Shahadah: The Declaration of Faith

What is the Shahadah?

The Shahadah is the fundamental creed of Islam, a declaration of faith in the oneness of Allah (God) and the acceptance of Muhammad as His final prophet. It is the first and most important of the Five Pillars of Islam. The declaration in Arabic is:

أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ ٱللَّٰهِ

"Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasulullah."

This translates to: "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah."

The Two Parts of the Shahadah

The Shahadah consists of two distinct parts:

• The affirmation of Tawhid: The first part, "la ilaha illallah," affirms the absolute oneness of God. It is a declaration that there is only one Creator and Sustainer of the universe, and that He alone is worthy of worship.
• The acceptance of Prophethood: The second part, "Muhammadan rasulullah," confirms the prophethood of Muhammad. By reciting this, a Muslim accepts the Quran, revealed to Prophet Muhammad, as divine guidance and his teachings (the Sunnah) as the primary source of Islamic law.

Significance of the Shahadah

The Shahadah is the gateway to Islam. A person becomes a Muslim by sincerely reciting this phrase with understanding and conviction. It is not merely a verbal statement but a profound commitment that shapes a Muslim's entire life, influencing their beliefs, actions, and moral compass. It is a constant reminder of one's purpose and relationship with God.