It is a known fact that huge numbers of new Muslims are attracted to Islam from different countries and different cultures. It is important that knowledge of Islam should be provided to them with great care and there should be no confusion in the basic religious knowledge imparted to them. Otherwise, we will be responsible for all the deviations which might crop up among these generations of new Muslims.

We must help them to learn to recite during the prayers and encourage them to start their prayers from day one of their reverting to Islam. I saw some Muslims misleading other innocent ones in the area of Iman and Ibaadah, and instead leading them towards Shirk (Polytheism) and finally to Kufr (Disbelief). These innocent Muslims indulge in Shirk not only by being unaware of it, but all the time assuming that they are doing a valid duty in Islam. This sad situation has to be corrected by every Muslim, by eliminating the remnants of un-Islamic Jahiliya (Ignorance) practices, which are still clinging to the practices of Muslims.

Therefore, I have explained herewith the basic meaning of the Kalima of Islam. This could perhaps help us in informing and educating one another about the fundamental principle of Islam (i.e. monotheism).

THE MEANING OF THE TESTIMONY OF FAITH: the Kalima, “LA ILAAHA ILLA ALLAH, MUHAMMAD RASOOLULLAH” AND CONDITIONS OF “LA ILAAHA ILLA ALLAH.”

The testimony (LA ILAAHA ILLA ALLAH) comprises two concepts: Denial and Affirmation.

FIRST: The testimony of faith denies the attribute of divinity to anyone and anything other than Allah -the Exalted. All those other than Allah, such as the angels, the Prophets, and the rest of Mankind, let alone the idols and the political regimes in the world, are not gods and thus don’t deserve to be worshipped. Therefore, denial in this respect is not denial of the existence of the alleged gods, rather the denial of divinity which is attributed to them.

SECOND: The testimony of faith affirms and restricts divinity to Allah alone. That is, the servant must believe that Allah is the only true God, and accordingly dedicate no act of worship to any, other than Allah.

THE MEANING OF MUHAMMAD RASOOLULLAH: A confession with your tongue but a heartfelt belief, “O Allah! I testify that Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is Your Messenger.” That means that none has the right to be followed after Allah, but the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) as he is the Last of His Messengers. As Allah said:

“Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is not the father on any man amongst you but he is the Messenger of Allah and the last (end) of the Prophets and Allah is Ever All Aware of everything.” (V.33:40) “And whatsoever the Messenger Muhammad (Peace be upon him) gives you, take it and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain from it.” (V.59:7).