Shahada,
that is, the testimony: Laa Ilaaha illallaahu
Muhammadur-Rasullullah, is not merely a formula of faith; it is a
complete commitment that Allah demands from a believer, so that he establishes
only Allah alone in his heart as his Lord, his God, and that he does not
worship any other things, or people, or animals, or claim that these are gods
alongside Allah. This person must be conscious that when he pronounces these
words, that Allah alone is worthy of worship, not others, and NOT EVEN THE
PROPHETS whom Allah sent upon the earth.
That is why Shahada is in two phases: first, to believe in Allah and worship Him alone, and second, to believe in Muhammad (pbuh), His Prophet, His Messenger. Here, what is important to retain is that Allah makes it clear: Beware! I alone am worthy of worship – you must pray to Me alone. My Messenger Muhammad (pbuh), just like all the prophets and messengers before him and even those who will come after him, are only human beings who come from Me to show you the path that will lead you to Me.
These Messengers are the paths that lead to
Allah, the Final Destination of a true believer. They are not the Destination
itself. Many nations before Islam took their prophets as gods alongside Allah.
They uttered all sorts of insanities about Allah.
Therefore, Islam came to break these false
beliefs that prophets are also divinities alongside Allah. Islam established
the Shahada: Laa Ilaaha illallahu Muhammadur-Rasullullah, to
establish clearly that prophets are only guides, indications that show people
the direction towards Allah, towards His exclusive worship.
Thus, Shahada is for the true believer
who understands it well. That is why Shahada is the first pillar of
Islam, because if a person does not understand and does not firmly establish Laa Ilaaha illallahu Muhammadur-Rasullullah,
then the rest of the pillars of Islam will be empty of meaning for him.
Therefore, a believer’s establishment upon Shahada requires knowledge,
conviction, sincerity and practice.
Shahada has
certain conditions which must be respected so that it is accepted by Allah.
These conditions are like the columns that support faith; without them, the
words Laa Ilaaha illallahu Muhammadur-Rasullullah remain empty.
Firstly, there is the condition of Al-‘Ilm
(Knowledge). Saying Laa Ilaaha illallah requires understanding of its
meaning. It is not enough to repeat it without knowing what it means. The Holy Qur’an
says: “Know that there is no deity except Allah”
(Muhammad 47: 20). This shows that knowledge is a necessity and thus obligatory;
a Muslim must understand that Shahada affirms the Oneness of Allah and
rejects all forms of association. Whoever recites it without knowledge gains no
benefit. Knowledge removes ignorance, enlightens the heart, and gives clear
direction.
Secondly, there is the condition of Al-Yaqin
(Certainty). Shahada must be recited with firm conviction, without any
doubt gnawing at the heart. Allah says in the Qur’an: “The believers are those who believe in Allah and His
Messenger, and then have no doubt” (Al-Hujurat 49: 16). This shows
that faith cannot be mixed with uncertainty. A Muslim must believe with
absolute certainty that Allah alone deserves worship, and that Muhammad (pbuh)
is only a messenger of Allah. Certainty gives stability in faith and protects a
person against misguidance.
Thirdly, there is the condition of Al-Ikhlaas
(Sincerity). Shahada must be recited for Allah alone, without any hidden
intention. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said that Allah does not accept any action
except that which is sincere and done for Him. (An-Nasai)
Sincerity removes hypocrisy, purifies the
heart, and gives value to the words. Whoever recites Shahada for
material gain or social recognition is not sincere. Sincerity requires that
worship be directed only to Allah, without any partner.
Fourthly, there is the condition of Al-Sidq
(Truthfulness). Shahada must be recited with truth, not only with the
mouth but also in the heart and in actions. The Holy Qur’an says: “Among the
believers are men who have been true to their covenant with Allah”
(Al-Ahzab 33: 24).
This shows that truthfulness and respecting a
covenant with Allah are obligatory and are signs of a true believer. A Muslim
must live according to Shahada, not only saying it with the lips. If he
recites it but practices polytheism or disobedience, he is not truthful.
Truthfulness requires coherence between word and action.
Fifthly, there is the condition of Al-Mahabbah
(Love). Shahada requires love for Allah and for the Prophet – whether
for the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and all the prophets whom Allah sends.
Allah says in the Qur’an: “Those who believe are
stronger in love for Allah” (Al-Baqara 2: 166)
Love gives energy to faith, pushes a believer
towards obedience to Allah, and removes coldness from the heart. Whoever
recites Shahada without love is not complete. Love for Allah and for the
Prophet is demonstrated in respect, obedience, and sacrifice.
Sixthly, there is the condition of Al-Inqiyad
(Submission). Shahada requires submission to the commandments of Allah
and of His Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh). The Holy Qur’an says: “But no! By
your Lord! They will not believe until they make you (the Prophet) judge in
their disputes.” (An-Nisa 4: 66)
This shows that submission is obligatory. A
Muslim must accept the law of Allah, obey His commandments, and avoid His
prohibitions. Shahada is not only words; it requires discipline and
submission.
Seventhly, there is the condition of Al-Qabul
(Acceptance). Shahada requires complete acceptance of what it implies.
