THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SHAHAADA (TESTIMONY OF FAITH)-

Summarized from a treatise done by Senior Scholar Shaikh Dr. Saleh Al-Fouzan, and adopted from HUDAA Magazine, published by Masjid Al-Istiqaamah, NYC Article courtesy of Islamic Da'wah Net

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy

IMPORTANCE

• Definitely there could be no greater and more important a statement than 'Laa ilaaha illa Allah' (there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah). • It is the statement of declaration of belief in the Tawheed of Allah which is the dividing line between Imaan and kufr - It was the call of all of the previous Messengers and Prophets. • Allah (T) Himself attested to the importance of this statement in the Quraan:

He (T) said: "...and know that Laa ilaaha ill Allah (that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah)..." [49:19, 20:8, 3:18, 59:22-3]

As long as this statement is an obligation for an unbeliever to declare in order for him to become a Muslim, and also, since a person who pronounces it faithfully his property and life are safeguarded in this world, it becomes an obligation upon any Muslim who wants to understand the Deen of Islaam to realize its meaning, merits, principles, conditions and its place in life.

- Remembering Allah (Dhikr Allah) is one of the most important commandments of Allah. This He Himself commanded in many verses of the Quraan, especially after the performance of important religious obligations:

"...Then when you leave Arafat, remember Allah (by glorfying and praising Him) at the Mash`ar il-Haraam. And remember Allah (by invoking Allah for all good) as He has guided you..." [2:198]

"Then when you have accomplished your 'Manasik' (all the rights of Hajj); remember Allah as you remember your father with a strong remembrance..." [2:200]

He (T) also said:

"...and establish prayers for My remembrance." [20:14]

The best way to remember Allah is described to us in the Hadeeth of the Messenger (S), he said:

"...and the best (supplication) I and the other prophets who were sent who were sent before me proclaimed was: There is no deity worthy of worship but Allah, He is Alone and has no partner. To Him belongs the Ownership (of everything), and to Him belongs all Praise, and He has total power over all things." [Laa ilaaha ill Allah, wah.dahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul mulku wa lahul h.amdu wa huwa `alaa kulli shay'in Qadeer.] From the collection of Hadeeth(sayings/traditions of the Prphet -saw) from Imam At-Tirmidhi Sunan(traditions of the Prophet -saw).

The Messenger of Allah (S) also said:

"The best remembrance of Allah is to say 'laa ilaaha ill Allah' (there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah)."

All of the above points highlight the importance of this 'kalima' which we will try to explain in some more detail so that a clearer understanding of it can be achieved.

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