THE SHAHADA (A TESTIMONY OF FAITH)

                             The shahada

What is shahada?

The shahada(a testimony of faith), also known as the declaration of faith, is the most important and fundamental belief of Islam. Shahada is the first pillar of Islam, it is the foundation of be a Muslim. The shahada is the key part of Islam. It is a declaration made by a Muslim to affirm their faith in one God  {Allah (SWT)} and the prophethood of Muhammad (SAW). The shahada is considered to be first of the five pillars of Islam and is a fundamental part of Islamic belief. The shahada is a simple statement, but it carries great significance for Muslim. It is a testimony that there is no God but Allah(SWT), and Muhammad (SAW) is his messenger. This declaration is central to the Islamic faith, and it is repeated daily by Muslim in the prayers.

What is the meaning of Shahada?

The shahada is one of the most important pillar of Islam, it is also known as the Kalima, which means "word" or "phrase" in Arabic. The shahada is composed of two parts: the first is the affirmation of faith in one God (Allah), and the second part is the affirmation of faith in the prophethood of Muhammad.

"Ashadu an la ilaha illa Allahu, wa ash -hadu anna Muhammadan Rasulu-Allah."

The first part of shahada states: ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Allah", which means "I bear witness that there is no God but Allah (SWT)," this phrase affirms the belief in the oneness of God, also known as tawhid. tawhid is the foundation of islamic belief, and it means that there is only one God (Allah), and he is the only one worthy of worship. Muslims believe that God(Allah) is the creator of the universe, and he has no partners, associates, or equals. 

The second part of the shahada states: "Wa ash -hadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa Rasul -Allh" which means "And i bear witness that Muhammad (SAW) is the messenger of Allah(SWT)."This phrase affirms the belief in the prophethood of Muhammad, who muslims believe was the last and final prophet of the God(Allah). Muslims believe that Muhammad (SAW) was chosen by God (Allah) to convey his message to humanity, and he is the perfect example of how to live a life according to God's (Allah) will. To be a muslim is not only love to Allah (SWT) but also his messenger and to follow in his footsteps. Allah (SWT) says in the holy Quran- "say (O Muhammad to mankind): 'if you should love Allah, then follow me, Allah (SWT) will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah (SWT) is oft-forgiving, most merciful"{surah imran verse 31}

it was given to prophet Muhammad (SAW) as the last revelation. He is the last and most beloved messenger of Allah (SWT), the seal of the prophets.Every muslim should look to the prophet Muhammad (SAW) as a great example cause Muhammad (SAW) is the perfect role model for every muslims. And it is our responsibility to learn from his sunnah and hadith and aim to become  better muslims.

  what is the importance of shahada in Islam?

The shahada is of great importance in Islam, and it has a significant impact on the life of a Muslim. The following are some of the reasons why the shahada is so important in Islam.

1. Belief in the oneness of Allah (SWT)

The shahada declares the belief in the oneness of Allah (SWT). Islam is a monotheistic religion, and the belief in oneness of Allah (SWT) is the most fundamental aspect of the faith. The shahada is a declaration of this belief, and it serves as a reminder to muslims of the importance of this belief in their daily lives.

2. Acceptance of the prophethood of Muhammad (SAW)

The shahada also declares the acceptance of the prophethood of Muhammad (SAW). Muslims believe that Muhammad (SAW) was the last and final prophet sent by Allah( SWT) to guide humanity. The shahada is a declaration of this belief, and it serves as a reminder to Muslim of the importance of following the teachings of the prophet Muhammad (SAW).

3. Unity the brotherhood

The shahada promotes unity and brotherhood among Muslims.When a Muslim recites the shahada, they are declaring their faith in Allah (SWT) And their acceptance of the teaching of the prophet Muhammad(SAW). This declaration of faith unites Muslims around the world, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or their nationality.

4. Guidance and Direction

The shahada provides guidance and direction to Muslims. it reminds them of the purpose of their existence and their obligation to Allah(SWT). The shahada also serves as a reminder to muslims of the importance of leading a righteous and moral life.

5. Salvation and forgiveness

The shahada is also important in islam because it is believed that reciting the shahada is a means of attaining salvation and forgiveness from Allah (SWT). Muslims believe that by sincerely reciting the shahada, they will be forgiven for their sins and granted entry into paradise.

Conditions of shahada

1. Knowledge (al-ilm)

It is not enough to pronounce the testimony of faith.if we testify something, we should know what this statement means.you have to have knowledge about what you are reciting. you should know the deep meaning of shahada, when you are recite shahada or accepting islam.Its important for the one who says it to understand that there is no god but Allah (SWT) and Muhammad (SAW) is his messenger. 

