أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ ٱللَّٰهِ

Transliteration: “Ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Allah, Wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan Rasulu-Allah.”

Translation:  “I bear witness that there is no God but God (Allah – i.e. there is none worthy of worship but Allah), and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”

The Shahada, or declaration of faith, is the most fundamental belief in Islam and is the first of the Five Pillars. Here's a simple explanation:

The Shahada is a declaration that Muslims make to affirm their belief in the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ. It's a simple statement that goes like this: "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger."

This declaration signifies a person's entry into Islam and serves as the foundation of their faith. By saying the Shahada, a person acknowledges that there is only one God, Allah, and that Muhammad ﷺ is His final messenger who brought the message of Islam to humanity.

The Shahada is more than just words; it's a commitment to living a life in accordance with the teachings of Islam. It reminds Muslims to worship Allah alone, follow the guidance of the Quran, and follow the example of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in their daily lives.

The Shahada is recited in various contexts, such as during the call to prayer, in daily prayers, and during important life events like marriage and funerals. It's a constant reminder of the central beliefs of Islam and serves as a source of strength and guidance for Muslims in their spiritual journey.

In summary, the Shahada is a simple yet profound declaration of faith that encapsulates the core beliefs of Islam. It serves as a constant reminder of the oneness of Allah and the importance of following the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. Through the Shahada, Muslims affirm their commitment to living a life of faith, righteousness, and submission to the will of Allah.