What is the Shahada in Islam and Why It’s the Core of Faith

Have you ever thought about how important the shahada is in Islam and why it is the most important part of our faith? This isn’t just a simple question. The shahada isn’t just a phrase; it’s a powerful statement that changes how a Muslim lives. What is the Shahada in Islam? Without the shahada, there is no true Islam. It’s like a clear line that shows the difference between belief and disbelief. It helps us stay on the right path, leading us to Allah’s mercy and the great reward of heaven.

What is the Shahada in Islam and What Does It Mean?

So, what exactly is the shahada in Islam? The shahada is the Islamic statement of faith. It is the first pillar of Islam. It’s a simple but very important declaration: 

“Ashhadu alla ilaha illa Allah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan rasul Allah.”

 (“I bear witness that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”)

This statement isn’t just something people say with their mouths. For Muslims, it’s a strong belief that comes from the heart, spoken out loud, and shown through actions. When someone asks what the shahada in Islam is, they’re really asking about the main step to becoming a Muslim and joining the worldwide Muslim community.

When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was visited by Gabriel in the form of a man and was asked about Islam, he replied:

“Islam is to testify that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, to establish the prayer, to give zakah, to fast Ramadan, and to perform Hajj to the House if you are able to find a way.” (Agreed upon — narrated by both Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Ready for personalized Islamic learning? Start with a free consultation from our Al-Azhar-certified Sheikhs in Egypt.

The Two Parts of Shahada and Their Deep Meanings

When we think about What is the Shahada in Islam, we need to understand that it has two important parts, each with deep significance.

1.The First Part: Tawhid 

“La ilaha illa Allah” أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله

This statement means there is no god worthy of worship except Allah. 

It rejects any false gods, idols, or anything people might wrongly worship. It shows true belief in one God (tawhid), which is the basic idea of Islam. Without this belief, someone cannot be considered a Muslim.

2.The Second Part: Risalah 

“and Muhammadan rasul Allah” وأشهد أن محمدًا رسول الله

This shows that Muhammad ﷺ is the last messenger of Allah. 

When someone accepts Muhammad as the messenger, they also accept everything he taught, including the Qur’an, his way of life (Sunnah), and the divine laws (Shariah). The firm conviction from the depths of the heart, in harmony with the words of the tongue, that Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn Abdul Muttalib is Allah’s servant and His Messenger to all people.

Thus, it necessitates believing him in what he conveyed, obeying him in what he commanded, refraining from what he prohibited and warned against, and worshipping Allah only through what he has legislated.

Knowing these two parts helps explain the full meaning of What is the Shahada in Islam. It means to believe that Allah alone is worthy of worship and to follow the guidance given through His beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

How to Declare the Shahada and Become a Muslim

You might be wondering, what is the shahada in Islam and how does it connect to becoming a Muslim? Basically, saying the shahada honestly is how someone becomes a Muslim. There’s no need for complicated steps or someone else to help. A person needs to: 

• Know and believe in what the shahada means. 
• Say it from the heart, without being forced or pretending. 

It’s the way to start being part of Islam. As Muslims, we think about this every day and are thankful that Allah has made joining His religion so easy.

عَنْ مُعَاذِ بْنِ جَبَلٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ ‏ “‏ مَا مِنْ نَفْسٍ تَمُوتُ تَشْهَدُ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَأَنِّي رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ يَرْجِعُ ذَلِكَ إِلَى قَلْبٍ مُوقِنٍ إِلاَّ غَفَرَ اللَّهُ لَهَا ‏”‏ ‏.‏

It was narrated from Mu’adh bin Jabal that the :Messenger of Allah(ﷺ) said: “There is no soul that died bearing witness to La ilaha illallah, and that I am the Messenger of Allah, from the heart with certainity, but Allah will forgive it.”

Quranic Foundations of the Shahada

If we ask What is the Shahada in Islam from the viewpoint of the Qur’an, we find that the whole message of the Qur’an is built around what the shahada says. Allah says in the Qur’an: 

“Allah declares that there is no god except Him, and so do the angels and those who have knowledge — He is maintaining creation with justice. 

