Shahada

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The shahadah (Arabic: شهادة  audio (info • help)) is the Islamic creed. It means "to testify" or "to bear witness" in Arabic. The shahadah is the Muslim declaration of belief in the oneness of God and in Muhammad as his final prophet. Recitation of the shahadah is one of the Five Pillars of Islam for Muslims and is said daily.

Rendering

• Arabic text:

• أشهد أن] لا إله إلاَّ الله و [أشهد أن ] محمد رسول الله ]

• English rendering:

• [ I testify that ] there is no god (ilah), but God, and [ I testify that ] Muhammad is the messenger of God.

Another rendering current amongst some English-speaking Muslims, but without a historical tradition, is:

• [ I testify that ] there is none worthy of worship except God, and [I testify that] Muhammad is the messenger of God.

This version constitutes an interpretation rather than translation, as the words "worthy of worship" are not present in the Arabic.

A single honest recitation of the shahādah in Arabic is all that is required for a person to become a Muslim according to most traditional schools.

Other websites

• LivingHalal.com Islamic audio glossary
• AbdurRahman.org
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