Shahada Islamic Declaration of Faith – the First Pillar of Islam

The Shahada Statement (Arabic and English)

Shahadah consists of two parts:

La Ilaha IllAllah – Video

What is the Meaning of Shahada as a Testimony of Faith?

The first part “I testify that there is no god but Allah” is the statement of Islamic faith. It is about the belief in one Allah. It emphasizes the belief in the oneness of God and that He alone is worthy of worship.

The second part “I testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah” is the testimony of the belief in the prophet Muhammad. It’s about accepting Muhammad as the last Messenger and his teachings in the Qur’an. Muslim believers should also respect other religious traditions. By saying this, they declare their belief in the Message of Islam.

The Shahādah is an act of faith in God and a responsibility to God and other people. Life has meaning given by God. Saying this declaration, either in front of two Muslim witnesses or before God alone, makes a person a Muslim.

What are the rules of Shahada for Muslims?

These are the rules that should be followed:

1. Reciting the Shahādah involves saying the basic Shahada formula in Arabic “Ashahadu an la ilaha ill Allah wa ashahadu anna Muhammadar Rasulullah.” However, you can also recite it in your own language to better understand its meaning.
2. You must make the declaration of faith with sincerity. You have to understand its meaning and implications.
3. You must do it voluntarily and without any force or coercion.
4. You must say it publicly. That means in the presence of witnesses, such as Muslim family members or friends. They will affirm your conversion to Islam.
5. Following you have to commit to Islamic creed and practice;  you have to also include the other pillars of Islam in your life as a Muslim, that is prayer, fasting, giving charity, and performing the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

What Does The Quran Say About Shahada?

The Quran contains numerous verses that emphasize the importance of the Shahada.

Some of these verses are: 

• Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 163: “And your God is One God, there is no deity except Him, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.” 
• Surah Muhammad, Verse 19: “So know, [O Muhammad], that there is no deity except Allah and ask forgiveness for your sin and for the believing men and believing women. And Allah knows of your movement and your resting place.”
• Surah Al-Imran, Verse 18: “Allah witnesses that there is no deity except Him, and [so do] the angels and those of knowledge – [that He is] maintaining [creation] in justice. There is no deity except Him, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.” 

How Often Do Muslims Say The Shahadah?

Muslims say the Shahadah 17 times every day during their five daily prayers.

It’s a tradition to recite it to a newborn. 

When a Muslim is dying, they may say it as their last words. 

This is a reminder of the basic beliefs of Islam and the importance of surrendering to Allah.

Can you recite Shahada alone?

Yes, you can, although you should normally do it in public and have people to witness it.

However, it is not forbidden to declare your faith alone. 

How many times can you say your Shahada?

You can take Shahadah as many times as you wish.

Some Muslims may choose to repeat their Shahadah as a way to reaffirm their faith after a period of doubt or difficulty. 

Where is Shahada Done?

Traditionally, the Shahada is done publicly in the presence of witnesses.

Yet, you can do it anywhere:  at a mosque, at home, or in any other location.

Shahada in Art and Architecture

The Shahada is often seen in Islamic art and architecture. You can find it in buildings like mosques and other Islamic structures in places like Jerusalem, Cairo, and Istanbul.

The Shahada is also used in European art during the Late-medieval and Renaissance periods. Artists used Arabic script as a decorative element in their paintings, buildings, and book illustrations. It’s not clear whether they understood its meaning, though.