Understanding Concept of Shahadah in Islam

The five pillars of Islam are the foundation for Islam. A Muslim is not a true Muslim if he ignored any of the five pillars and Shahadah is number one.

“On the authority of Abu Abd. Rahman Abdullah, who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (s) say: ‘Islam is built upon five [pillars]: testifying that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing the prayers, giving zakat, making pilgrimage to the House and fasting the month of Ramadan.’” (Bukhari and Muslim)

The hadith clearly stated that the five pillars of Islam must be known, met and practiced by every person claiming to be a Muslim.

This article will only touch on the two testament or the Shahadah alone. Many out there does not understand the concept of Shahadah. The meaning of Shahadah, "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is indeed the Messenger of Allah."

The testament is called the Shahadah which are divided into two. The first testament is "La ilaha illalah" meaning no other God but Allah. The second testament is "Mahamadan Rasulullah" meaning " Muhammad is the messenger of Allah". The testament are also called the testament of "Tauhid"

Each person that willingly and without compulsion pronounce the Shahadah is considered as a Muslim according to Islāmic law. As a Muslim that person has a right and duty according to Islāmic law and he must also adhere to all the rules and regulations of Islāmic teaching.

It is not compulsory for anyone to know the truth or sincerity of the person pronounced the Shahadah. We are only have legal responsibility for the act that can only be seen and hear by the naked eyes and ears.

Several conditions must be fulfilled before the saying of Shahadah can be done. It is mandatory to know the meaning of Shahadah. Shahadah uttered must be done with the tongue and say it completely. Therefore Shahadah cannot be performed by a third party. The person must believe with the meaning of Shahadah and must not have a sense of distrust toward the Shahadah he recite. Person who recite Shahadah should practice and fulfilled all the requirements and to reject all things contrary to the purposes of which are contained in the Shahadah.

The concept of Shahadah must be learned and understood by each Muslim either born as a Muslim or newly convert. This is important because when a person deeply understood the concept of Shahadah, his or her faith (Iman) will become firm and stronger to practice every duty and obligations that have been set by Allah in the five pillar of Islam.

A true Muslim that understood the concept of Shahadah will performed the five obligations, i.e: the five daily prayers which are the pride of Islam. He will also perform the giving of zakat or loosely translated as alms. He will also performed fast during the fasting month of Ramadan. He will also perform the hajj if he capable at least once in a lifetime. He will also restrained his desire from committing grave sins and he will always try to avoid any act which has been forbidden by Allah.

A true Muslim will proof his declaration of believing in Allah and prophet Muhammad through the five features obligations above, which are the main tool to build oneself as a true Muslim and led a successful life on earth and the hereafter life as Allah promised.

"I bear witness that there is no god but Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is indeed the Messenger of Allah"