the worst sin is to worship others besides Him.”
(Sahih Bukhari)
Spiritual Benefits of the Kalma Shahadah
- Makes Faith Stronger
Saying and understanding the Shahadah helps a person get closer to Allah and builds a strong relationship with Him. - Gives Inner Peace
Believing in Allah and following His teachings brings peace of mind and a sense of purpose in life. - Encourages Responsibility
The Shahadah reminds Muslims to live a good and honest life, knowing that they are answerable to Allah.
The Kalma Shahadah means “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger.” It became the main belief of Islam. In the beginning, accepting this belief was dangerous because Muslims were treated badly by those who didn’t agree with them. Still, they stayed strong and kept sharing the message. Over time, the Kalma Shahadah became the foundation of Islam, bringing Muslims together through their belief in Allah and His Prophet.
Summery
The Kalma Shahadah (The Word of Testimony) is the heart of Islam. It is not just words to say but a way to live. By reciting and following the Shahadah, Muslims promise to worship only Allah and follow the teachings of His last Prophet, Muhammad (peace be upon him).
This simple yet meaningful statement is the key to success in this life and the next. It is the foundation of a Muslim’s faith. Whether you are a Muslim strengthening your belief or someone learning about Islam, the Shahadat serves as a strong reminder of Allah’s oneness and the guidance He sent through His Messenger.
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