Shahada vs. Kalima — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 2, 2023
Shahada is the Islamic profession of faith, declaring belief in the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad, while Kalima refers to the six key statements of faith in Islam, including Shahada.
Difference Between Shahada and Kalima
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Shahada: Central declaration of Islamic faith. Kalima: Encompasses six significant Islamic declarations.
Shahada: Professes monotheism and Muhammad's prophethood. Kalima: Shahada is the first of the six statements.
Shahada: Recited during conversion to Islam. Kalima: Guides various aspects of a Muslim's belief.
Shahada: Essential in daily prayers. Kalima: Beyond Shahada, includes statements about faith, glorification, and supplication.
Shahada: Reflects core Islamic theology. Kalima: Represents broader Islamic creed and practices.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Islamic profession of faith.
Six key statements of Islamic faith.
Components
Monotheism and Muhammad's prophethood.
Includes Shahada and five other declarations.
Role in Conversion
Recited to convert to Islam.
Shahada as part of Kalima is used in conversion.
Significance in Prayer
Integral to daily prayers.
Shahada, as part of Kalima, is significant.
Theological Emphasis
Focuses on God's oneness and prophethood.
Broader aspects of faith, praise, and supplication.
Compare with Definitions
Shahada
Essential in Muslim identity.
The Shahada is a symbol of her faith.
Kalima
Includes praise and glorification of God.
The fourth Kalima focuses on glorifying Allah.
Shahada
Affirms God's oneness and Muhammad’s role.
He uttered the Shahada as part of his conversion.
Kalima
Six declarations of Islamic faith.
He learned the six Kalimas in his religious class.
Shahada
Integral in daily Islamic prayers.
The Shahada is repeated in each unit of the prayer.
Kalima
Begins with Shahada.
The first Kalima is the Shahada.
Shahada
Islamic declaration of faith.
The Shahada was recited during the prayer.
Kalima
Guides Muslims in various beliefs.
The Kalima encompasses key aspects of Islamic theology.
Shahada
First pillar of Islam.
The Shahada forms the foundation of Islamic belief.
Kalima
Has supplications and statements of faith.
Each Kalima holds significant meaning in Islam.
Shahada
The Shahada (Arabic: ٱلشَّهَادَةُ aš-šahādah [aʃ.ʃa.haː.dah] (listen), "the testimony"), also spelled Shahadah, is an Islamic oath, one of the Five Pillars of Islam and part of the Adhan. It reads: "I bear witness that there is no deity but God, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of God." The Shahada declares belief in the oneness (tawhid) of God (Allah) and the acceptance of Muhammad as God's messenger.
Kalima
(Islam) the formal content of the shahada (declaration of faith): لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ ٱللَّٰهِ "There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah."
Shahada
The central statement of faith in Islam, recited ceremonially by new converts and consisting of an affirmation of the uniqueness of God and of Muhammad as God's prophet.
Shahada
The Islamic declaration of belief in the unity of God, one of the five pillars, the formal content of which is the kalima (a minimal Islamic creed).
Common Curiosities
Is each Kalima different?
Yes, each has a unique focus and message.
Is Shahada only for new converts?
No, it's also recited daily by Muslims in prayers.
Is Shahada the most important Islamic declaration?
Yes, it's foundational to Islamic belief.
How many Kalimas are there?
There are six Kalimas in Islam.
Can Shahada be said in any language?
While traditionally in Arabic, it's understood in any language.
Are Kalimas memorized by Muslims?
Yes, many Muslims memorize and recite them.
Is understanding Kalima important?
Yes, it's crucial for understanding Islamic beliefs.
Is Shahada part of daily life for Muslims?
Yes, it's integral to their faith and practice.
Can Shahada be written down?
Yes, it's often written in calligraphy and displayed.
Can Kalimas be recited any time?
Yes, Muslims can recite them at any time.
Is understanding Shahada's meaning important?
Absolutely, it's vital for sincere belief.
Does Shahada mention any prophet besides Muhammad?
No, it specifically mentions Muhammad.
Are Kalimas taught to children?
Yes, they're often taught at a young age.
Do Kalimas have equal importance?
Each has its significance, with Shahada being the most crucial.
Does Shahada appear in the Quran?
Its concept does, but not the exact phrase.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