Whoever recites it but refuses certain commandments is not truly accepting it
with all his heart. Allah says in the Qur’an: “Take
what the Messenger gives you, and abstain from what he forbids you.”
(Al-Hashr 59: 8)
This shows that acceptance is obligatory. A
Muslim must accept everything that comes from the Prophet, without choosing
what he personally likes and rejecting what the Prophet does not like.
Eighthly, there is the condition of Al-Kufr
Bi Taghut (Rejection of the False). Shahada requires rejection of
all forms of false divinity, all forms of idolatry, all false beliefs. The Holy
Qur’an mentions: “Whoever rejects false gods and
believes in Allah has grasped the firmest handhold that will never break.”
(Al-Baqara 2: 257). This shows that rejection of all that is false is obligatory.
A Muslim must reject everything that contradicts the Oneness of Allah,
everything that diverts him from the truth.
Therefore, we see how Shahada is the
best of invocations, how it is the most honourable of good deeds, and how it is
the key to Paradise. Whoever recites it with awareness of all its conditions obtains
clear direction, his path is illuminated, he finds stability in faith, and he
prepares himself for his journey towards eternity. Shahada is the beauty
of the soul, it is the light of faith, it is the truth that will remain
eternal. Shahada is the garment of piety of a believer, it is the true
identity of a Muslim.
Before I end this sermon, it is important that
I address you with some advice and reminders for the blessed month of Ramadan
which is approaching. Ramadan is a special period, a season of purification and
closeness to Allah. Whoever has already attached his heart to the Shahada,
he finds in Ramadan an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen that word and
put it into practice in his daily life.
Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an. Allah says:
“The month of Ramadan is that in which the Qur’an was revealed as guidance
for mankind, and as clear proofs of guidance and criterion.” (Al-Baqara 2:
186)
Therefore, the advice I give you is to increase
the reading of the Holy Qur’an, meditate upon its meaning, and let its guidance
refresh your hearts. Recitation of the Shahada and of the Qur’an
together allows the light of Allah to illuminate your life.
Ramadan is also the month of patience and
discipline. Siyaam (Roza) teaches self-control, submission and
acceptance of what Allah has decreed. Whoever recites Laa Ilaaha illallah sincerely, he finds in
fasting a means to prove his sincerity. He avoids sins, controls his tongue,
keeps his gaze pure, and practises kindness towards others. The Holy Prophet
(pbuh) said: “Whoever does not abandon false speech and acting upon it,
Allah has no need for him to abandon his food and drink.” (Bukhari). This
shows that fasting is not only physical abstinence, but also spiritual
discipline.
Ramadan is also the month of charity. Shahada
teaches love for Allah and for people; in Ramadan, it is practised through
Zakaat and Sadaqa. Give to the poor, help the needy, share food – all this
strengthens faith and purifies the heart. Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) said: “The
best of deeds is to feed the hungry.” (Bukhari). This shows that charity is
an essential part of faith.
Ramadan is also the month of prayer (Salat
and Duahs). Shahada demands submission; in Ramadan, it is
practised through obligatory prayers, as well as voluntary, additional prayers
such as Tarawih and Tahajjud, and invocations (Duahs) to Allah. A Muslim
who recites Laa Ilaaha illallah
sincerely, he finds in Ramadan an opportunity to draw closer to Allah through
night prayer, through sincere Duahs, through constant remembrance of
Allah (Zikrullah). Nabi Kareem (pbuh) said: “Whoever prays during
Ramadan with faith and hope, his past sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari and
Muslim).
Finally, Ramadan is the month of renewal. With
each Ramadan that comes, a believer gets the opportunity to purify himself and
remove all the impurities of Satan from him and draw closer to Allah; and
through his effort, he asks Allah to maintain him in that state of purity and
not let the impurities of Satan fall back upon him.
Therefore, when Ramadan comes, a believer gains
a great opportunity to show the true meaning of his submission to Allah. He
immerses himself fully in the true worth of Shahada, where his
commitment to Allah remains firm. In Ramadan, that believer acquires new
strength, a new will to reform himself for the better. A Muslim – each of my
disciples, and the entire Ummah Muhammadiyya (pbuh) – must benefit from this
month to strengthen their faith, to purify their soul, to renew their
commitment to Allah.
When Ramadan passes, you must have a purer heart,
a stronger faith, and a life more disciplined. Shahada and Ramadan go
hand in hand, because it is through the practice of Shahada, whether in
Ramadan or throughout the rest of your lives, that you will find your path
illuminated towards Paradise. Insha-Allah.
May Allah grant you all the opportunity to
demonstrate your Islam in the coming month of Ramadan, and may you develop habits
that please Allah and keep them alive throughout your life so that the pleasure
of Allah remains attached to you.
Keep in mind that Ramadan is a blessing, a
light, and a mercy for a true believer, a sincere believer. Whoever benefits
from it, he receives happiness in this worldly life and salvation in the
Hereafter. May Allah grant you His full rewards during this coming Ramadan and
give you the practice needed to make the Shahada an integral part of
your life. Insha-Allah, Ameen.
---Friday Sermon of 13 February 2026~ 24 Shabaan 1447 AH delivered by Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius.