Kalima Tayyaba (or Tauheed) and Kalima Shahadat are two of the six Kalimas in Islam, each affirming a fundamental belief. Kalima Tayyaba, the first Kalima, declares the Oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad. Kalima Shahadat, the second, is the declaration of faith, witnessing to the Oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad.
Elaboration:
- Kalima Tayyaba (or Tauheed):This Kalima, meaning “pure word” or “word of oneness”, declares the fundamental belief of Islam: “La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur Rasulullah” (Arabic: لا إِلهَ إِلَّا اللَّـٰهُ مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ اللَّـٰهِ), which translates to “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah”.
- Kalima Shahadat:This Kalima, meaning “word of testimony,” is the formal declaration of faith required for conversion to Islam. It states: “Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lahu wa ashadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluh” (Arabic: أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّـٰهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ), which translates to “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, He is One, without partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger”.
These two Kalimas, along with the other four, form the core beliefs of Islam.
The terms Kalima Tayyiba, Kalima Tawheed, and Kalima Shahadat are significant in Islamic theology, referring to key declarations of faith. Here’s a concise explanation:
- Kalima Tayyiba (The Pure Word):
- It is the fundamental Islamic declaration of faith: “La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur Rasulullah” (“There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah”).
- It encapsulates the essence of Islamic monotheism (Tawheed) and the prophethood of Muhammad.
- Often referred to as the “pure word” because it affirms the oneness of Allah and is the foundation of a Muslim’s belief.
- Kalima Tawheed:
- Specifically emphasizes Tawheed, the oneness of Allah: “La ilaha illallah” (“There is no god but Allah”).
- It is the first part of the Kalima Tayyiba and underscores the absolute monotheism central to Islam, rejecting any partners or rivals to Allah.
- It is a declaration of Allah’s unity and sovereignty.
- Kalima Shahadat (The Testimony of Faith):
- The full declaration: “Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluh” (“I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger”).
- It is the formal testimony required to enter Islam, affirming both Tawheed and the prophethood of Muhammad.
- Reciting it with sincerity and understanding is a key requirement for becoming a Muslim.
Summary:
- Kalima Tayyiba and Kalima Tawheed focus on the oneness of Allah, with the former including acknowledgment of Muhammad’s prophethood.
- Kalima Shahadat is the complete testimony, used as the formal declaration of faith in Islam. These declarations are foundational to a Muslim’s belief, emphasizing monotheism and the role of Prophet Muhammad as Allah’s final messenger.