Creed (Kalimatu ‘sh-shahādah) in Islam
Definition
The Muḥammadan Creed, or Kalimatu ‘sh-shahādah (shortly “Kalimah”) is the fundamental declaration of faith in Islam. It is expressed in the well-known formula:
<p>“I testify that there is no deity but God, and Muḥammad is the Apostle of God.”</p>
In Arabic, this is written as:
<p><strong>أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله وأشهد أن محمد رسول الله</strong></p>
Etymology
- Kalimah (كَلِمَة) - Arabic for “word” or “statement.”
- Shahādah (شَهَادَة) - Arabic for “testimony” or “witnessing.”
- In Turkish, this creed is known as Kelime-i Şehadet.
Significance in Islam
The Kalimah is central to Islamic faith and practice, with profound spiritual, theological, and social implications. It is the first of the Five Pillars of Islam and symbolizes one’s entry into the Muslim community.
Historical and Theological Context
Muslims believe that the first part of the creed, the nafī wa is̤bāt (“There is no deity but God”), has been the foundational expression of belief for every prophet since the time of Adam. The second part of the creed adapts according to different dispensations:
- During Moses’ time: “There is no deity but God, and Moses is the Converser with God.”
- During Jesus’ time: “There is no deity but God, and Jesus is the Spirit of God.”
According to an anecdote, the Prophet Muḥammad said, “The keys of Paradise are bearing witness that there is no deity but God.”
Conditions for Declaring the Kalimah
The declaration of this creed, or the Shahādah, involves specific conditions:
- Audible Recitation: It must be repeated aloud at least once in a lifetime.
- Full Understanding: One must fully comprehend its meaning.
- Heart-Felt Belief: It must be believed sincerely by the heart.
- Lifelong Profession: It must be professed continuously until death.
- Correct Recitation: It must be recited correctly without linguistic errors.
- Unhesitant Declaration: It must be always professed and declared without hesitation.
Recommended Books for Further Studies
- Armstrong, Karen. Muhammad: A Prophet for Our Time. HarperCollins, 2006.
- Esposito, John L. Islam: The Straight Path. Oxford University Press, 1991.
- Nasr, Seyyed Hossein. The Heart of Islam: Enduring Values for Humanity. HarperOne, 2003.
- Sachedina, Abdulaziz. Islamic Roots of Democratic Pluralism. Oxford University Press, 2002.
Takeaways and Conclusion
The Kalimatu ‘sh-shahādah, or Kalimah, is not just a declaration but a comprehensive commitment that shapes a believer’s entire life. It is the gateway to Islamic faith and a continual affirmation of monotheism and prophethood. Understanding and embodying its meaning are essential for every Muslim, marking the unity of the ummah (Muslim community) across different epochs and regions.
Understanding the intricacies of the Shahādah provides profound insights into the Islamic worldview and the spiritual life of Muslims.
For scholarly exploration, you may refer to the listed books that delve deeply into the various facets of Islamic faith and practice.
