What is 2nd kalma in English, Translation, Meaning and Benifits

As Muslims, we know that there are six Kalmas in Islam. Each has a similar meaning, ‘Oneness of God,’ with minor differentiations. The differentiation is that the 3rd Kalma focuses on God’s greatness, whereas the 4th Kalma defines God’s unity, and there is no God except him to be worshiped.

In this blog, we will discuss everything related to the 2nd Kalma and its meaning in English, as well as translation and transliteration. What are the benefits of reciting it, and how is it different from other Kalmas?

What is the 2nd Kalma & its meaning?

The second Kalma in Islam is also called ‘Shahadaat,’ which means declaring something. In this context, the word Shahadat means declaring the oneness of God, which is the first Kalma.

In simple words, the 2nd Kalma is like testifying that Allah is the greatest and shares his greatness with no one. He is the one to be worshiped, and no one should be added to him. If we go word by word, here is what we have understood.

1. Allah is the greatest, and Muhammad (PBUH) is his messenger and servant
2. The readers will accept this as divine truth
3. The reader will live his life according to the teachings of Islam

2nd Kalma translation in English?

A translation is necessary to understand anything. Here is the translation of the 2nd Kalma in English.

“I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, the One alone, without partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. “

2nd Kalma Transliteration in English

For those of you who cannot read or speak Arabic, here is the transliteration of the 2nd Kalma in English.

Ashhadu Alla Ilaha Illallah Wahdahu La Sharika Lahu Lahu Wa-ash-Hadu Anna Muhammadan Abduhoo Wa Rasooluhu.

What is the significance of 2nd Kalma in the Holy Quran and Hadiths?

The Holy Quran does not contain the complete Kalam. However, it does contain the message of testifying to the oneness of God. The second Kalma, also known as Shahada or Shahadat, gives the same message that the Quran teaches.

Here are some references from the Holy Quran that have similar meanings.

If you do a close analysis of the Holy Quran, you will find out that it is the book with the biggest messages of Shahadas in it. You can find hundreds of verses in the Quran with the same message as the 2nd Kalma.

In Surah At-Taghabun, Verses 12 and 13, Allah commands believers to follow him and his Messenger (PBUH). The Quran further says that there is no God except Allah, so believe in him and trust him. Here is the exact translation.

“Allah—there is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him. So in Allah let the believers put their trust.”

In Surah Al-Qasas, Verse 87 & 88, the Quran says don’t let the non-believers turn you away from the message of Allah, rather invite them to the message. Don’t add another God with Allah because he is the one and only true God. Here is the complete translation from the Quran.

“And do not invoke any other god with Allah. There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him. Everything is bound to perish except He Himself.¹ All authority belongs to Him. And to Him you will ˹all˺ be returned.”

The 2nd Kalma and Quran go against the basic concept of Christianity. In Surah At-Tawbah, Verses 30 & 31, the Jews and Christians associate others with God, which is not right. Allah is all alone, and no one should be associated with him in greatness.

Here is the exact translation: “They have taken their rabbis and monks as well as the Messiah, son of Mary, as lords besides Allah, even though they were commanded to worship none but One God. There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him. Glorified is He above what they associate ˹with Him˺!”

2nd Kalma in Hadiths

There are many Hadiths that gives the same message as 2nd Kalma. However the complete 2nd Kalam is only in one Hadith which we will discuss in this guide.

The first part (Ashhadu Alla Ilaha Illallah) of the 2nd Kalma is also mentioned in the Adan and several Hadiths. Here is a Hadith for your reference.

In Adan

Narrated by Abu Mahdhura, “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) taught me the Adhan and said: ‘Allahu Akbar, Allahu akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar; Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah, Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah; Ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasulallah, Ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasulallah. Then he repeated it and said: ‘Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah, Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah; Ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasulallah, Ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasulallah; Hayya ‘alas-salah, Hayya ‘ala-salah; Hayya ‘alal-falah Hayya ‘alal-falah; Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar; La ilaha ill-Allah.” — Sunan an-Nasa’i 631

This Hadith demonstrates the importance and significance of the 2nd Kalma and its message in Islam.

