Ashhadu Alla Ilaha Illallah Full Meaning and Arabic Text
“Ashhadu alla ilaha illallah” is the Islamic oath and creed, known as the Shahada. It’s a central belief in Islam and one of the Five Pillars.
The Shahada is a declaration of faith, affirming the oneness of Allah. It’s a fundamental aspect of Islam and a pillar of the Adhan (Islamic call to prayer). Join us as we explore the significance and beauty of this powerful phrase.
Ashhadu Alla Ilaha Illallah Meaning In English
Ashhadu alla ilaha illallah means “I bear witness that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
Ashhadu Alla Ilaha Illallah In Arabic text
Here is the Arabic text:
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ ٱللَّٰهِ
Transliteration
The correct transliteration is as “Ash-Ashhadu an laa ilaaha ill-Allah wa anna Muhammadan Rasoolullah”.
Pronouncing the Shahada with Precision
When reciting the Shahada, pronounce the entire phrase without pausing: “Ashhadu an laa ilaaha ill-Allah wa anna Muhammadan Rasoolullah” in one breath. Alternatively, you can pause briefly after “Ashhadu an laa ilaaha ill-Allah” and then continue with “Wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasoolullah”.
Remember, the Shahada is a testament to the core belief in Islam: “No god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah”. Recite it with conviction and clarity, honoring the fundamental principle of Tawheed.
Ashhadu An La Ilaha Illallah: The Declaration of Faith
This sacred testimony is a heartfelt acknowledgment that Allah is the sole deity worthy of worship, perfect and imperfection-free.
By recognizing Allah’s role in creation, control, and sustenance, we affirm His status as the creator, sustainer, and controller of all existence.
No creature, no matter how noble, deserves worship. Only Allah has the exclusive right to be worshipped.
This message has been conveyed by all Messengers, as stated in Surah Al-Anbiyaa: 25.
Embracing this truth with conviction and acting upon it will lead to Paradise, as promised by the Prophet (SAW). May Allah guide us to be among those who declare “Laa ilaaha illa Allah” with their last breath.
Remember, the fundamental truth every Muslim must grasp is that there is no god but Allah, the Giver of life, Sustainer, and Nourisher of all creation. He alone deserves our worship.
READ ALSO: Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar La Ilaha Illallah Takbeer Meaning & Arabic
Ashhadu Anna Muhammad Rasulullah: The Testimony of Prophethood
The second part of the Shahada declares: “Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger”. This testimony acknowledges Muhammad, the son of Abdullah, as the final Messenger of Allah, sent to humanity.
His message supersedes all previous religions, rendering them null and void. As stated in Surah Al-Imran: 85, any religion other than Islam will not be accepted by Allah.
The Shahada combines the declaration of Allah’s oneness with the acceptance of Muhammad as Allah’s Messenger. This unity of belief ensures sincerity in worship and obedience to Allah’s commands through the teachings of the Prophet.
The Muslim must obey, believe, and practice the Prophet’s teachings, avoiding what he forbade, and worship Allah alone according to the revealed message.
The declaration “Wa Ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh” affirms Muhammad as Allah’s servant and chosen Messenger, emphasizing the importance of following his teachings, which were revelations from Allah.
No doubt should exist in this matter, for the Prophet’s teachings are the ultimate guide to achieving sincerity and true worship.
Seven Conditions for the Shahada to be Accepted
For the declaration of faith to be valid, seven conditions must be met:
- Knowledge: Understanding the meaning of the Shahada, rather than mere ignorance.
- Certainty: Firm belief, free from doubt.
- Acceptance: Embracing the truth, without rejection.
- Obedience: Acting in accordance with the teachings, not disobeying.
- Sincerity: Pure intention, without associating partners with Allah (shirk).
- Honesty: Truthfulness, without lying.
- Love: Genuine love for Allah and His Messenger, without hatred.
The same conditions apply to testifying that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. May Allah guide us to truly implement these conditions in our beliefs, words, and actions.
Places Where to Say Shahada
Said to become a muslim: If anyone has a real desire to be a Muslim and has full conviction and strong belief that Islam is the true religion ordained by Allah for all human-beings, then, one should pronounce the shahadah.
During wudu: It is the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad to recite Shahada during Wudu. It was narrated that ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab said:
“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever performs Wudu’ and does it well, then says: “Ashhadu an la ilaha ill-Allah was ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh (I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is his slave and Messenger),” eight gates of Paradise will be opened for him, and he may enter through whichever one he wishes.’”
Sunan An Nasai (632) and Sunan Ibn Majah (470)
During prayer (salat): During salat before the taslim (concluding portion of prayer where you recite salam) you would recite attahiyat.
This dua also contains the testament of faith while you raise the index finger signifying the Tawhid or the oneness of Allah.
