Shahada In English, Arabic Text and Transliteration

The Shahada, also known as “the testimony,” is a fundamental oath and creed in Islam, serving as one of the Five Pillars of the faith and a crucial element of the Adhan (Islamic call to prayer).

As the first Pillar of Islam, the Shahada is a central doctrine that forms the foundation of a Muslim’s belief.

This article will delve into the English meaning, transliteration, Arabic script, and correct pronunciation of the Shahada, providing a comprehensive understanding of this essential aspect of Islamic faith.

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Shahada In English

The English translation of the shahadah is: “I bear witness that there is no deity (none worthy of worship) but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”

Shahada In Arabic Text

Here is Arabic text of shahada:

أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ ٱللَّٰهِ

Shahada Transliteration

The transliteration of Shahadah is as follows: “Ash-hadu alla ilaha illa-Allah wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasul-Allah”.

The Shahada, or Testimony of Tawheed, should be recited in a single breath, without pause, to convey its complete meaning.

It’s recommended to say the entire phrase, “Ashhadu an laa ilaaha ill-Allah wa anna Muhammadan Rasoolullah” (I bear witness that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah), in one go.

Alternatively, you can recite the first part, “Ashhadu an laa ilaaha ill-Allah,” pause briefly, and then continue with the second part, “Wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasoolullah.” This ensures the meaning is conveyed without interruption.

The Shahada, or Testimony of Faith, affirms that only Allah deserves worship, and Muhammad is His Messenger. This testimony is spoken with the tongue and affirmed by the heart, declaring:

No deity deserves worship except Allah, the perfect and exalted.
Allah alone created, controls, and sustains all creation (Ruboobiyyah).
Directing worship to Allah implies acknowledging His sole sovereignty.
No creature, angel, messenger, or entity deserves worship.
Allah sent all Messengers with the same message: “Worship Me alone” (Surah Al-Anbiyaa: 25, An-Nahl: 36).
Understanding and acting on this principle, with sincerity and good deeds, leads to Paradise.
The Prophet (SAW) said, “Whoever’s final words are ‘Laa ilaaha illa Allah’ will enter Paradise.”

In essence, the Shahada embodies the core of Islamic belief, emphasizing Allah’s uniqueness and sole deservingness of worship.

The second part of the Shahada, “Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger,” affirms that Muhammad, the son of Abdullah, an Arab from the Hashim tribe of Quraysh, is the chosen Messenger of Allah.

His message supersedes all previous religions, rendering them null and void.

Therefore, Judaism and Christianity, among others, are no longer valid in the sight of Allah, as stated in Surah Al-Imran: 85, “And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter, he will be among the losers.”

The Shahada combines the two declarations: “There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah” and “Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger.”

The first statement ensures sincerity in worship, while the second statement ensures following the guidance of the Messenger, rather than personal desires.

Together, they form a single pillar of Islam, as they both converge on the principle of making worship pure, which can only be achieved through the meanings of these two testimonies.

Conditions Of The Acceptance Of The Shahada

Here are the conditions for the acceptance of the Shahada:

Knowledge: Understanding the meaning of the Shahada, both the negation (no god) and affirmation (except Allah).
Certainty: Being absolutely certain about the meaning, without doubt or speculation.
Acceptance: Accepting the implications of the Shahada with one’s heart and words.
Submission: Submitting to what the Shahada implies, rather than ignoring or neglecting it.
Truthfulness: Meaning what you say, saying it from the heart, and agreeing with the words being uttered.
Sincerity: Acting with a sound intention, free from contamination of shirk (associating partners with Allah).
Love: Loving the Shahada, its implications, and its people, and hating whatever goes against it.

These conditions ensure that one’s declaration of faith is genuine, heartfelt, and sincere, leading to true belief and acceptance in Allah and His Messenger.