How to Make Shahada? | Complete Guide

The Shahada is the core statement of faith in Islam. It declares belief in one God and the Prophet Muhammad as His messenger. To make the Shahada, one must say: Ash-hadu an la ilaha ill Allah, Wa ash-hadu ana Muhammad ar-rasullallah. This translates to “I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.”

Reciting the Shahada with sincere belief is essential for becoming a Muslim and embracing the Islamic faith. It’s also important to understand the prerequisites and steps to make shahada. There are some rules to keep in mind as well.

What is Shahada?

The Shahada, or declaration of faith, is the core statement of belief in Islam. It states:

أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ ٱللَّٰه

This means “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”

As the first pillar of Islam, the Shahada is the foundation of a Muslim’s faith. It confirms belief in one God and affirms that Muhammad is His final prophet. Reciting this phrase with understanding and sincerity is essential for embracing Islam. The Shahada is not only recited during daily prayers but is also an integral part of a Muslim’s identity, reminding them of their commitment to worship Allah alone.

Pre-requisites of Making Shahada

• Believe firmly in Allah as the one and only God, the sole Creator, and Almighty, deserving of all worship and devotion.
• Accept that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is Allah’s final Messenger, and there will be no prophets after him.
• Prepare mentally and spiritually, understanding that embracing Islam is a meaningful and transformative step in life.
• Educate yourself about Islamic beliefs and practices, using trustworthy resources like mosques, Islamic centers, and reputable books or online sources.
• Reflect on your personal beliefs, pray, and seek inner peace, building a sincere connection with your Creator.
• Approach the decision to make Shahada with sincerity, dedication, and a solid understanding of the faith’s core principles.

Step-by-Step Process to Make Shahada

• Step 1. Understand the core beliefs of Islam: belief in one God (Allah) and Muhammad as His final Messenger.
• Step 2. Prepare spiritually by reflecting on your beliefs and intentions.
• Step 3. Find a supportive environment like a mosque or Islamic center.
• Step 4. Say the Shahada with sincerity: “Ash-hadu an la ilaha ill Allah, Wa ash-hadu ana Muhammad ar-rasullallah“ (I bear witness there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger).

Note: After making shahadah it is important for new Muslim converts to learn about Islam by joining new shahada classes.

Important Facts Related to Shahada

1. Reciting During Salah: In each Salah (prayer), Muslims recite the Shahada within the Tashahhud part, reaffirming their faith in Allah’s oneness and acknowledging the Prophet Muhammad as His messenger.
2. Reciting to Newborn Babies: The Shahada is gently whispered into a newborn’s right ear immediately after birth. This tradition introduces the child to the core belief of Islam as their first heard words.
3. Accepting Islam: To embrace Islam, one must sincerely recite the Shahada: “Ash-hadu an la ilaha ill Allah, Wa ash-hadu ana Muhammad ar-rasullallah”. This declaration signifies the person’s formal acceptance of the faith.
4. Part of Azan: The Shahada is recited in the Azan (call to prayer) after the initial calls, proclaiming Allah’s oneness and Muhammad as His messenger, inviting Muslims to worship.
5. Part of 5 Pillars: The Shahada is the first pillar of Islam, forming the foundation of Islamic belief. Declaring it wholeheartedly is essential to establish faith before practicing other pillars.

What are the Rules of Shahada?

• Knowledge: Understand the meaning of the Shahada.
• Certainty: Have full conviction without any doubt.
• Acceptance: Embrace the Shahada willingly.
• Submission: Submit fully to Allah’s will.
• Truthfulness: Believe sincerely in the Shahada.
• Sincerity: Say it with pure intent.
• Love: Feel a genuine love for Allah and His Messenger.

Can You Do Shahada Alone?

Yes, you can say the Shahada alone, as Allah (SWT) is always a sufficient witness. However, many people choose to say it in the presence of other Muslims as a supportive act and to feel connected to the community.

The most important part is not to delay. Saying the Shahada as soon as you feel ready is essential, as procrastination may lead to doubts or obstacles from Shaytaan (Satan) trying to prevent you from doing so.

Do You Need Wudu to Make Shahada?

No, performing Wudu or a full-body cleansing isn’t necessary to say the Shahada. You can declare the Shahada at any time, without needing special preparations.

Do I Need Witnesses When Making Shahada?

While having witnesses is not mandatory for making shahada, it is advisable as they can provide support and validation for the declaration. Witnesses can be individuals who are knowledgeable about Islam and can testify to your sincere proclamation of faith.

How Long Does Shahada Take?

The Shahada itself takes only a few minutes to say. If done in a ceremony, it may take up to an hour, but the testimony of faith is brief.

Conclusion

The Shahada is a profound declaration of faith that marks the start of one’s journey in Islam. It signifies belief in Allah as the one true God and in Muhammad as His final messenger.

Mishkah Academy is a pioneer in helping individuals embrace Islam through muslim reverts classes. With experienced tutors who have guided countless people through this process, they provide the knowledge and support needed to fully understand and embrace the Shahada.