Chapter 1.2 – Shahada: The statement of Faith LAILAHA ILLA ALLAH MUHAMMAD RASOOLU LLAH

In this subchapter, you will understand the meaning of shahada; the declaration of the Oneness of Allah and the acceptance of Muhammad as His prophet which is an Islamic creed. You will know the verses from the Holy Quran about Shahada. You will finally know the importance of accepting the two testimonies of Shahada to a Muslim.

Meaning of Shahada
In the previous sub chapter, you learnt about worship and its benefits in Islam. But before you pray, fast, pay zakat, make hajji and obey parents, you are supposed to say a statement that makes you a true
believer of Islam.

It is the statement of faith. Are you a Muslim? Have you already pronounced your Shahada yet? Use Figure 1.2.1 to understand this better.

Activity 1.2. I Studying and exploring the meaning of Shahada
In groups,
1.Name the belief or value that is so important to a Muslim that would shout from the top of a tall building.
2.Share what you would recommend your parents to whisper into your ears when you were born.
3.Discuss what Muslims are supposed to say and accept they qualify to be Muslims.
4.Share your answers with the whole class.

What you have learnt about, is Shahada. You know that it isa must to all Muslims before they qualify to be true believers.

ALSO LEARN : Ordinary Level Syllabus
Activity 1.2.2 Reading the story and answering questions on Shahada
Read the story and perform the tasks that follow:
Once upon a time, there was a man whose father was an Arab slave for the clan of Banu Jumah. His mother was a former princess of Abyssinia. He worked as a slave in Mecca before the coming
of Islam. He was entrusted with the keys to the idols of Arabia.
He later converted to Islam and denounced idol worshipping. He was one of the earliest converts of the Islamic faith. His master, Umayyah Ibn Khalaf, got annoyed on hearing that this man had converted to Islam. He punished him. He told his men to drag him around Mecca, Children mocked him but the man did not care. He refused to denounce Islam. He kept saying over and over again, ” Ahad Ahad” which means (Allah is absolute One). Umayyah got angrier. He told his men to beat him while spread-eagled upon the Arabian sands under the desert sun. He kept saying “Ahad Ahad”. Umayyah ordered a hot boulder to be placed on the man’s chest. In pain, he kept crying out, “Ahad Ahad”. The bad news
reached the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The prophet sent his companion to go and save him. When he was freed, the Prophet chose the man as the first Muadzin.

In groups,

1. Discuss why the man suffered.
2. Explain what he insisted on saying as he was suffering.
3. What do you learn from the story?
4. Share your answers with the whole class.
   That is Shahada. It is what Bilal Ibn Rabah said as he was being tortured. This statement, “There is no god but Allah, and Mohammad is the messenger [or prophet] of Allah. It is emphasised in Surat Al-
   Baqarah (2:163):
   (2:163) And your God is one (Allah). (There is none who has the right to be worshipped but He), the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Figure 1.2.3
La ilaha illa Allah = There is no deity except God.
Muhammadun rasulu llah = Muhammad is the messenger of God.
The Two Testimonies
From the reading of the testimony in Figure 1.2.3 you will notice that for a Muslim to be complete, he or she has to accept that there is no god except Allah that is worthy of worship. The verse talks about Allah
being Merciful on His creation and He is Entirely Merciful.

Activity 1.2.3 Observing and identifying the two testimonies of Shahada

In groups,
1.Observe the Arabic transliterated writing.
2.Identify the symbol.
3.Read out the 2 testimonies loudly.

You have just talked about the testimonies in the Shahada. Do you now know how to pronounce Shahada? Listen to the pronunciation from the recorded audio. Practice the pronunciation as many times as you can.
Activity 1.2.4 Reading the two testimonies of shahada and performing tasks that follow
Say [O Muhammad]: “O mankind! Verily, I am sent to you all as the Messenger of Allah to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth (none has the right to be worshipped but He. It is He who gives life and causes death. So believe in Allah and His Messenger Muhammad the prophet….” 7: 158
In groups,
1. Identify the two testimonies of Shahada from the above verses.

2. Using the testimonies, explain the benefits of Shahada to Muslims.

3. Explain how the testimonies bring out the recognition and obedience to authority.
4. Mention the value of committing oneself to Allah through worship.
5. Share your answers with the class.
   Do you know that the above statement is a declaration that Muslims make before they become Muslims? Did you know that anyone who has not made it cannot be considered a true Muslim? The two verses of Surat A-Baqarah (2:163) and Surat A1-A’raf (7:158) explain the acceptance of Allah as the only God and Prophet Muhammad PBUH as His last prophet and messenger of Allah.
   Have you made your Shahada already or you are a Muslim because your parents produced you as a Muslim? If you have not made one, do you think you are Muslim?