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Shahadah: Difference between revisions
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The '''Shahadah''' (الشهادة), which means "testimony", is the name of the [[Islam|Islamic]] profession of faith. It is the most important of all [[Five Pillars of Islam|Five Pillars]], and its recitation in [[Arabic]] is required for a | {{QualityScore|Lead=1|Structure=3|Content=2|Language=2|References=2}} | ||
The '''Shahadah''' (الشهادة), which means "testimony" (also degree or certificate), is the name of the [[Islam|Islamic]] profession of faith. It is the most important of all [[Five Pillars of Islam|Five Pillars]], and its recitation in [[Arabic]] is required for a non-Muslim to become a Muslim.<ref>[http://www.themodernreligion.com/convert/islam_conversion_main.htm Embracing Islam] - The Modern Religion</ref> | |||
==The text== | ==The text== | ||
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'''Transliteration:''' ašhadu ʾanla <font color="blue">ilāh</font>a ill<font color="darkred">al-Lāh</font>, wa ʾašhadu ʾanna muḥammadan rasūl<font color="darkred">ul-Lāh</font> | '''Transliteration:''' ašhadu ʾanla <font color="blue">ilāh</font>a ill<font color="darkred">al-Lāh</font>, wa ʾašhadu ʾanna muḥammadan rasūl<font color="darkred">ul-Lāh</font> | ||
'''Literal:''' I testify that No <font color="blue">god</font> but <font color="darkred">Allah</font> and I testify that Muhammad is the | '''Literal:''' I testify that No <font color="blue">god</font> but <font color="darkred">Allah</font> and I testify that Muhammad is the apostle of <font color="darkred">Allah</font>.}} | ||
[[Shiite|Shi'ite]] Muslims may add "and Ali is the friend of Allah." (wa-‘Aliyun waliyu l-Lāh), but this is not obligatory.<ref>[http://www.mideastweb.org/Middle-East-Encyclopedia/shahada.htm Shahada] - Encyclopedia of the Middle East</ref> | [[Shiite|Shi'ite]] Muslims may add "and Ali is the friend of Allah." (wa-‘Aliyun waliyu l-Lāh), but this is not obligatory.<ref>[http://www.mideastweb.org/Middle-East-Encyclopedia/shahada.htm Shahada] - Encyclopedia of the Middle East</ref> | ||
==="I testify that" (أشهد أن)=== | ==="I testify that" (أشهد أن)=== | ||
A new convert to Islam has to say that he ''testifies'' about Allah and Muhammad, | A new convert to Islam has to say that he ''testifies'' about Allah and Muhammad, likely hearkening back to Greek Christian idiom of "testifying" to their faith, an idiom ultimately originating in the Roman persecution of Christians (see [[Shaheed (Martyr)]]). | ||
==="No god but Allah" (لا إله إلا الله)=== | ==="No god but Allah" (لا إله إلا الله)=== | ||
A statement of absolute monotheism. Note the unusual difference between أله "'ilah" "a god" and the definite الله "'allah" "the God" where one would otherwise expect الإله "al-'ilah" "the god." This is likely under the influence of the Syriac ܐܲܠܵܗܵܐ "Alaaha" for "god." | |||
There is a grammatically analogous statement used by | There is a grammatically analogous statement used by Shia Muslims: | ||
{{Quote|| | {{Quote|| | ||
لا سيف إلا ذو الفقار | لا سيف إلا ذو الفقار | ||
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Literally: No sword except Zulfiqar | Literally: No sword except Zulfiqar | ||
}} | }} | ||
Zulfiqar is the sword of Ali. | Zulfiqar is the sword of Ali. Note that it doesn't imply that other swords don't exist, merely that Ali's sword is the preeminent sword of swords. | ||
==In the Quran== | ==In the Quran== | ||
Since saying the shahada is considered the first pillar of Islam, | Since saying the shahada is considered the first pillar of Islam, one might expect that there would be a clear version of it in the Quran saying. Yet the text of the shahada actually does not appear in the Quran, at least not in its full form. | ||
"No god but Allah" is mentioned in two verses. In one verse it was said to disbelievers: | "No god but Allah" is mentioned in two verses. In one verse it was said to disbelievers: | ||
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48:28 It is He who sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to manifest it over all religion. And sufficient is Allah as Witness. | 48:28 It is He who sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to manifest it over all religion. And sufficient is Allah as Witness. | ||
48:29 '''Muhammad is the | 48:29 '''Muhammad is the Apostle of Allah''' (محمد رسول الله); and those with him are forceful against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating [in prayer], seeking bounty from Allah and [His] pleasure. Their mark is on their faces from the trace of prostration. That is their description in the Torah. And their description in the Gospel is as a plant which produces its offshoots and strengthens them so they grow firm and stand upon their stalks, delighting the sowers - so that Allah may enrage by them the disbelievers. Allah has promised those who believe and do righteous deeds among them forgiveness and a great reward. | ||
}} | }} | ||
The entire declaration, though, appears no where as such in our received rescension of the Quran. | |||
==In the hadith== | ==In the hadith== | ||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||
[[Category:Ritual]] | |||
[[Category: | [[Category:Allah]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Muhammad]] | ||
[[Category:Revelation]] | |||