The Kalima (Arabic: كلمة), meaning “word” or “declaration,” refers to the fundamental proclamation of faith in Islam. It is a concise yet profound statement that encapsulates the core belief of a Muslim, affirming the oneness of Allah.

The Kalima (Shahada)

The most well-known and significant Kalima in Islam is the Shahada, which is the declaration of faith:

“La ilaha illa Allah”

In English:

“There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah”

Meaning and Significance

1. Affirmation of Tawhid (Oneness of Allah):
   • “La ilaha illa Allah”, asserts the belief in Tawhid, the central tenet of Islam, that Allah is the sole Creator, Sustainer, and the only one deserving of worship.
2. A Daily Affirmation:
   • The Kalima is recited in the Adhan (call to prayer), the daily Salah (prayers), and is a constant reminder of a Muslim’s devotion to Allah.

Other Kalimas in Islamic Tradition

In addition to the Shahada, there are other well-known Kalimas that are often recited for spiritual reflection and remembrance of Allah. These are widely used in teaching and memorization, especially for children in Islamic education.

1. First Kalima (Tayyib):
   • “La ilaha illa Allah”
   • Translation: “There is no deity except Allah”
2. Second Kalima (Tamjeed):
   • “Subhan Allahi walhamdu lillahi wala ilaha illa Allahu wallahu akbar. Wala hawla wala quwwata illa billahil aliyyil azim.”
   • Translation: “Glory be to Allah, all praise is for Allah, there is no deity but Allah, Allah is the Greatest. There is no power and no strength except with Allah, the Most High, the Most Great.”
3. Third Kalima (Tawhid):
   • “La ilaha illa Allahu wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul mulku walahul hamdu, yuhyi wa yumit, wa huwa hayyun la yamutu abadan abada, zul-jalali wal-ikram, biyadihil khayr, wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer.”
   • Translation: “There is no deity but Allah. He is One. He has no partner. His is the dominion, and His is the praise. He gives life and causes death. He is living and does not die, ever. Possessor of glory and honor, in His hand is all good, and He has power over everything.”
4. Fourth Kalima (Astaghfar):
   • “Astaghfirullah rabbi min kulli dhambin adhnabtuhu amadan aw khata’an sirran aw ‘alaniyatan wa atubu ilayh min adh-dhanbi alladhi a’lamu wa min adh-dhanbi alladhi la a’lamu innaka anta ‘allamul ghuyub wa sattarul ‘uyub wa ghaffarudh-dhunub wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billahil aliyyil azim.”
   • Translation: “I seek forgiveness from Allah, my Lord, from every sin I committed intentionally or mistakenly, secretly or openly. I turn to Him in repentance from the sins I know and those I do not know. Indeed, You are the Knower of the unseen, the Concealer of faults, and the Forgiver of sins. There is no power and no strength except with Allah, the Most High, the Most Great.”
5. Fifth Kalima (Radd-e-Kufr):
   • “Allahumma inni a’udhu bika min an ushrika bika shay’an wa ana a’lamu bihi wa astaghfiruka lima la a’lamu bihi tubtu anhu wa tabarratu min al-kufri wash-shirki wal-kadhibi wal-ghibati wal-bid’ati wan-namimati wal-fawahishi wal-buhtani wa ma’asi kulliha wa aslamtu wa amantu wa aqulu la ilaha illa Allah”
   • Translation: “O Allah! I seek refuge in You from associating anything with You knowingly, and I seek Your forgiveness for what I do not know. I repent from it, disassociate myself from disbelief, polytheism, lying, backbiting, innovation, slander, lewdness, falsehood, and all disobedience. I submit to You, believe in You, and declare: There is no deity but Allah”

The Role of the Kalima in a Muslim’s Life

1. Daily Reminder:
   • Reciting the Kalima regularly reminds Muslims of their devotion to Allah and their commitment to live according to His guidance.
2. Spiritual Purification:
   • The Kalima strengthens one’s connection to Allah and purifies the heart from shirk (associating partners with Allah).
3. Unity of Muslims:
   • The Kalima is a unifying declaration shared by all Muslims, regardless of their background, culture, or language.

Conclusion

The Kalima in Islam is not just a statement; it is a profound declaration of faith, embodying the essence of a Muslim’s relationship with Allah and recognition of His oneness. Whether recited as the Shahada or in its extended forms, the Kalima is central to Islamic belief, guiding Muslims in their spiritual journey and connecting them to the broader Muslim community.

Written by AI.  A more correct, God given, explanation can be found here.