The first Kalma is the most popular Kalma among the six kalmas in Islam. It is considered the most important Kalma and the gate to enter Islam. A non-believer can accept Islam after reciting the 1st Kalma.
In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about the first Kalma, its meaning, translation, and the message regarding the 1st Kalma in the Holy Quran and Hadiths.
What is the 1st Kalma?
The 1st Kalma defines the base of Islam. It describes the basic idea of the unity of God and Muhammad (PBUH) as his last messenger. The 1st Kalma is often called ‘Tayyab,’ which means purity.
If you want to enter Islam, you have to believe in the oneness of God and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as his last messenger. Then, you must recite the first Kalma to declare that you have accepted Islam and will follow its teachings.
Translation of 1st Kalma in English
Here is the exact translation of the 1st Kalam
“There is none worthy of worship except God (Allah), and Muhammad is the messenger of God.”
Transliteration of 1st Kalma
For those of you who can not read Arabic. Here is the transliteration of the 1st Kalma.
“La ilaha illallahu muhammadur rasulullah”
What is the meaning of 1st Kalma?
The meaning of 1st Kalam is the basic concept of Islam. You have to believe in the oneness of God and Muhammad (PBUH) as his last messenger.
1st kalam in the light of the Holy Quran and Hadith
We have already explained above that the first Kalma is based on the basic concept of Islam: believing in the unity of God and Muhammad (PBUH) as his last messenger. The exact 1st Kalam is not written in the Holy Quran, but you can find its pieces in different Surahs.
Here are a few Surahs that have the elements of the 1st Kalma.
The word La ilaha ill Allah is mentioned in several Surahs in the Quran and means there is no God except Allah.
Surah An-Naml Verse 26, ˹He is˺ Allah! There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him, the Lord of the Mighty Throne.”
Surah Al-Imran Verse 18, 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.
Surah Taha Verse 14, ‘It is truly I. I am Allah! There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺, except Me. So worship Me ˹alone˺, and establish prayer for My remembrance.
We will now look for the second part of the 1st Kalma in the Holy Quran.
In Surah Nisa, Allah clearly speaks that whoever turns their back on the messenger, Muhammad (PBUH), has not followed my commandments. Here is the Verse, Surah An-Nisa Verse 80: Whoever obeys the Messenger has truly obeyed Allah. But whoever turns away, then ˹know that˺ We have not sent you ˹O Prophet˺ as a keeper over them.
In Surah Al-Ahazb, the Quran says when the believers saw the destruction, they said this is what Allah and his messenger have promised us, which increased their belief and harnessed their faith. Here is the complete verse, Surah Al-Azhab Verse 22, “When the believers saw the enemy alliance, they said, “This is what Allah and His Messenger had promised us. The promise of Allah and His Messenger has come true.” And this only increased them in faith and submission.”
1st Kalma in Hadiths
There are several Hadiths describing the essence of the 1st Kalma. Some of them are listed below.
Narrated by Abu Saeed (RA), the Prophet(PBUH) said: “Whoever says, following the morning prayer: La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sahrikalau, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu, bi yadihil khair, wa huwa ala kulli shay’in qadir (None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, with no partner or associate. His is the dominion, all praise is to Him, in His Hand is all goodness, and He is Able to do all things), it will be as if he freed slave from among the sons of Isma’il.” — Sunan Ibn Majah 3799
Narrated by Ibn Abbas (RA), Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) used to say at a time of distress, “La ilaha illal-lahu Rabbul-l-‘arsh il-‘azim, La ilaha illallahu Rabbu-s-samawati wa Rabbu-l-ard, Rabbu-l-‘arsh-il-Karim.” — Sahih al-Bukhari 6346
Narrated by Abu Hurairah (RA), The Messenger of Allah [SAW] said: “We will fight the people until they say La ilaha illallah. If they say La ilaha illallah then their blood and their wealth become forbidden to us, except for a right that is due, and their reckoning will be with Allah.” — Sunan an-Nasa’i 3978
Conclusions
So far, we have presented the Verses and Surah, which reflect the meaning and message of the 1st Kalma. The first Kalma is the base of Islam and is widely mentioned in the Quran and Hadiths.
The benefits of reciting 1st Kalma
There are several benefits associated with the recitation of the first Kalma. Some of them are listed below.
1. Affirmation of Faith
Reciting the 1st Kalma, “La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur Rasulullah,” is a direct affirmation of one’s belief in the core principles of Islam. It is a declaration of the oneness of Allah and the acceptance of Muhammad (PBUH) as His final prophet. This affirmation strengthens a Muslim’s faith and brings them closer to their Creator.
2. Spiritual Purification
The recitation of the 1st Kalma purifies the heart and soul from spiritual impurities. It serves as a constant reminder of the presence of Allah in one’s life, helping to cleanse the mind from negative thoughts and reinforcing positive, faith-driven behaviors.
3. Protection from Shirk
Shirk, or associating partners with Allah, is considered the gravest sin in Islam. Reciting the 1st Kalma regularly helps a Muslim stay vigilant against any form of shirk, as it continuously reinforces the concept of Tawhid (the oneness of Allah). Recite 4th Kalma—Tauheed to get protected from Shirk.
4. A Source of Peace and Comfort
The 1st Kalma brings immense peace and comfort to the heart of a believer. In times of distress or uncertainty, its recitation can provide solace, reminding the believer of Allah’s omnipotence and the guidance provided through His messenger, Muhammad (PBUH).
5. Gateway to Forgiveness
Regularly reciting the 1st Kalma with sincerity can lead to the forgiveness of sins. It is a powerful means of seeking Allah’s mercy and starting anew, as it reflects true repentance and the desire to live a life in accordance with Islamic teachings. The 5th Kalma—Astagfar is the best way to ask Allah’s forgiveness.
6. Strengthening the Connection with Allah
The 1st Kalma serves as a constant bridge between a Muslim and Allah. Its recitation fosters a deep, personal connection with the Creator, encouraging the believer to live a life of piety, obedience, and reliance on Allah’s guidance. You can also recite the sixth Kalma—Radd-e-Kufr to gain Allah’s closeness.
7. Enhancing the Understanding of Tawhid
By reciting the 1st Kalma regularly, Muslims deepen their understanding of Tawhid. It becomes more than just words; it shapes their worldview, reminding them of the significance of worshiping Allah alone and following the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Wrap Up
So far, we have educated you on the meaning of 1st Kalma in English, with proper translation and transliteration. We have also provided a few Quranic verses and Hadiths which echo the message of 1st Kalma.
Furthermore, we have listed the benefits of reciting the 1st Kalma and how you can strengthen your relationship with Allah. We will keep this blog updated with new examples. In the meantime, please read our guide on 2nd Kalma Shahadaat and 3rd Kalma Tamjeet.
FAQs
1st Kalma in Arabic
لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ ٱللَّٰهِ
What is 1st Kalam called?
The first Kalma is called ‘Tayyab,’ which means pure. The 1st Kalma is used to purify your soul and sins you have committed in the past (as a non-believer).
Who can recite 1st Kalma?
Any Muslim can recite the first Kalma. Non-Muslims also use it to accept Islam.
What are the advantages of 1st Kalma?
The advantages of reciting the 1st Kalma are discussed in detail above. Here are a few pointers.
- Relax your mind and soul
- Strengthen your relationship with Allah
- Protection from Shirk
- Understanding Tauheed
- Others
