Pillars of Islam
What is the Shahada in Islam?
The Shahada is the Muslim declaration of faith: there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. It is the first of the five pillars of Islam.
The Shahada is the declaration of faith in Islam: “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.” It is the first pillar of Islam. A person who says it sincerely, with belief in the heart, is counted as a Muslim. Muslims repeat it in prayer and in daily life.
What is the Shahada?
Shahada means “witness” or “testimony” in Arabic. It is a short statement of what a Muslim believes: that Allah alone is God, and that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His final messenger.
It is the first of the five pillars of Islam. The other four, prayer, Zakat, fasting and Hajj, grow out of it.
What are the words of the Shahada?
The Shahada is said in Arabic. Here it is in letters you can read, with the meaning:
- Ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Allah means “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah.”
- Wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasul Allah means “and I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.”
The Arabic can be learned slowly. A new Muslim does not need to be perfect in Arabic. What matters is understanding the meaning and believing it.
What does the Shahada mean?
The first half says that only Allah deserves worship. Muslims believe He is One, with no partners, and that He created everything. The second half says that Muhammad (peace be upon him) was a human being chosen by Allah to bring His final message, the Qur’an.
Saying the Shahada also means promising to follow Allah’s guidance in daily life: to be honest, to care for family and neighbours, and to help those in need.
How does someone become a Muslim?
A person becomes a Muslim by saying the Shahada sincerely and with understanding. No special ceremony, payment or permission is required. The key is belief in the heart.
- Learn the meaning. Make sure you understand what you are saying.
- Say it with sincerity. You can say it alone, or in front of others.
- Find support. Many people visit a local mosque and speak to an imam, who can answer questions and help them learn to pray.
- Learn step by step. Start with prayer, then learn the other duties at your own pace.
Many mosques in Nairobi, Mombasa, Garissa and other towns welcome new Muslims. Ask at your nearest mosque.
When do Muslims say the Shahada?
Muslims say the Shahada many times. It is part of the call to prayer (adhan) heard from mosques. It is also said in every prayer, in the sitting near the end. Many families teach it to children early, and Muslims hope it will be the last words they say in life.
Is saying the words enough?
Saying the Shahada is the start. It is meant to reflect real belief and a wish to follow Islam. Scholars teach that a person should understand it, accept it and live by it as best they can. Everyone makes mistakes, and Muslims believe Allah is merciful and forgives those who sincerely return to Him.
If you have a question about your own situation, ask a trusted imam or scholar.
Who is the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)?
Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born in Makkah in Arabia. Muslims believe he received the Qur’an from Allah through the angel Jibril (Gabriel) over about 23 years. He is the last of the prophets, after others such as Ibrahim, Musa (Moses) and Isa (Jesus), who Muslims also honour as prophets.
When Muslims say his name, they add “peace be upon him” as a mark of respect. His sayings and way of life, called the Sunnah, guide Muslims alongside the Qur’an.
How does the Shahada connect to helping others?
Faith in Islam is not only words. Muslims are asked to show faith through good deeds, including charity. Giving Zakat and Sadaqah is one way believers show their faith in action.
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Support families in KenyaFrequently asked questions
What does Shahada mean?
Shahada means “witness” or “testimony” in Arabic. In Islam it is the declaration of faith: there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. It is the first pillar of Islam.
What are the words of the Shahada?
In Arabic: Ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Allah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasul Allah. It means “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.”
How do you become a Muslim?
A person becomes a Muslim by sincerely saying the Shahada with belief and understanding. No special ceremony is required. Many new Muslims visit a local mosque and speak to an imam for support and learning.
Do I need to say the Shahada in Arabic?
The Shahada is traditionally said in Arabic, and new Muslims are encouraged to learn it. Understanding the meaning and sincere belief are what matter most. An imam can help you learn the words.
Do I need witnesses to say the Shahada?
There is no requirement for a ceremony or a particular number of witnesses. Many people say it in front of others at a mosque for support and so the community can welcome them, but this is not a condition.
How often do Muslims say the Shahada?
Muslims say it many times. It is in the call to prayer and in the sitting of every prayer, so a person who prays five times a day repeats it often. Many also say it in daily life.
Is the Shahada the same for all Muslims?
Yes. All Muslims, in every school of thought, accept the same Shahada. It is the shared base of the faith across countries and communities.
What comes after the Shahada?
After the Shahada, a Muslim learns to pray, to fast in Ramadan, to give Zakat if able, and to perform Hajj if able. A new Muslim can start slowly and ask an imam for guidance.
Last reviewed 2 October 2026.
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