The Six Kalimas represent fundamental declarations of faith in Islam. These concise yet profound statements encompass core Islamic beliefs and serve as daily reminders of a Muslim’s commitment to Allah and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم). For Muslims worldwide, memorizing and understanding these declarations is an essential part of religious education and practice.
The word “Kalima” (plural: Kalimas) means “word” or “declaration” in Arabic. In the Islamic context, it refers to the sacred statements that encapsulate important aspects of the faith. While the first Kalima is explicitly mentioned in the Quran and Hadith (sayings of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), the remaining five were compiled by scholars to help Muslims remember essential beliefs.
“Lā ilāha illā-llāhu, Muḥammadur rasūlu-llāh”
Translation: “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) is the messenger of Allah.”
This first Kalima is the most important and is known as the Shahada (testimony of faith). It represents the fundamental belief in the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم). When someone embraces Islam, they must recite this declaration with sincere belief.
The Second Kalima: Kalima Shahadat (Declaration of Testimony) This Kalima expands on the first, adding a testimony that the believer bears witness to the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad.
The Third Kalima: Kalima Tamjeed (Declaration of Glory) This declaration glorifies Allah, affirming His greatness and rejecting all forms of polytheism.
The Fourth Kalima: Kalima Tawheed (Declaration of Unity) The fourth Kalima emphasizes the oneness of Allah in more detail, declaring His uniqueness and sovereignty.
The Fifth Kalima: Kalima Istighfar (Declaration of Seeking Forgiveness) This prayer seeks Allah’s forgiveness for all sins, both known and unknown to the person.
The Sixth Kalima: Kalima Radd-e-Kufr (Declaration of Rejection of Disbelief) The final Kalima comprehensively rejects all forms of disbelief and polytheism, affirming complete submission to Allah alone.
The concept of the Six Kalimas as a collection developed gradually in Islamic history. Here’s how they evolved:
The Shahada appears directly in the Holy Quran and numerous Hadith. Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) taught this declaration to his companions as the foundation of Islamic belief. It represents the core message that all prophets, from Adam to Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم), conveyed to humanity.
While the Shahada has been central to Islam since its beginning, the compilation of all six Kalimas into a formal set occurred several centuries after Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم). Islamic scholars, particularly those from the South Asian subcontinent during the medieval period, organized these declarations to help Muslims remember essential aspects of their faith.
The compilation became widely popular in regions like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Religious educators found them valuable for teaching new Muslims and children about the fundamentals of faith in a structured manner.
1- Foundation of Belief: The Kalimas, especially the first one, establish the fundamental principles of Islam monotheism (belief in One God) and the acceptance of Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) as Allah’s final messenger.
2- Daily Reminder: Reciting these declarations serves as a constant reminder of a Muslim’s commitment to Allah and the core principles of the faith.
3- Protection against Sin: Many Muslims believe that regular recitation of these declarations, particularly the fifth Kalima (seeking forgiveness), helps protect against sinful behavior and cleanses the heart.
4- Teaching Tool: The Six Kalimas provide a structured framework for teaching Islamic beliefs to new Muslims and children, making complex theological concepts more accessible and memorable.
5- Unity Among Muslims: These declarations create a common foundation of faith that unites Muslims across different cultures, languages, and geographical regions.
6- Spiritual Connection: Regular recitation strengthens the spiritual connection between the believer and Allah, fostering a sense of peace and purpose.
Muslims incorporate these declarations into their daily lives in numerous ways:
1- Prayer and Worship: Many Muslims recite the Kalimas as part of their daily prayers or during personal reflection. The first Kalima is often recited during the formal prayer (Salah).
2- Life Transitions: The first Kalima is recited during major life events when a child is born, whispered into their ear; when someone embraces Islam; and ideally as the last words before death.
3- Remembrance (Dhikr): Muslims often recite the Kalimas as a form of remembrance of Allah throughout the day, especially during difficult times or when seeking guidance.
4- Educational Practice: In Islamic schools and madrasas, memorizing the Six Kalimas is typically among the first religious lessons taught to children.
This is an important clarification that helps us understand the status of the Six Kalimas within Islamic tradition:
The first Kalima (Shahada) is derived directly from the Quran and Hadith. The concept of testifying to Allah’s oneness and Muhammad’s (صلى الله عليه وسلم) prophethood appears throughout the Quran, though not in the exact phrasing of the Shahada.
The remaining five Kalimas are not explicitly mentioned in the Quran as a set. Rather, they were compiled by scholars based on Quranic verses and authentic Hadith to summarize essential Islamic beliefs and prayers.
While the Six Kalimas are widely recognized across the Muslim world, their formalization as a set of six is particularly prominent in the South Asian Islamic tradition. Muslims in other regions may emphasize different compilations or ways of expressing similar beliefs.
In the Indian subcontinent (India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh) and nearby regions, the Six Kalimas form a cornerstone of basic Islamic education. Most children learn them before or alongside learning to read the Quran.
In Arab countries and other Muslim regions, while the concepts within the Kalimas are universally accepted, they might not be taught or memorized in exactly the same format or sequence.
Looking at the progression of the Six Kalimas reveals a spiritual journey:
1. Beginning with Faith (First Kalima): Declaring belief in Allah and His Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم)
2. Bearing Witness (Second Kalima): Strengthening that declaration through testimony
3. Glorifying Allah (Third Kalima): Praising Allah’s greatness and perfection
4. Understanding Divine Unity (Fourth Kalima): Deepening the understanding of Allah’s oneness
5. Seeking Forgiveness (Fifth Kalima): Acknowledging human imperfection and need for divine mercy
6. Rejecting False Beliefs (Sixth Kalima): Committing fully to monotheism and rejecting all forms of polytheism
This progression helps Muslims develop a comprehensive understanding of their faith, moving from basic belief to deeper spiritual commitment.
The Six Kalimas represent a beautiful distillation of Islamic faith into memorable declarations. While only the first Kalima (Shahada) is absolutely required for someone to be considered Muslim, all six provide valuable guidance and spiritual nourishment.
These declarations have helped countless Muslims across generations connect with their faith, understand its core principles, and express their devotion to Allah. Whether recited during formal prayer, taught to children in religious schools, or whispered in moments of personal reflection, the Six Kalimas continue to be a living, vibrant part of Islamic practice worldwide.
For both Muslims and those interested in understanding Islam, the Six Kalimas offer a window into the heart of Islamic belief a faith centered on divine unity, prophetic guidance, spiritual purification, and sincere devotion to Allah.