Key to Jannah (Paradise)

Yes, you have read it right! The Holy Prophet said that whoever recites the 2nd Kalma after performing ablution (Wudu) will be allowed to enter paradise from any gate. All the eight gates of the paradise will be opened for him.

Here are the exact words from the Hadith. Narrated by Umar bin Khattab, “The Messenger of Allah said: ‘There is no Muslim who performs ablution and does it well, then says: Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan `abduhu wa rasuluhu (I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger),’ (except that) eight gates of Paradise will be opened for him, and he will enter through whichever one he wants.'” — Sunan Ibn Majah 508

A Way to wash previous sins

It said by the Holy Prophet (PBUH) that whoever recited the 2nd Kalam with a little extension would be forgiven for all his sins. Here is the Hadiths, narrated by Sa’d bin Abi Waqqas that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, “Whoever says, when he hears the Mu’adhdhin: ‘Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lahu wa anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa Rasuluhu, raditu Billahi Rabban, wa bil-Islami dinan was bi Muhammadin Rasula (I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah alone, with no partner or associate, and that Muhammad is the His slave and Messenger; I am content with Allah as my Lord, Islam as my religion and Muhammad as my Messenger),’ his sins will be forgiven.” — Sunan an-Nasa’i 679

Conclusion

So far, we have described the message of the 2nd Kalma and how it aligns with the Holy Quran. We have also presented Hadiths, which prove the significance and importance of the 2nd Kalma in Islam.

What are the benefits of 2nd Kalma?

Reciting the second Kalma, also known as the Shahada or the Testimony of Faith, holds significant spiritual and personal benefits for Muslims. This declaration of faith is a cornerstone of Islamic belief and practice. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Affirmation of Faith

The second Kalma is a declaration of the core Islamic belief: “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad(PBUH) is the Messenger of Allah.” Reciting it reaffirms a Muslim’s faith and commitment to the principles of Islam.

2. Elevate your Soul

Reciting the Shahada regularly is believed to cleanse the soul and purify the heart. It helps individuals maintain a strong spiritual connection with Allah, fostering inner peace and tranquility.

3. Strengthening of Belief

The repetition of the second Kalma strengthens one’s belief and reinforces the core tenets of Islam. This continuous affirmation helps Muslims remain steadfast in their faith, especially during challenging times.

4. Remembrance of Allah

The Shahada is a form of Dhikr, or remembrance of Allah. Regularly reciting it keeps Allah at the forefront of a Muslim’s mind, encouraging mindfulness and devotion throughout daily life.

5. Source of Comfort

In times of stress or hardship, reciting the Shahada can provide immense comfort and solace. It serves as a reminder of Allah’s presence and the importance of relying on Him for support and guidance.

6. Facilitates Entry into Islam

For new converts, reciting the Shahada is the first step in embracing Islam. It marks the formal acceptance of the faith and the beginning of a new spiritual journey, bringing a sense of belonging to the Muslim Ummah (community).

7. Daily Practice

Incorporating the recitation of the second Kalma into daily routines, such as after Wudu, helps Muslims remain spiritually grounded. It serves as a constant reminder of their faith and obligations towards Allah.

Who can recite the 2nd Kalma?

The second Kalma is a way to testify that there is one God, Muhammad (PBUH) is his messenger, and there is no God to worship except him. The Kalma can be recited by any Muslim looking to achieve Allah’s closeness.

We have listed the benefits of reciting the 2nd Kalma, which include strengthening faith, cleaning the soul, and solidifying faith.

Where can I recite 2nd Kalma?

As a Muslim, you can recite the second Kalma anywhere. However, here are a few specific events or actions after which the 2nd Kalma is preferred.

• After listening to Adan
• After performing Aboulation (Wudu)
• After completing Salat
• In your free time
• Whenever you see someone doing Shirk
• Others

Wrap Up

So far, we have discussed the meaning of 2nd Kalma in English. We have also mentioned its translation and transliteration so everyone can read the 2nd Kalma and understand its meaning.

We also used the Quran and Hadiths to present the true meaning of the 2nd Kalam and its importance in Islam. We will continue to add more examples to this blog in the future.

FAQs

2nd Kalma Arabic