If you’re here, you’re likely curious about the Shahada—the Islamic declaration of faith that billions of Muslims across the world hold close to their hearts. I can relate to this interest because, for me, the Shahada isn’t just a phrase; it’s a statement that defines who I am as a Muslim. If you’re someone looking to understand the Shahada in Arabic or just want to deepen your knowledge, you’re in the right place.
In this blog, I’ll take you on a journey to explore the Shahada in Arabic, as well as English also, from its simple translation to its deeper meanings, spiritual significance, and why it’s a cornerstone of the Islamic faith. Together, we’ll unpack its power, answer common questions, and reflect on how the Shahada can truly transform lives. We’ll begin by understanding what the Shahada means, break it down into its two essential parts, and see why reciting it in Arabic is so important. By the end, I’m sure you’ll have a more profound appreciation for what the Shahada in Islam means and why Muslims recite it daily, not just with their lips but with their hearts.
As always I seek refuge in Allah Almighty from all kinds of harm and pray that He makes my work easy. I also pray that He considers this effort a means of salvation for us in this world and the hereafter. Whatever is good in my writing is entirely a blessing from Allah Almighty, and any faults are due to Satan (Devil) and my own lack of knowledge. JazakAllah. (Thank you).
What is the Shahada in Arabic?
At its core, the Shahada (الشهادة), which means “testimony” or “witnessing” in Arabic, is a declaration of faith that is the most fundamental expression of Islamic belief. It consists of two key parts:
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ
Transliteration: “Ashhadu alla ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan Abduhu owa Rasooluhu.”
Shahada in English:
In English, shahada translates to:
I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.”
This testimony is not merely a formula of words but an affirmation of the Muslim’s faith in the absolute oneness of Allah and the recognition that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His final messenger. For anyone who says this sincerely, it is the entryway into Islam.
Breaking Down the Two Parts of the Shahada
Let’s break it down a little more so that you can feel the depth of each part.
The First Part: “La ilaha illallah“ (There is no god but Allah)
This part is all about Tawhid, which means the oneness of God. When you say “La ilaha illallah,” you’re making a monumental declaration: that nothing and no one in the entire universe is worthy of worship except for Allah. It’s a rejection of idolatry, polytheism, and anything that distracts us from the one true Creator. For me, this part of the Shahada reminds me that my heart belongs solely to Allah.
If you want to know more about Tawhid you can read this post, The Core Beliefs of Islam: A Deep Dive into Faith
The Second Part: “Muhammadur Rasool Allah“ (Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah)
This section affirms that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the final prophet sent by Allah. By stating this, I acknowledge that the Prophet’s teachings are the path to understanding and living the message of Allah. It’s a personal commitment to follow his example and learn from his life. When I say the Shahada, I remind myself of the guidance Allah provided through the Prophet.
For more clarity on this topic I recommend you to read this post, Importance of the Sunnah of Prophet (pBUH)
Why the Shahada in Arabic is Powerful
Reciting the Shahada in Arabic carries special significance. Arabic is the language of the Quran, the words through which Allah chose to communicate His message to humanity. Although you can translate the Shahada in English or any other language, the Arabic language has a profound spiritual weight and beauty that simply can’t be fully captured in translation.
For me, saying the Shahada in Arabic connects me to the very essence of the Islamic faith, as it was originally revealed. Every word, sound, and letter has a specific meaning that resonates deeply. It’s not just a language; it’s the soul of the testimony itself.
The Global Unity Through the Shahada in Arabic
One of the most beautiful aspects of the Shahada in Arabic is its role in uniting Muslims across the globe. Regardless of one’s native language, culture, or background, the Shahada in Arabic is the same for every Muslim. Whether you’re in a mosque in Indonesia, a small village in Africa, or a bustling city in the Middle East, Muslims recite the Shahada in Arabic, creating a sense of unity and shared identity. This uniformity transcends linguistic and cultural barriers, allowing all Muslims to feel connected as one Ummah (community). The power of the Shahada in Arabic lies not only in its spiritual depth but also in its ability to bring together a diverse community under one faith, reinforcing the idea that Islam is for everyone, regardless of their background.
The Role of the Shahada in Islam
The Shahada is the first of the Five Pillars of Islam, and without it, the other pillars—prayer (Salah), fasting (Sawm), charity (Zakat), and pilgrimage (Hajj)—lose their meaning. When I recite the Shahada in Arabic, I’m reminded of the weight it carries. It’s the foundation of my faith and a promise to live my life in accordance with the will of Allah.
I have a detailed post about the Five pillars of Islam. You can read it here to know more about this important matter. Here is the link, Understanding the Five Pillars of Islam: A Comprehensive Guide
Shahada in Arabic vs. Shahada in English
Many people wonder if it’s okay to recite the Shahada in English instead of Arabic. The answer is both yes and no. While you can say the Shahada in English to understand it better, the actual declaration of faith, especially for entering Islam, must be said in Arabic.
That’s because Arabic, as I mentioned earlier, is not just a language but the original form in which Allah revealed the message. I think of it as preserving the purity and sanctity of the words.
However, learning the Shahada in English alongside the Arabic version is a great way to ensure that you’re not just saying the words, but fully internalizing their meaning.
The Spiritual Impact of the Shahada in Daily Life
Every time I say the Shahada—whether in prayer or during quiet reflection—it revitalizes my connection with Allah. It’s like a reset button for my heart, reminding me that my life belongs to Allah and that the Prophet Muhammad is my guide.
