Shahada

The Shahada (Arabic: الشهادة, "the testimony"), also known as the Kalimah, is the Islamic declaration of belief that professes the oneness of God (Allah) and the finality of the prophethood of Muhammad. It is the first of the Five Pillars of Islam, and its recitation with genuine belief is considered by Muslims the most important act a person can do with their life. The Shahada is pronounced as: "Ashhadu an lā ilāha illā llāh, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan rasūlu llāh," which translates to "I testify that there is no god but Allah, and I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah." In Hebrew, it can be translated as "אני מעיד שאין אלוהים אלא אללה, ואני מעיד שמוחמד הוא שליח אללה." The Shahada is also translated in other relevant languages such as Persian as "شهادتین می‌گویم که جز الله خدایی نیست و می‌گویم محمد پیامبر الله است," and in Turkish as "Tanık olurum ki Allah'dan başka tanrı yoktur ve tanık olurum ki Muhammed Allah'ın peygamberidir." The Shahada is not only a foundational creed but also a daily affirmation of faith for Muslims, often recited during prayers and significant life events.