Shahada is an Arabic term that is used by people who believe in one God. Muslims believe in the oneness of God (Allah) and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as his last messenger. To become a Muslim, a non-believer has to say Shahada, which is accepting there is only one God and Muhammad (PBUH) is his last messenger.
This blog will discuss Shahada in English and Arabic, as well as its meaning and benefits. We will also discuss how to say Shahada.
What is Shahadain Islam?
Shahada means verbally confessing and accepting Allah and Muhammad’s unity (PBUH) as his last messenger. The oneness of God is the first pillar of Islam, known as Tauheed, and a person can not be called Muslim if they don’t believe in it.
The concept of the unity of God is also present in the 1st and 2nd Kalam, which are recited to say Shahada.
Shahada in Arabic
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ
Shahada in English
Here is the English transliteration of Shahada.
Ash-hadu an lā ilāha illā-llāhu wa ash-hadu anna Muḥammadan rasūlullāh.
How to pronounce Shahada?
Here is the best and easiest way to pronounce Shahada.
- Ash-Ha-Duu
- An-Na
- Laa-Ilaha
- Ill-Lal-Lah
- Wa-Ash-Ha-Duu
- An-Na
- Muhammad
- Ur-Rasool-Allah
Shahada translation in English
Here is the translation of Shahada in English.
I bear witness that there is no god except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad (PBUH) is the messenger of Allah.
The meaning of Shahada
We have mentioned the exact translation of Shahada in English, which gives a clear image of what it means. However, if a non-believer wants to accept Islam, they have to say Shahada in front of a Muslim verbally.
Sometimes, there are risks associated with accepting Islam in a non-Islamic country. Under that condition, a non-believer can say Shahada in his heart and become a Muslim.
In a nutshell, Shahada means to be a witness of something. In the Islamic context, Shahada means to become a witness of One God (Allah) and Muhammad (PBUH) as his last messenger.
When is the best time to say Shahada?
Saying Shahada and believing in its message is one of the most important things in Islam. Here are a few occasions where saying Shahada is necessary.
- When a non-Muslim converts to Islam
- Muslims say Shahada in every Salah, particularly in Tashah-hud. (Attahiyat Lillahi Wa Salawatu)
- Shahada is also the part of Adhan. Muaddian has to say Shahada to call Muslims to prayer. Here is the dua after Adhan.
- Before death, Muslims pray for their last words to be Shahada.
What are the benefits of Shahada?
Here are a few benefits of saying Shahada.
1. Entry into Islam
The Shahada is the foundational statement for entering the fold of Islam. Declaring it with sincere belief transforms a person into a Muslim and connects them with the global Muslim community.
2. Affirmation of Tawheed (Oneness of Allah)
Reciting the Shahada emphasizes Tawheed (the oneness of Allah). It establishes the belief in Allah as the sole creator and sustainer, which strengthens one’s relationship with their Creator. You can also recite the 4th Kalama, which tells the message of Tawheed.
3. Spiritual Purification
Declaring the Shahada purifies the soul and clears it of previous sins, especially for new converts. It signifies a fresh start and complete submission to Allah, fostering inner peace and purity.
4. Promise of Paradise
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that anyone who sincerely declares the Shahada and lives by its meaning will be promised Paradise, making it a key to salvation in Islam. You can also recite the dua for forgiveness and dua to enter Jannah.
5. Brings Forgiveness and Mercy
Reciting the Shahada invokes Allah’s mercy and forgiveness. It serves as a reminder to continuously seek forgiveness for any mistakes or wrongdoings by reaffirming the faith in Allah and the Prophethood of Muhammad.
6. Spiritual and Emotional Strength
The Shahada reinforces a person’s faith and reliance on Allah during times of hardship. This can bring immense emotional strength and comfort, knowing that Allah alone is the source of help and guidance. Here is the dua for hard times and dua for ease.
7. Guidance in Life
By affirming belief in Allah and the Prophethood, the Shahada serves as a moral compass. It guides a person to follow the teachings of Islam, live a righteous life, and avoid unethical actions. Here is the dua for Alla’s guidance.
Wrap Up
So far, we have discussed the meaning of Shahada in English and Arabic. We have also listed the occasions where saying Shahada is necessary and listed its benefits.
We hope you will find this guide useful and share this article with others.
What else should you know?
Here is a list of a few powerful Islamic terms you should know.
- Innallaha Ala Kulli Shayin Qadeer
- Longest Verse in the Quran
- Hayya Alal Falah meaning
- Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam
- Bismillahi Arqika
- Sadaqallahul Azim
- Allah Yashfeek
- Wa Iyyaka
- Iyyaka Na Budu Wa Iyyaka Nastaeen
- Others
