The Kalima Shahadat (كَلِمَاتْ اَلشَّهَادَة) is the second of the Six Kalimas in Islam. The word “Shahadah” in Arabic means “witness” or “testimony.” Similar to the first Kalima, Kalima Tayyabah, this declaration also consists of two parts.
In the first part, the reciter acknowledges the oneness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). In the second part, the reciter bears witness to the Prophethood of Muhammad (ﷺ).
Together, these two Kalimas encapsulate the essence of faith in Islam. While the first Kalima is a declaration of belief, the second serves as a testimony to that belief. Muslims frequently recite the second Kalima in their daily prayers and routines alongside the first Kalima.
When we recite the second Kalima, we are affirming our testimony (Shahadah) that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is the only deity worthy of worship, and that Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is His Messenger and Servant.
This recitation is an essential aspect of a Muslim’s faith and is repeated daily to strengthen that belief. Additionally, anyone embracing Islam is required to recite these Kalimas as part of their conversion.
In many Muslim communities, particularly in South Asia, the Kalimas are taught to children early on, forming the foundation of their religious education.
The Second Kalima Shahadah (Word of Testimony)
Arabic:
اَشْهَدُ اَنْ لَّآ اِلٰهَ اِلَّا اللّٰهُ وَحْدَهٗ لَا شَرِيْكَ لَهٗ وَاَشْهَدُ اَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهٗ وَرَسُوْلُهٗ ؕ
Transliteration:
Ashadu an lā ilāha illā-llāh waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu, wa ashadu anna muḥammadan ʿabduhu wa rasūluhu
Translation:
I bear witness that there is no god but Allah; He is one, with no partners, and I bear witness that Muhammad (ﷺ) is His Servant and Messenger.
The Significance of Kalima Shahadat
Reciting the Kalima Shahadat represents a Muslim’s unshakeable belief in the oneness and majesty of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and in the Prophethood of Muhammad (ﷺ). This recitation firmly denies any notion of Shirk (associating partners with Allah) and removes any doubt about Islamic beliefs.
Kalima Shahadat emphasizes the following crucial tenets of faith:
- Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is the only One and has no partner.
- Only Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is worthy of worship.
- Muhammad (ﷺ) is the Prophet and Messenger of Allah.
- Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is also the Servant (Abd) of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
A Muslim’s faith is based on this Kalima and the first Kalima. Without belief in these core principles, one’s faith remains incomplete. It is not enough to merely recite these Kalimas—these beliefs should manifest in a person’s daily life and actions.
Importance of the Second Kalima in Hadith
The significance of the second Kalima is highlighted in a well-known Hadith (Hadith Number 57 in Balugh Al Maram).
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
If anyone, after performing ablution, recites: ‘I testify that there is no god but Allah; He is One, with no partners, and I testify that Muhammad (ﷺ) is His Servant and Messenger,’ the eight gates of Paradise will be opened for him, and he may enter through any gate he wishes.
This Hadith illustrates how important and powerful the recitation of the second Kalima is in Islam.
Reciting the Kalima Shahadat
Like many duas (supplications) in Islam, the Kalima Shahadat can be recited freely at any time and in any place. Muslims are encouraged to incorporate its recitation into their daily routines. It is especially recited during difficult times, such as at the time of death, as it is believed to ease the transition of the soul.
When to Recite the Second Kalima
The Kalima can be recited at any time of day or night, and it can be read multiple times to bring peace and comfort. There is no specific limit to how many times it can be recited, but many Muslims choose to recite it regularly, sometimes even while engaging in routine activities such as working or driving.
Implementing the Kalima in Daily Life
Although reciting the Kalima Shahadat has numerous spiritual benefits, its true impact comes when Muslims apply its teachings in their daily lives.
By acknowledging that only Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is worthy of worship and that Muhammad (ﷺ) is His Messenger, Muslims set a foundation for their actions. This belief should guide every aspect of life, from seeking guidance in the Qur’an and Hadith to conducting interactions with others in accordance with Islamic teachings.
Benefits of Kalima Shahadat Based on Hadith
The second Kalima holds special significance as part of the Adhan (call to prayer). In Hadith number 709 of Ibn Majah, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) described the Adhan in detail, emphasizing the role of the Shahadah within it.
Additional benefits of reciting the Kalima Shahadat:
- It eases the moment of death and helps facilitate a peaceful departure from this world.
- It is believed to expand and make a person’s grave more comfortable.
- Bearing witness to Allah’s oneness and Muhammad’s (ﷺ) Prophethood pleases Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
- The reciter will be rewarded with a place among the blessed in Paradise.
- The reciter will receive immense rewards on the Day of Judgment.
By frequently reciting the Kalima Shahadat and living by its teachings, Muslims are promised countless spiritual and worldly benefits.
