By admin The First Kalma: The Foundation of Islamic Faith
Introduction
The First Kalma, also known as the Kalma Tayyibah, is a declaration of the fundamental beliefs in Islam. It is the cornerstone of a Muslim’s faith and serves as the gateway into the religion. The recitation of the First Kalma signifies one’s belief in the oneness of Allah and the finality of the Prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is the first of the six Kalmas that are recited as part of Islamic practice and is the most important as it encapsulates the essence of the Islamic creed.
The Text of the First Kalma
The First Kalma is as follows in Arabic:
لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ اللهِ
Transliteration:
La ilaha illallah Muhammadur Rasoolullah
Translation:
“There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
This concise yet profound statement forms the heart of a Muslim’s belief system.
Meaning of the First Kalma
1. La ilaha illallah (There is no god but Allah)
This part of the Kalma is an affirmation of Tawheed, the oneness of Allah. It declares that Allah is the only deity worthy of worship, and that He alone is the Creator, Sustainer, and Controller of everything in existence. Tawheed is the most fundamental concept in Islam and is the essence of monotheism. It not only rejects the worship of other gods but also emphasizes that no one shares in Allah’s divinity, sovereignty, or attributes.
Through this part of the Kalma, Muslims affirm their absolute reliance on Allah and their complete submission to His will. It serves as a rejection of all forms of polytheism, idol worship, and any belief that attributes divine power to anything or anyone other than Allah.
2. Muhammadur Rasoolullah (Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah)
The second part of the Kalma is a declaration of belief in the Prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him). It signifies that Muhammad is the final prophet sent by Allah to guide humanity. Through Muhammad, Allah revealed the final and complete message to mankind, which is encapsulated in the Quran.
Belief in the Prophethood of Muhammad is central to Islamic faith, as it acknowledges him as the last and final prophet in a long line of messengers, starting from Adam and including other prophets such as Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus (peace be upon them all). Muslims are required to follow the teachings of Muhammad and his example (Sunnah) in every aspect of their lives.
Importance of the First Kalma
1. Gateway to Islam
The First Kalma is the entry point into Islam. A person who wishes to convert to Islam does so by sincerely reciting this Kalma, as it constitutes the formal declaration of their faith. This simple yet profound statement transforms a person’s spiritual identity and connects them to the global Muslim community (Ummah).
2. Foundation of Islamic Belief
The First Kalma encapsulates the two core beliefs in Islam: the oneness of Allah and the Prophethood of Muhammad. These two beliefs form the foundation upon which all other aspects of Islamic faith and practice are built. Every act of worship, every moral action, and every spiritual endeavor in Islam is based on the understanding conveyed in this Kalma.
3. Constant Reminder of Faith
Muslims are encouraged to recite the First Kalma frequently, both as an act of worship and as a reminder of their commitment to Allah and His Messenger. It serves as a spiritual anchor, helping Muslims maintain their focus on the ultimate purpose of life: worshiping Allah and following the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