There is no god except Him, the Most Exalted in power, the Wise. ” (Surah Al Imran 3:18) 

Many verses stress tawhid, which is the main idea of the first part of the shahada. Likewise, Allah tells us to listen to and obey the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in many verses, like: 

“Say, [O Muhammad], ‘O people, indeed I am the messenger of Allah to you all…”” (Surah Al-A’raf 7:158) 

So, when we ask What is the Shahada in Islam, we see that it clearly shows the main ideas of the Qur’an.

The Shahada in Daily Prayers and Worship

The shahada in Islam is not just a single statement. It becomes a part of our everyday life. Every time we hear the adhan or iqamah, we say the shahada. During each prayer, especially in the tashahhud part, we repeat it to remind ourselves of our belief.

When we do good deeds like fasting, giving charity, or making the pilgrimage, we are showing what the shahada means. Also, avoiding bad actions is a way of being true to our shahada, as it shows we are committed to serving only Allah.

عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، قَالَ عَلَّمَنَا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم التَّشَهُّدَ فِي الصَّلاَةِ وَالتَّشَهُّدَ فِي الْحَاجَةِ فَأَمَّا التَّشَهُّدُ فِي الصَّلاَةِ ‏ “‏ التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ ‏”‏ ‏.‏ إِلَى آخِرِ التَّشَهُّدِ ‏.‏

It was narrated that ‘Abdullah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) taught us the tashahhud for prayer and the tashahhud for Al-Hajah. The tashahhud for prayer is:

At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat, as-salamu ‘alaika ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa rahmatAllahi wa baraktuhu. As-salamu ‘alaina wa ‘ala ‘ibad illahis-salihin, ashahdu an la illaha ill-Allah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluhu (Allah compliments, prayers and pure words are due to Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah (SWT) and his blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous slaves of Allah (SWT). I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger).’ (to the end of the tashahhud)”

Shahada and Its Role in Islamic Unity

So truly, What is the Shahada in Islam if not the strongest link that brings together over a billion Muslims around the world? No matter our cultures, languages, or races, we are all connected by this simple but deep statement. 

When we meet another Muslim, the reason we wish them peace and see each other as brothers and sisters is because of the shahada. It is the unifying declaration that makes us part of one community, all working to please Allah.

Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “When we used to pray behind the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), we would say: ‘Peace be upon Gabriel and Michael, peace be upon so-and-so and so-and-so.’ So the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) turned to us and said:

‘Indeed, Allah is As-Salam (The Source of Peace). So when one of you prays, let him say: At-tahiyyatu lillah, was-salawatu wat-tayyibat, as-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh, as-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibadillahis-salihin. For when you say this, it reaches every righteous servant of Allah in the heavens and the earth. [Then say:] I bear witness that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.’” (Agreed upon — narrated by both Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Understanding the essential aspects of Islamic purification (Taharah) and prayer practices under the supervision of qualified teachers from Al-Azhar Al-Shariff, Egypt.

Conclusion

In short, if you’ve ever asked What is the Shahada in Islam, it’s the most important part of our belief. It’s what makes someone a Muslim and what connects us to our Creator. It also gives our lives true meaning and direction. 

When we say and live by the shahada, we show we love Allah above all and are ready to follow the way shown by His prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It’s right to say that the shahada is the heart of Islam, the key to finding salvation, and the way to please Allah forever.

Seize the opportunity for personalized Islamic learning with a free consultation from Egyptian Al-Azhar Sheikhs.

 

FAQs

What is the shahada in Islam, and can it be said in any language?
The shahada in Islam is a declaration of faith. It’s best said in Arabic, but we can explain its meaning  in any language.

How many times must we say the shahada?
It is renewed in our daily adhan and prayers and throughout our lives by our actions.

What if someone says the shahada without believing it?
Then it is meaningless. The shahada in Islam emphasizes that it must be declared sincerely, with conviction in the heart.

Can the shahada wipe out all past sins?
Yes. When one embraces Islam by sincerely declaring the shahada, all previous sins are forgiven, and he starts as pure as a newborn.

Why is the shahada repeated so much in Muslim life?
Because it is the essence of our faith. Every prayer, act of worship, and Islamic greeting ultimately ties back to what the shahada stands for.