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A Muslim
expresses his/her faith (Iman) in the following words:
Ash-hadu anla ilaha illal-Lahu Wahdahu la Sharika Lahu
wa-ash-hadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluhu
The English translation of the Shahadah is as follows:
I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, the One,
without any partner. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and His
Messenger.
The declaration of faith consists of two distinct parts, i.e., the absolute
belief in the Unity of Allah (God) and the belief in the Holy Prophet Muhammad
as a mortal human being and the Messenger of Allah.
Islam's fundamental belief is the Unity of God. All other beliefs hang on this
belief. Therefore the acknowledgement and 'bearing witness' of this is the key
to the Muslim faith. Unless this is observed one cannot be a Muslim. A Muslim
accepts Allah as the only God, and only Master, Lord and Ruler with no partner
sharing in any way His Being, Powers and Attributes. He is One; He is Unique; He
is not the father of any one, nor He has or had any father. He is Almighty and
Self-Sustaining. He is there forever, and will be there forever.
A Muslim believes in Allah as the Ruler and must not disobey Him. In fact
everything that exists in the universe obeys Him. He is the Fashioner of all the
Universes that may exist.
The belief in the Prophet Muhammad (on whom be peace) as the servant and
Messenger of Allah completes one’s faith. The Holy Prophet was the greatest of
all the Prophets of Allah, yet he was only a human being with no share in
Divinity. This is a very important belief that keeps Muslims from associating
partners with Allah. This part of the Declaration of Faith where reinforces the
first part of Allah being the only Supreme Being with no partners also
establishes the absolute authority of the Holy Prophet as the Messenger of
Allah, who must be obeyed as well in all the matters of faith. The Holy Prophet
is the last prophet who brought us the last Book (the Holy Quran) to be
followed. He lived among his people for a long time and his life is documented
in utmost detail. He lead his followers by example. The way he lived his life
and admonished his followers to live their lives is called Sunnah of the Holy
Prophet. The second part of the Declaration of Faith makes obeying and following
the advice of the Prophet Muhammad equally important to the belief in absolute
Unity of Allah. This declaration make one to completely submit to the Will of
Allah and that is why one who declares this belief is called a Muslim - one who
completely submits to the will of Allah.
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