Understanding Shahada: The First Pillar of Islam
In Islam, the Five Pillars serve as the foundation of a Muslim’s faith and practice. The first and most fundamental pillar is Shahada, the declaration of faith. Understanding Shahada is crucial, representing the core belief in Allah’s oneness and Muhammad’s prophethood.
What is Shahada (the First Pillar of Islam) in Islam?
Shahada means declaration of faith, and it has been described as the first and most fundamental role of Islam towards which Muslims are oriented. It is a compact but very potent statement:
“Ashhadu a la ilaha illa Allah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammad ur rasul Allah,” which, when translated, means “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah and that I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.”
This declaration is not only articulated; it is also part of the ideology of a Muslim inbred into his entire life. It is through the utterance of the Shahada, coupled with firm belief, that one enters the fold of Islam, meaning a non-Muslim accepts Islam.
Components of Shahada in Islam:
Ashhadu a la ilaha illa Allah: I bear witness to the fact that there is no god but Allah.
This part emphasizes the concept of Tawhid or the oneness of Allah. Allah is described as the single Creator, Provider, and Sustainer of the universe, accusing all kinds of worship and multiple religions.
Wa ashhadu anna Muhammad ur rasul Allah: I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.
It acknowledges Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H) as Allah’s last Prophet and Messenger. This part must mention the mission of Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H) regarding Communicating Allah’s last revelation to humanity; that is, The Quran, and his example as a living guide about living a righteous life.
What is the meaning of Shahada?
Shahada divides Islamic theological principles of beliefs into two camps:
Proof of Monotheism:
The first part means “Ashhadu a la ilaha illa Allah,” that is, “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah.” This suggests the idea of Tawhid, the absolute unity of Allah. This firmly claims that Allah is the only being who deserves to be worshipped and hence rejects all forms of polytheism and idolatry.
The main idea is emphasized on several occasions in many verses of the Holy Quran, such as:
شَهِدَ ٱللَّهُ أَنَّهُۥ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ وَٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ وَأُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْعِلْمِ قَآئِمًۢا بِٱلْقِسْطِ ۚ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ﴾ ١٨﴿
The ayah stresses that Allah alone is the creator of the universe and its sustainer, to Whom all worship is due.
Prophethood:
“Wa ashhadu anna Muhammad ur rasul Allah” means I bear witness that Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) is the last Messenger of Allah.” It means that one accepts Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) as the last Prophet Allah sent to guide humanity. In other words, it means acceptance of his teachings and the Book of Allah that was revealed through him. The place this belief holds has been testified to in the Quran:
﴾وَمَا مُحَمَّدٌ إِلَّا رَسُولٌ قَدْ خَلَتْ مِن قَبْلِهِ الرُّسُلُ ۚ أَفَإِن مَّاتَ أَوْ قُتِلَ انقَلَبْتُمْ عَلَىٰ أَعْقَابِكُمْ ۚ وَمَن يَنقَلِبْ عَلَىٰ عَقِبَيْهِ فَلَن يَضُرَّ اللَّهَ شَيْئًا ۗ وَسَيَجْزِي اللَّهُ الشَّاكِرِينَ﴿
[ آل عمران: 144]
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]? And he who turns back on his heels will never harm Allah at all, but Allah will reward the grateful.
This verse emphasizes the ending of Prophethood and the place of the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) in giving the last revelation from Allah to humanity.
What is the importance of Shahada?
There are many reasons why Shahada is more important in Islam. These are some of the reasons for it:
The base of belief:
Shahada means the basic creed or tenet of Islamic belief. Fundamentally, it defines what a Muslim believes in: that Prophet Muhammad was the last Prophet, and there is only one God Allah. It is this basic statement that goes on to become the root of every other facet of Islamic conduct and thought.
General Thought:
No matter what their cultures or languages are, the Shahada is recited by Muslims worldwide. From the common declaration of faith among Muslims, a sense of unity and brotherhood resounds through.
Guiding Principle:
Shahada thus gives the Muslim a simple perception of life by affirming and confessing the oneness of Allah and the Prophethood of Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H). It guides them to live in terms of Islamic principles in carrying out their lives and to be zealous over the fulfillment of all duties that are owed to Allah and humanity.
Entrance into Islam:
The Shahada should be articulated with conviction, and it is this that is required of anyone when they wish to convert to Islam. Any individual becomes a Muslim upon hearing this most simple, yet profound, statement, and it places him or her on the road to Islam.
Reminder Always:
Shahada is therefore a daily reminder to the Muslims for faith in and commitment to Allah. This reiterates what man believes and thus helps him be focused, with a sense of direction and purpose, in his lifetime journey.
Five Facts about the Shahada:
Simplicity and Depth:
Shahada is the smallest statement summarizing the true beliefs of Islam. It is simple, yet its very accessibility makes it easy, and deep enough to reflect the profound theological principles it stands for in religion.
Daily Recitation:
It is repeated by Muslims several times a day in the prayers. Repetition thus strengthens the faith and deepens the relationship between Muslims and Allah.
Integral to the Call to Prayer:
Shahada is essential for both Adhan and Iqamah, Arabic words roughly translating to the calls to prayer and the second call to prayer, respectively. These calls, which can be heard from any mosque in the world, show just how integral the Shahada is to Islamic prayer.
Act of Witnessing:
The literal translation of the Arabic term “Shahada” means “testimony” or “witnessing.” A Muslim’s repetition thus means that he bears witness to the oneness of Allah and the Prophethood of Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H) by declaring it in public.
Universal Declaration:
The Shahada is cross-culturally and cross-nationally applicable. Due to the bond that unites them in towns and cities, there comes the feeling of worldwide unity amongst the Muslims for their shared beliefs.