The Shahada is the very first pillar of Islam. It is the declaration of belief in one God (Allah) and His messenger, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

What is the meaning of the Shahada?

The Shahada (shahadah) is the Arabic term for the declaration of faith. One that firmly believes that there is only one true God (Allah) and that Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is His (last and final) Messenger.

In practice, this is how to say the Shahada:

Ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Allah, Wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan Rasulu-Allah

أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللهِ

“I bear witness that there is no God but God (Allah – i.e. there is none worthy of worship but Allah), and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”

It is the most sacred statement in Islam and must be recited with full understanding and mindfulness of its meaning.

A Staple of Muslim Life

The Shahada, being one of the five pillars of Islam, is a core aspect of a Muslim’s life. They hear it in the call to prayer (athan) and recite it during tashahhud in Salah (prayer).

It is also the first thing one hears when one enters the world as a Muslim. The Shahadah is spoken as the first words a Muslim baby hears upon entering the world as part of the adhan. Likewise, when someone wishes to convert to Islam as their religion, reciting the Shahadah marks their entrance into Islam and their life as a Muslim.

Why is the Shahada important?

The belief in one Allah is the central tenet of the Islamic faith, around which all else revolves. Muslims are continuously reminded of this foundational belief. This includes the recital of the Shahada during each of the five daily prayers. It also appears during many more pivotal moments of a Muslim’s life.

The second part of the Shahada requires Muslims to acknowledge and testify to the belief in the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as Allah’s messenger. This serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). It is also a reminder to never associate partners with Allah, as Allah remains one God alone.

Who is Allah (SWT) in Islam?

Allah is the Arabic (and universal among Muslims) term for the One True God. This term has no plural or gender, as nothing else can be called Allah.

In Islam, Allah is the Almighty, Creator, and Sustainer of the universe, who is similar to nothing, and nothing is comparable to Him. When asked about Allah, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) gave the answer that came directly from Allah Himself from the Quran:

“Say: ‘He is Allah, (who is) One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.’”

Quran | Al Ikhlas | 112:1

The Shahada is more than a statement—it’s a lifelong commitment. It is the first pillar of Islam, laying the foundation for every act of worship and obedience that follows.

From birth to death, and in every moment in between, Muslims carry the Shahada in their hearts and on their tongues. It reminds them of their relationship with Allah, their devotion to His message, and their connection to a long tradition of faith and guidance.