For Muslims, the Shahada is also something they hope to say at the moment of death. In fact, it’s taught in Islam that the last words a Muslim says before passing should be the Shahada. This is why the Shahada isn’t just an introductory statement; it’s a daily reminder of the faith we carry until our final breath.
Shahada and Conversion: How It Changes Lives
One of the most beautiful aspects of the Shahada is its transformative power. When someone decides to embrace Islam, they recite the Shahada—usually in Arabic—and with those words, their entire spiritual path shifts.
I’ve had the privilege of witnessing people recite the Shahada for the first time, but in video, and each time, I feel the emotional weight of it. I havn’t seen it in my real life but Inshallah I will it ovserve it very soon. Let me know your experince on this matter in the comment section. Remember Shahada is more than a personal choice; it’s an act of surrender to Allah, and it marks a new beginning.
Quranic Verses and Hadiths Supporting the Shahada
The Shahada is deeply rooted in the Quran and Hadith. One verse that resonates with me comes from the Quran, which reinforces the essence of the Shahada:
- وَإِلَـٰهُكُمْ إِلَـٰهٌۭ وَٰحِدٌۭ ۖ لَّآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ Your God is ˹only˺ One God. There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful. (Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:163)
- شَهِدَ ٱللَّهُ أَنَّهُۥ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ وَٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ وَأُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْعِلْمِ قَآئِمًۢا بِٱلْقِسْطِ ۚ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ Allah ˹Himself˺ is a Witness that there is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him—and so are the angels and people of knowledge. He is the Maintainer of justice. There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him—the Almighty, All-Wise. (Quran, Surah Al- Imran 3:18)
Additionally, in a Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
- Narrated Anas bin Malik: “Once Mu`adh was along with Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as a companion rider. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “O Mu`adh bin Jabal.” Mu`adh replied, “Labbaik and Sa`daik. O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)!” Again the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “O Mu`adh!” Mu`adh said thrice, “Labbaik and Sa`daik, O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)!” Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “There is none who testifies sincerely that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is his Apostle, except that Allah, will save him from the Hell-fire.” Mu`adh said, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) ! Should I not inform the people about it so that they may have glad tidings?” He replied, “When the people hear about it, they will solely depend on it.” Then Mu`adh narrated the above-mentioned Hadith just before his death, being afraid of committing sin (by not telling the knowledge). (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 128)
Common Misconceptions About the Sahada in arabic
While the Sahada is simple, there are common misconceptions that can cloud its meaning. Some believe that simply reciting the Sahada without understanding or conviction is enough to make someone a Muslim. However, the Sahada requires sincere belief and acknowledgment of the oneness of Allah and the finality of Prophet Muhammad’s message. Another misconception is the idea that the Sahada varies in different cultures. In reality, the Sahada remains unchanged, though translations may differ slightly.
My last thought
The Sahada is not just a phrase but the very essence of Islamic belief. It’s a declaration of monotheism and the prophethood of Muhammad that has the power to transform lives. Whether you are a Muslim reciting it daily or someone considering Islam, understanding the Sahada in its original Arabic form can open the doors to a deeper, more meaningful connection with the faith. May Allah Almighty make the Shahada our last word before death. Ameen. Jazhakallah for staying with Spreading Wisdom.
FAQs About shahada in islam
Q: What does it mean to say the Shahada?
A: It means affirming your belief in the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad. It’s a testimony of faith that every Muslim must hold dear.
Q: Can you say the Shahada in English?
A: You can say it in English to understand it, but the actual recitation to declare faith should be in Arabic.
Q: How often should Muslims say the Shahada?
A: Muslims recite the Shahada every day in their prayers, and it’s recommended to say it frequently to strengthen one’s faith.
Q: What are the two parts of the Shahada?
The Shahada consists of two key declarations:
- The first part: “Ashhadu alla ilaha illallah” affirms the belief in the oneness of Allah.
- The second part: “Wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan rasulullah” confirms that Muhammad is His final messenger.
Q: Is reciting the Shahada necessary to become a Muslim?
A: Yes, reciting the Shahada with sincerity is essential for someone who wants to embrace Islam. It is the formal declaration of faith that officially enters one into the fold of Islam.
Q: Can non-Arabic speakers say the Shahada?
A: Absolutely! Many Muslims worldwide are non-Arabic speakers, and they recite the Shahada in Arabic. It’s important to learn the meaning and pronunciation, but understanding its message is key.
Q: Can the Shahada be recited silently, or does it need to be said out loud?
A: The Shahada can be said silently for personal reflection and remembrance, but when declaring faith publicly (especially when embracing Islam), it is recommended to recite it out loud in front of witnesses.
Q: Is there a specific time to recite the Shahada?
A: While there is no specific time to recite it, Muslims say it daily during their prayers. It’s also encouraged to recite it frequently throughout the day as a reminder of faith and commitment to Allah.
Q: Does reciting the Shahada erase previous sins?
A: Yes, when someone sincerely declares the Shahada and embraces Islam, all previous sins are forgiven. It’s as though the person starts a new chapter of life, free from past mistakes.
Q: Is it enough to just recite the Shahada, or must it be followed by action?
A: Reciting the Shahada is the first step, but true belief is demonstrated through actions. A Muslim must strive to live by the teachings of Islam, performing good deeds and following the guidance of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
