Pillars of Islam-Shahadah

Shahadah is an Arabic word of meaning “to know and believe without suspicion, as if witnessed”. The Shahadah is the Muslim declaration of belief in oneness of Allah Almighty and acceptance of Muhammad (SAW) as His Prophet. In Arabic it reads as: La Ilaha Illallah Muhammad Rasulullah which means “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger” in English.

The word Shahadah is derived from word Shahida meaning to observe, witness or testify. A single honest recitation of Shahadah in Arabic is required by a person to become a Muslim. This declaration of faith is called Kalima, which means “word” literally. The first and most important of five pillars of Islam is recitation of Shahadah. A public recitation of Shahadah can convert a non-Muslim to Islam. The significance of declaration of Shahadah is the belief that the only purpose of life is to obey and serve only Allah and this is achieved through the teachings and practices of last prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Shahadah come from the Quran as stated in the Surah Ali Imran verse 18 that there no another God than Allah alone. As Allah says in Quran,

                “There is no god but He(Allah):”(03:18)

And in Surah Al Munafiqin verse 1 of Quran Allah recognized Muhammad (SAW) as the last prophet and messenger of Allah.

                “they say, We bear witness that thou art indeed the Apostle of God.”(63:1)

These essences are combined to be the Shahadah, spoken by all Muslims in every prayer and anyone who wishes to convert to Islam.