2. Certainty ( Al-yaqeen)

The shahada also has the need that one be convinced. As a result, if you are unclear about whether this is true, you cannot convert to Islam. Complete conviction is necessary for conversion to islam. This is an essential for being able to pronounce the shahada correctly after that. Islam should be accepted as the absolute truth. That mean rejecting all other religions, being convinced that Allah is the only God should be worshipped only and Muhammad (SAW) is his messenger. There can be no doubt regarding this.

3. Acceptance (qabul)

This means that one accepts with one's heart and with one's words that which is implied by the shahada. Just reciting the shahada does not convert someone to islam. instead, he should verbally and inwardly accept the shahada and everything that it involves. if one's heart does not recognise the truth of the shahada, then saying the words aloud is insufficient. 

4. Submission ( Inqiyad)

Not only must the believer acknowledge and trust in the truth of the shahada. He must also fully accept everything that comes with accepting the shahada. therefore, one must submit the to Allah(SWT) and follow islamic law when they declare their witness of faith. One must follow the teachings of Muhammad (SAW) and obey him in order to submit to Allah(SWT) as he command us to. One must be prepared to submit to Allah (SWT) when they give their witness of faith rather than to their own desires.

5.Truthfulness (sidq)

This condition is very important, truthfulness is the backbone of shahada. A sincere statement of faith should be made when reciting the shahada. While saying it, one should not disbelieve in the truth of the shahada. A person's sahada is invalid if they do not truly believe that the oneness of Allah(SWT) and the Muhammad (SAW) is his messenger. Anyone who does not truly believe in the reality of Islam in his heart will not gain anything from reciting the shahada. so when you recite shahada from your lips it must be the truth from your heart, and also we have to believe that there is no greater truth than this, that there is no god but Allah (SWT) and Muhammad (SAW)is his messenger.  

6. Sincerity (Ikhlas)

When reciting the shahada, one must be sincere. this indicates that such a person must have the right beliefs and goals. the affiliation of partners with Allah(SWT), or shirk, must not exist in any form in one's religious beliefs. A Muslim should recite the shahada with the serious goal of obeying Islam and Allah's messenger in order to submit to Allah.A person's shahada will not be valid if he does not inwardly hold the correct belief. he should not have any ulterior motives for professing Islam, as that would mean he is insincere. 

7. Love for Allah (Mahabbah)

The witness of faith should be accepted and loved by the Muslim. He loves Allah and his oneness. He practices Tawheed with complete conviction and without grudge or disagreement. To love the shahada is to also love the prophet Muhammad (SAW), and we have to follow his sunnah with love and faith.

If one loves Allah, they should value what he values even if it goes against their personal preferences or desires. in addition, even though it appeals to him, he should hate what Allah (SWT) hates. He ought to oppose those who are enemies of Allah (SWT) and his messenger Muhammad (SAW) and befriend those who the friends of Allah(SWT).   

 When Muslims recite the shahada 

1.Call to prayer (Adhaan)

2. When Muslim praying salah (obligatory 5 times a day)

3.On death board (if one declares it at death, he or she will be admitted to paradise on the day of judgement )" prompt your dying ones to say la ilaaha illallah and whoever's last words before dying are: laa ilaaha illallah, will enter paradise one day, even if he is afflicted before that by punishment."[shahih muslim, vol.2, p.435, no. 1996] 

4. After wudu (Muhammad (SAW) said " anyone who recites the following after wudu, will have all eight doors of jannah opened for him to enter from whichever of them he wishes: Ash-hadu al la ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu wa-ash hadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluh){sahih muslim hadith:552}

5. Acceptance of Islam(a person who accept Islam is compulsory to recite shahada shahada is what divides a muslim and non-muslim.)

6. Welcoming a newborn baby in the world (Recite adhan in baby right ear [abu dawud 5105] phrases of adhan consist of shahada.)

Conclusion:

The Shahada is the most important  pillar of Islam and it is also known as declaration of faith. it affirms the belief in the one God Allah (SWT) and prophethood of Muhammad (SAW) as his final messenger. The shahada is recited by muslim around the world as a declaration of faith and it is vital for all people who believe in Islam and accept the oneness of Allah(SWT) to recite the shahada.they must simultaneously meet each of the seven condition. This will make it more likely that their shahada will be accepted in Allah's sight .not only when accept Islam but also there are many times when muslim recite the shahada. The shahada is of great importance in islam as it promotes unity and brotherhood among muslims, provides guidance and direction, and serves as a means of attaining salvation and forgiveness from Allah(SWT).It is the foundation upon which the entire faith of Islam is built. 

The five pillars of islam