Introduction
Reciting the two testimonies of faith (Shahadah) is an acknowledgment of one’s belief in Allah and His Messenger. This sacred declaration is a continuation of the faith that arises from understanding the pillars of faith. The Shahadah is recited as follows:
أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله وأشهد أن محمدًا رسول الله
“Ashhadu an laa ilaaha illallah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasulullah“
Meaning:
“I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
It serves as the entry point into Islam. However, the Shahadah is only valid if uttered with sincerity and without coercion. This statement is not merely a declaration but a profound act of faith that:
- Affirms Monotheism: “La ilaha illa Allah” (There is no god but Allah) emphasizes the absolute oneness of God, rejecting all forms of polytheism and idolatry.
- Acknowledges Prophethood: By stating “Muhammadan rasul Allah” (Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah), it confirms the prophethood of Muhammad, recognizing him as the final messenger in a long line of prophets sent by Allah to guide humanity.
The Practice of Shahada
- Declaration of Faith: Reciting the Shahada is the first act one performs when converting to Islam. It is a public or private declaration of one’s faith, often done in the presence of at least two Muslim witnesses. However, these two witnesses are not a condition for validity. Nevertheless, they can be useful in the future if disputes arise.
- Daily Affirmation: Beyond conversion, Muslims recite the Shahada throughout their lives in various contexts:
- During the five daily prayers (Salah),
- It’s whispered in the ear of a newborn, and it’s among the last words a Muslim hopes to say before death,
- It’s part of the call to prayer (Adhan) and is repeated in the daily prayers, reinforcing the belief.
- Cultural and Communal Significance: The Shahada is also found in Islamic art, and architecture, symbolizing faith and identity.
Implications of the Shahada
- Unity of Muslim Community: The Shahada unites Muslims worldwide under a common creed, transcending cultural, linguistic, and national boundaries.
- Moral and Ethical Compass: This declaration shapes a Muslim’s worldview, influencing how they live their life in accordance with Islamic teachings, emphasizing submission to Allah’s will in all aspects of life.
- Responsibility: With the Shahada comes the responsibility to live by the principles of Islam, including the pursuit of justice, charity, and moral conduct.
No Compulsion In Syahadah
A Shahadah uttered without genuine willingness carries no significance in terms of faith. Thus, coercion contradicts the fundamental principles of Islam that demand sincerity, as emphasized in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 256:
“There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the right path has become distinct from the wrong path…”
According to Ibn Kathir’s tafsir (interpretation), this verse signifies that no one can be forced to embrace Islam. His explanation highlights the context of an Ansar woman who, prior to Islam, would vow to raise her surviving child as a Jew. When the Banu An-Nadir (a Jewish tribe) were expelled from Madinah, some children of the Ansar were among them. The Ansar said, “We will not abandon our children,” then Allah revealed the verse above.[1]
With this in mind, any coercion to convert to Islam, such as under threat of a sword or gun, is unacceptable, as true belief must come from the heart—acknowledging Allah as the one true God and Muhammad (PBUH) as His messenger.
Another situation where the Shahadah is not accepted is when it is uttered as part of a prank. This is akin to someone being misled with false information, prompting them to say something without understanding its meaning—perhaps as a joke or to win an iPhone, for example. While the words may leave their lips, their heart and intent are not engaged, rendering the declaration invalid in the eyes of Islam. True Shahadah requires sincerity and a genuine connection to its meaning.
Faith is not something that can be coerced or tricked into. Only a sincere and convinced heart is accepted by Allah. The mention of a prank is relevant as such content has been seen on YouTube where similar actions are carried out.
The Issue of Apostasy in Islam
Some non-Muslims refute the above verse by pointing out that Islamic Shariah prescribes the death penalty for apostates. However, this falls under a different category of laws and is unrelated to the context of Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 256. Ibn Kathir’s tafsir and relevant hadith affirm that Islam does not compel anyone to embrace the religion.
The punishment for apostasy is addressed under separate legal frameworks and requires formal legal processes and the principles of justice. It is not a matter of simply executing someone upon their renunciation of the faith. Those who claim that Islam is a religion of compulsion by associating it with the punishment for apostasy misunderstand the fundamental principles and context of the faith.
This issue of betrayal will be unraveled in another article.
Conclusion
Reciting the Shahada is not merely a verbal act but a profound, lifelong commitment to live in accordance with the teachings of Islam. It stands as a testament to the unity of God and the prophethood of Muhammad, serving as a cornerstone of the Islamic faith. As the first pillar of Islam, the Shahada sets the foundation for the remaining pillars and guides Muslims in their spiritual, ethical, and communal lives. This declaration is not just a starting point but a continuous journey of faith, devotion, and self-reflection.
In Islam, the Shahada holds no true significance if recited without sincerity. Faith must arise from a genuine heart, free from coercion or external pressure. Islam unequivocally prohibits coercion in the recitation of the Shahada, emphasizing that belief cannot be imposed. True faith is rooted in full conviction and willingness, not in empty words uttered out of fear or compulsion. This principle underscores Islam’s focus on free choice and personal spiritual awareness as essential elements of genuine belief.
The topic of apostasy, however, falls under a distinct legal framework. Those who argue that Islam compels belief by citing the punishment for apostasy misunderstand the faith’s principles and context. Apostasy is addressed separately, involving legal processes and a nuanced understanding of justice within Islamic jurisprudence, distinct from the emphasis on voluntary acceptance of faith.
Fundamentals of Believe | Pillars of Faith | Pillars of Islam | Al-Quran | History
Citation:
- Ibn Kathir, I. (n.d.). Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Vol. 2, pp. 30). Retrieved from https://archive.org/details/tafsir-ibn-kathir-english-pdf/tafsir-ibn-kathir-vol-02/page/88/mode/2up?view=theater
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