- published: 23 Feb 2015
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The Shahada (Arabic: الشهادة aš-šahādah audio , "the testimony"; aš-šahādatān (الشَهادَتانْ, "the two testimonials"); also Kalima Shahadat [كلمة الشهادة, "the testimonial word"]), is an Islamic creed declaring belief in the oneness of God and the acceptance of Muhammad as God's prophet. The declaration, in its shortest form, reads:
The noun šahāda (شَهادة), from the verbal root šahida (شَهِدَ) meaning "to observe, witness, testify", translates as "testimony", in both the everyday and the legal senses. The Islamic creed is also called, in the dual form, šahādatān (شَهادَتانْ, literally "two testimonials"). The expression al-šahāda (the Witnessed) is used in Quran as one of the "titles of God".
The statement has two parts: la ilaha illa'llah (there is no god but God), and Muhammadun rasul Allah (Muhammad is the messenger of God), which are sometimes referred to as the first shahada and the second shahada. The first statement of the shahada is also known as the tahlīl.
Kneel on sacred reeds and kiss the rising sun
A wild intemperate wind will rush
Among the works that you've begun
Set the skies aflame and dance within the fire
A sword, a word, a holy verse
The keys to all that you desire
Scorn to take the tainted cup
Life and light will wash away
Bear your tender spirit up
Hope and faith will wash away
Bury reason in the sand
Love and trust will wash away
Hide your face as they command
Heart and soul will wash away
Dine on brittle straws and bind your wounds with prayer
The promises of ancient prophets vanish in the desert air
Sow your fields with flesh put poison in your well
Entomb yourself while still alive condemn yourself to living hell
Scorn to take the tainted cup
Life and light will wash away
Bear your tender spirit up
Hope and faith will wash away
Bury reason in the sand
Love and trust will wash away
Hide your face as they command