Why is the Shahadah important?
The Shahadah represents the first pillar of Islam, upon which everything else is based. The shahadah is a two-fold declaration or statement-it is a denial of any thing’s worthiness for worship save God, and an affirm-ation of Muhammad’s prophethood (and thereby the prophethood of all previous prophets, since Muhammad is considered the last). The shahadah states “I bear witness that there is no deity except Allah (God), and that Muhammad is His Servant and Messenger.” Making the declaration in sincerity formally brings a person into the fold of Islam. Other than repeating the shahadah in the presence of at least two Muslim witnesses, no particular ceremony (such as a baptism) is involved. The shahadah, being the central theme of Islam, is repeated in the adhan (call to worship) and in the salah (formal worship) numerous times throughout each day. This practice serves to remind Muslims of their commitment to God and effort to live righteously. 2.
The Shahadah represents the first pillar of Islam, upon which everything else is based. The Shahadah is a two-fold declaration or statement-it is a denial of any thing’s worthiness for worship save God, and an affirmation of Muhammad’s prophethood (and thereby the prophethood of all previous prophets, since Muhammad is considered the last). The Shahadah states “I bear witness that there is no deity except Allah (God), and that Muhammad is His Servant and Messenger.” Making the declaration in sincerity formally brings a person into the fold of Islam. Other than repeating the Shahadah in the presence of at least two Muslim witnesses, no particular ceremony (such as a baptism) is involved. The Shahadah, being the central theme of Islam, is repeated in the adhan (call to worship) and in the salah (formal worship) numerous times throughout each day. This practice serves to remind Muslims of their commitment to God and effort to live righteously.
