A collection of words that make up a phrase describing a belief in Islam—that’s a Kalma. And there are a total of six Kalmas, memorizing all of which is a significant part of imaan (faith) for Muslims.
These phrases strengthen faith, which is why it is essential to teach these to kids as early as possible— once they have grasped the basics of the Arabic language as it applies to the recitation of the Quran.
Each of the six Kalmas bears a lesson for the reader. The fundamental teaching in the Kalmas is that of Tauheed, which means oneness, as each Kalma solidifies the concept of monotheism.
By reciting these phrases, we declare our faith in Allah, acknowledge His oneness and, and praise his greatness.
The Six Kalmas – A Brief Understanding
What makes recitation and memorization of these Kalmas so important in our lives?
When you want to express your love for Allah, you read a Kalma. When you feel depressed and want to shake off the feeling of despair, you read a Kalma pertaining to your situation. When your faith is weak and you want an anchor to steady yourself on the right path, read a Kalma to feel closer to Allah.
By teaching Kalmas to kids early on, we ensure that they practice remembrance of Allah each day. The kalmas—especially the first two—are relatively short and easy to learn.
Plus, you can also save the six Kalmas on your phone if you are still in the process of memorization so that you always have these at your fingertips in situations where you want to refresh your faith in Allah.
Following are the six Kalmas in Arabic and their English translations for you to gain comprehension regarding what meaning and message each of these behold.
First Kalima – Tayyab (Purification)
“There is none worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
The first Kalma is a declaration of the very first pillar of Islam—the belief in Allah as the one and only being to worship, and that Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) is the last Prophet. Recitation of the first Kalma holds immense importance, as it is recited by someone as a testimony of faith when they accept Islam.
Second Kalima – Shahadat (Testimony)
Translation:
“I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, the One alone, without a partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.”
The second Kalma comprises a similar declaration as the first Kalma. Moreover, the majority of the words in the second Kalma are part of the phrase we recite during Tashahud in each Salat (prayer). While reciting the words of the second Kalma in Salat, the person in prayer raises his/her index finger, testifying to the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
Third Kalima – Tamjeed (Glorification)
Translation:
“Glory be to Allah and all praise be to Allah, there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and Allah is the Greatest. There is no might or power except from Allah, the Exalted, the Great One.”
The third Kalma consists of the words Subhanallah, Alhumdullilah, and Allahu Akbar—which are part of Tasbeeh-e-Fatima. These are recited in remembrance of Allah after obligatory prayers. Many Muslims also recite the third Kalma or the primary words in the Kalma as remembrance before going to sleep.
Fourth Kalima – Tauheed (Oneness)
Translation:
“There is none worthy of worship except Allah. He is alone and has no partner. To Him belongs the Kingdom and for Him is all praise. He gives life and causes death. In His hand is all good and He has power over everything.”
The fourth Kalma initiates with the same words are the second Kalma, and highlights more of Allah’s attributes further on. According to a Sahih Hadith (Muslim 2691), by reciting this Kalma 100 times in a day, a person is rewarded as if they freed 10 slaves, will receive 100 virtues, and 100 sins are forgiven.
Fifth Kalima – Astaghfar (Forgiveness)
Translation:
“I seek forgiveness from Allah, who is my Creator and Cheriser, from every sin I committed knowingly or unknowingly, secretly or openly. I also seek His forgiveness for all sins which I am aware of or am not aware of. Certainly, You (O Allah!), are the Knower of the hidden and the Concealer of mistakes and the Forgiver of sins. And there is no power and no strength except Allah, the Highest, the Greatest.”
The fifth Kalma is a prayer, asking Allah’s forgiveness for bad deeds done intentionally and unintentionally. The concept of saying sorry to people for wrongdoing is embedded early on in a child’s life, and doing the same for Allah’s sake is a significant virtue.
Sixth Kalima – Radde Kufr (Reject Disbelief)
Translation:
“O, Allah! I seek refuge in You from that I should ascribe any partner with You knowingly. I seek Your forgiveness for the sin of which I have no knowledge. I repent from it. And becoming disgusted by disbelief and idolatry, lying and backbiting, innovation and slander, lewdness and abomination, and all other acts of disobedience, I submit to Your will. I believe and declare that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
The sixth Kalma elaborates on a significant concept in Islam—Kufr. By reciting this Kalma, a believer seeks forgiveness and refuge from Allah and rejects disbelief. In the second-half words of the Kalma, a Muslim turns their back on major and minor sins and finally affirms Allah’s oneness and declares faith in Allah.
Reciting & Memorizing The Six Kalmas
Each Kalma has its own virtues. All six Kalmas help one purify the heart and mind, and strengthen faith to grow closer to Allah and become a better Muslim. Therefore, we need to learn all six Kalmas in Arabic and know their translation in our language to truly comprehend them.
Here at Tajweed Classes, we offer a complete course on learning and memorization of the six Kalmas for kids as well as adults. By learning from experienced and supportive scholars, you can perfect the recitation of each Kalma, commit to memory, and strengthen your Islamic beliefs.
Reach out to us today for more information about learning Kalmas, or sign up for one of our courses.
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