The Kalimatush-Shahadah (the Declaration of Faith) is the bedrock of Islam. It is the first of the five pillars and serves as the verbal gateway into the faith. More than a mere utterance, it is a profound covenant between an individual and their Creator, encapsulating the entire theological framework of Islam in two concise, powerful statements.
The declaration is:
Arabic: أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ Transliteration: Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluhu. Translation: I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and His messenger.
Meaning and Importance of the Kalimatush-Shahadah
The significance of the Shahadah cannot be overstated. It is the essential truth upon which a Muslim’s entire life—their worship, ethics, worldview, and purpose—is built. The act of “bearing witness” (ash-hadu) is not a passive acknowledgement but an active, conscious, and public testimony. It implies a conviction that originates in the heart, is spoken by the tongue, and is manifested through one’s actions.
The declaration is composed of two fundamental clauses:
- The Testimony of Divinity (Tawhid): “I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah.” This clause negates the validity of all other objects of worship—be they idols, saints, ideologies, or personal desires—and affirms that exclusive devotion and sovereignty belong to Allah alone. It is the declaration of absolute monotheism.
- The Testimony of Prophethood (Risalah): “And I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and His messenger.” This clause establishes the legitimate channel through which humanity receives divine guidance. It affirms that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is the final chosen conduit for Allah’s revelation, providing the practical methodology for living in accordance with the first clause.
Without the first part, the second is meaningless. Without the second part, the first is incomplete, as one would not know how to properly worship Allah. Together, they form an inseparable creed that defines a Muslim’s identity and allegiance.
The Oneness of Allah (Tawhid) in the Qur’an
The first clause of the Shahadah is a declaration of Tawhid, the foundational principle of Islam. The Qur’an repeatedly emphasizes this concept, leaving no room for ambiguity.
- Qur’an 3:19 – The Testimony of Allah Himself
“Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam. And those who were given the Scripture did not differ except after knowledge had come to them – out of jealous animosity between themselves. And whoever disbelieves in the verses of Allah, then indeed, Allah is swift in account.”
While this verse directly defines the true religion as “Islam” (submission), the preceding verse (3:18) sets the stage: “Allah witnesses that there is no deity except Him, and [so do] the angels and those of knowledge…” Thus, the ultimate testimony to God’s Oneness comes from God Himself. This verse underscores that submission to Allah is the natural and logical consequence of recognizing His singular divinity.
- Qur’an 2:255 – Ayat al-Kursi (The Verse of the Throne) This single verse is arguably the most powerful description of Allah’s Oneness and absolute attributes in the entire Qur’an.
“Allah – there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His Kursi (Throne) extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.”
This verse demolishes any notion of partnership or limited power. It defines Allah as self-subsisting, eternal, all-knowing, and all-powerful, the sole Sovereign of the universe.
- Qur’an 112:1-4 – Surah Al-Ikhlas (The Chapter of Purity) This short chapter is a definitive statement on Tawhid.
“Say, ‘He is Allah, the One. Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, Nor is there to Him any equivalent.'”
These four verses serve as a clear and concise refutation of polytheism, the Christian concept of Trinity, and any form of anthropomorphism. It establishes Allah’s absolute uniqueness and His complete independence from any needs, lineage, or comparison.
The Servanthood and Messengership of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
The second clause, “wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluhu,” is crucial. It defines the Prophet’s status with precision, creating a perfect balance that prevents both his neglect and his deification.
The term abduhu (His servant) establishes his humanity. He was the most perfect worshipper and the ultimate model of submission to Allah. This is significant because it protects his followers from elevating him to a divine or semi-divine status.
The term rasuluhu (His messenger) establishes his divine authority. While a human, he was no ordinary man; he was chosen by Allah to receive and transmit the final revelation to mankind. To obey him is to obey Allah.
- Qur’an 3:144 & Q.18:110 – Affirming His Humanity
“Muhammad is not but a messenger. [Other] messengers have passed on before him. So if he was to die or be killed, would you turn back on your heels [to unbelief]?” (Q.3:144) “Say, ‘I am only a man like you, to whom has been revealed that your god is one God…'” (Q.18:110)
These verses firmly ground the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in his human reality. He was mortal, and he was commanded to declare his own humanity, ensuring that worship is directed only to Allah.
- Qur’an 48:29 & Q.34:28 – Affirming His Messengership and Role
“Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; and those with him are forceful against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves…” (Q.48:29) “And We have not sent you except comprehensively to mankind as a bringer of good tidings and a warner…” (Q.34:28)
These verses confirm his station as Allah’s Messenger and describe his function: to guide his followers, to be a source of mercy, and to deliver the divine message of reward and repercussion to all people.
The Universality of His Message
Unlike previous prophets who were sent to a specific tribe or nation, the message of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was intended for all of humanity for all time. This universality is a key aspect of his prophethood.
- Qur’an 7:158
“Say, [O Muhammad], ‘O mankind, indeed I am the Messenger of Allah to you all…'”
This is an unambiguous declaration. The address is not to “O Arabs” or “O people of Makkah,” but to “Ya ayyuhan-nas” (O mankind). It establishes the global and timeless scope of his mission from the outset.
- Qur’an 34:28
“And We have not sent you except comprehensively to mankind (kaffatan lil-nas) as a bringer of good tidings and a warner. But most of the people do not know.”
The Arabic phrase kaffatan lil-nas reinforces this universality, meaning he was sent to all people without exception. His message transcends geography, race, and time, making Islam a global faith rather than a tribal or nationalistic one.
The Finality of His Prophethood
A cornerstone of Islamic creed is the belief in Khatm an-Nubuwwah—the finality of the Prophethood of Muhammad (SAW). This means he is the last prophet, and the Qur’an is the final revelation. There will be no new prophets or scriptures after him.
- Qur’an 33:40 – The Seal of the Prophets
“Muhammad is not the father of [any] of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and the seal of the prophets (khatam an-nabiyyin). And ever is Allah, of all things, Knowing.”
The term khatam an-nabiyyin is definitive. A “seal” is used to close, complete, and authenticate. As the Seal of the Prophets, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) confirms the truth brought by all previous messengers (from Adam to Jesus) and concludes the cycle of divine revelation. His message is perfect, complete, and preserved for all time, rendering any future prophethood unnecessary. This finality provides stability and unity to the Muslim community, protecting the religion from fragmentation and alteration.
Conclusion
The Kalimatush-Shahadah is far more than a simple phrase. It is a profound declaration that shapes the believer’s entire existence. It affirms the absolute Oneness of Allah (Tawhid) as the central truth of the universe. It establishes the authority of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as the final, human messenger who provides the practical guide to living a life of submission. Finally, it highlights that this guidance is not for a select few but is a universal and final mercy for all of humanity. To understand the Shahadah is to understand the very essence of Islam.
References
- Al-Qur’an. Translations primarily based on “The Clear Quran” by Dr. Mustafa Khattab and the Saheeh International translation.
- Surah Al-Imran (3), Verse 19
- Surah Al-Baqarah (2), Verse 255
- Surah Al-Ikhlas (112), Verses 1-4
- Surah Al-Imran (3), Verse 144
- Surah Al-Kahf (18), Verse 110
- Surah Al-Fath (48), Verse 29
- Surah Saba (34), Verse 28
- Surah Al-A’raf (7), Verse 158
- Surah Al-Ahzab (33), Verse 40
