Kalimah (كلمة) in Islam
Definition
Kalimah (كلمة) - Literally translated as “The Word.” In Islamic tradition, it refers to the fundamental expression of the Muslim creed: “لا إله إلا الله، محمد رسول الله” (Lā ʾilāha ʾillā llāhu; Muḥammadun Rasūlu ʾllāh). This translates to “There is no deity but God; Muḥammad is the Apostle of God.”
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: كلمة (Kalimah)
- Turkish: Kelime
Etymology: The Arabic term “كلمة” (kalimah) translates directly to “word” in English. Its use in context refers to a proclamation or declaration central to a belief system.
Components of Kalimah
-
La Ilaaha Illa Allah (لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ): “There is no deity but God.”
- Reference: Quran, Surah Muhammad (47:21).
- Known as the Nafiy (rejection) and Ithbaat (affirmation).
-
Muhammadun Rasulu Allah (مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ ٱللَّٰهِ): “Muhammad is the Apostle of God.”
- Reference: Quran, Surah Al-Fath (48:29).
Significance in Islamic Practice
- Pillar of Faith: Recital of the Kalimah is the first among the Five Pillars of Islam, known as the Shahada (Declaration of Faith).
- Ritual Recitation: It is a declaration that is frequently repeated in daily prayers and other religious observances.
- Sufi Traditions: Sufi faqīrs (mystics) also often recite the Kalimah as part of their spiritual practices.
Comparison with Other Religious Traditions
- Judaism: The Kalimah is analogous to the “Shema Yisrael” (“Hear, O Israel”), a central declaration in Jewish prayer services. The Shema reads, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord is our God, the Lord is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4).
- Pre-Islamic Tradition: Historical traditions indicate that a precursor to the Kalimah, known as the Talbiyah, was recited by ancient Arabian tribes: “I stand up for Thy service, O God! There is no partner with Thee.”
Key Texts and Further Reading
- “Mishkat al-Masabih” - A collection of Hadith where the Kalimah is frequently referenced.
- “The Meaning of the Holy Qur’an” by Abdullah Yusuf Ali - Discusses the interpretations of Quranic verses relating to the Kalimah.
- “Islam: Faith and History” by Mahmoud Ayoub - Offers an overview of the importance of the Shahada in Islamic faith.
- “The Foundations of Islam” by M. Abdur Rahman Ibn Yusuf - Provides insights into the Five Pillars of Islam, including the recitation of the Kalimah.
Takeaways
- The Kalimah (كلمة) is a fundamental declaration of Islamic faith, symbolizing the monotheistic belief in one God and the prophethood of Muhammad.
- It plays a central role in Islamic daily practices and spiritual affirmations.
- The Kalimah holds a position similar to creeds in other religious traditions, establishing a common ground for understanding its universal principles of monotheism and prophethood.
Conclusion
Understanding the significance of the Kalimah provides profound insight into the core beliefs of Islam. It exemplifies the unified declaration of faith that binds Muslims worldwide, transcending individual and cultural differences to affirm the central tenets of their religion.
For anyone looking to delve deeper into this topic, the suggested readings provide a comprehensive exploration of the Kalimah and its place in Islamic theology and practice.
