The Shahada is the Islamic declaration of faith. It is the statement: “Ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Allah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan Rasulu-Allah.” (Translation: “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”) 

Meaning & Importance

• The first part (“there is no god but Allah”) affirms the central concept of monotheism in Islam.
• The second part (“Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah”) emphasises belief in the prophethood of Muhammad and also underscores that Muslims must not associate partners with Allah.
• The article explains that the Shahada is the most sacred statement in Islam, and it must be recited with full understanding and mindfulness of its meaning.

Role in Muslim life

• It is one of the five pillars of Islam — the foundational acts of worship and commitment.
• The Shahada is recited in the call to prayer (adhan) and within the five daily prayers (salah).
• For someone embracing Islam, reciting the Shahada formally marks their acceptance into the Muslim community.
• In Muslim tradition, it is desirable for a baby to hear the Shahada as early as possible (sometimes as part of the adhan at birth) and for a person to say it as their last words at death.

The Shahada is the Arabic declaration of faith in Islam: “I bear witness that there is no god but Allāh, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allāh.”

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