The Kalimah (Arabic: الكلمة al-Kalimah; Turkish: Kelime; also spelled Kalima or Kalema) literally translates as "the word". In the Islamic context, it translates to "the word of Islam." It is a centrepiece in the faith of Muslims. Affirmation of the Kalimah is the first of the five pillars of Islam; belief in the meaning of the Kalimah is the primary distinction of what defines a Muslim. Recitation of the Shahada (based on the Kalimah) is the Islamic declaration of faith, also known as the Kalema-tut-shahadat.
Qiblah of imam Mustansir in Fatemid masjid of Cairo showing Kalema-tut-shahadat 'la-ilaha-'
[edit] Tawheed and Nabuwwat
[edit] Tawheed
Tawheed is an expression of the belief in a monotheistic faith. The first phrase, Laa ilaaha illa l-laah, is the foundation stone of Islam. It translates to, "There is no god, but the God". In English Allah literally means "the God" distinguishing the true God from man as a god made in God's image or false gods that serve as idols for pagan polytheists.
[edit] Nabuwwah
Nabuwwah is the acceptance of Muhammad as a prophet/messenger of God. The second phrase, Muhammadu r–rasuwlu l-laah, fulfills the requirement that there should be someone to guide in the name of Allah. It translates to, "Muhammad is the Messenger/Prophet/Apostle of Allah".
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