Islamic Shahada Ceremony

The Shahadah is the Muslim declaration of faith and the first Pillar of Islam. It expresses the belief that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. This belief in one God is known as monotheism.

In order to become a Muslim, a person simply has to declare the Shahadah in front of witnesses. This highlights the key importance of the Shahadah in Islam.

There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger

 

The Arabic can be transliterated into the Roman alphabet like this:

Ashhadu Alla Ilaha Illa Allah Wa Ashhadu Anna Muhammad Rasulu Allah

Muslims use the name ‘Allah’ for God in the Shahadah.

Muslims also believe the Prophet Muhammad was the last prophet sent by God.

Muslims believe in many prophets, such as Adam and Moses, but believe the Prophet Muhammad was the last or the ‘Seal of the Prophets.

When is the Shahadah Recited?

The Shahadah is recited in the adhan or call to prayer and by all Muslims performing the daily ritual prayer or Salat. It is whispered into the ear of a newborn Muslim baby and recited at an aqiqah ceremony. An aqiqah ceremony takes place after a baby is born to celebrate the new life and welcome the baby into the family. The words of the Shahadah should also be the last words a Muslim hears at the moment of death