The 6 Kalimas: Pillars of Faith and Unity in Islam (2024)

The Six Kalimas are not merely words; they represent a profound commitment to the fundamental tenets of the Islamic faith. As individuals recite and reflect upon these Kalimas, they strengthen their connection with Allah, foster a deeper understanding of their faith, and strive to embody these principles in their actions and interactions.

Explore the profound significance of the 6 Kalimas, the pillars of our faith that encapsulate the essence of Islamic belief.

1. First Kalima: Tayyab (Purity)

لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ مُحَمَّدٌ رَّسُولُ ٱللَّٰهِ‎

English Translation: There is no God but Allah Muhammad is the messenger of
Allah.

2. Second Kalima: Shahadat (Testimony)

أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ وأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ‎

English Translation: I bear witness that no-one is worthy of worship but Allah, the One alone, without partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.

3. Third Kalima: Tamjeed (Glorification)

سُبْحَانَ ٱللَّٰهِ وَٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّٰهِ وَلَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ وَٱللَّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِٱللَّٰهِ ٱلْعَلِيِّ ٱلْعَظِيمِ‎

English Translation: Glory be to Allah and Praise to Allah, and there is no God but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest. And there is no Might or Power except with Allah.

4. Fourth Kalima: Tauheed (Unity)

لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ ٱلْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ ٱلْحَمْدُ، يُحْيِي وَيُمِيتُ وَهُوَ حَيٌّ لَا يَمُوتُ أَبَدًا أَبَدًا، ذُو ٱلْجَلَالِ وَٱلْإِكْرَامِ بِيَدِهِ ٱلْخَيْرُ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

English Translation: (There is) none worthy of worship except Allah. He is only One. (There is) no partners for Him. For Him (is) the kingdom. And for Through Him (is) the Praise. He gives life and causes death. And He (is) Alive. He will not die, never, ever. Possessor of Majesty and Reverence. In His hand (is) the goodness. And He (is) the goodness. And He (is) on everything powerful.

5. Fifth Kalima: Astaghfar (Penitence)

أَسْتَغْفِرُ ٱللَّٰهَ رَبِّي مِنْ كُلِّ ذَنْبٍ أَذْنَبْتُهُ عَمَدًا أَوْ خَطَأً سِرًّا أوْ عَلَانِيَةً وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ مِنَ ٱلذَّنْبِ ٱلَّذِي أَعْلَمُ وَمِنَ ٱلذَّنْبِ ٱلَّذِي لَا أَعْلَمُ، إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ عَلَّامُ ٱلْغُيُوبِ وَسَتَّارُ ٱلْعُيُوْبِ وَغَفَّارُ ٱلذُّنُوبِ وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِٱللَّٰهِ ٱلْعَلِيِّ ٱلْعَظِيمِ

English Translation: I seek forgiveness from Allah, my lord, from every sin I committed knowingly or unknowingly, secretly or openly, and I turn towards Him from the sin that I know and from the sin that I do not know. Certainly You, You (are) the knower of the hidden things and the Concealer (of) the mistakes and the Forgiver (of) the sins. And (there is) no power and no strength except from Allah, the Most High, the Most Great.

6. Sixth Kalima: Radde Kufr (Rejecting Disbelief)

ٱللَّٰهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ أَنْ أُشْرِكَ بِكَ شَيْءً وَأَنَا أَعْلَمُ بِهِ وَأَسْتَغْفِرُكَ لِمَا لَا أَعْلَمُ بِهِ تُبْتُ عَنْهُ وَتَبَرَّأَتُ مِنَ ٱلْكُفْر وَٱلشِّرْكِ وَٱلْكِذْبِ وَٱلْغِيبَةِ وَٱلْبِدْعَةِ وَٱلنَّمِيمَةِ وَٱلْفَوَاحِشِ وَٱلْبُهْتَانِ وَٱلْمَعَاصِي كُلِّهَا وَأَسْلَمْتُ وَأَقُولُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ ٱللَّٰهِ

English Translation: O Allah! Certainly, I seek protection with You from, that I associate partner with You anything and I know it. And I seek forgiveness from You for that I do not know it. I repented from it and I made myself free from disbelief and polytheism and the falsehood and the back-biting and the innovation and the tell-tales and the bad deeds and the blame and the disobedience, all of them. And I submit and I say (there is) none worthy of worship except Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.

As we reflect on the meanings behind each Kalima, let us carry this newfound knowledge into our daily lives. May the principles embedded in these affirmations resonate in our actions, fostering a spirit of compassion, gratitude, and unity within the Muslim Ummah and beyond.

Advantages of Reciting the 6 Kalmas

• Deepens and fortifies belief in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
  Guides towards spiritual illumination and personal development.
• Deepens comprehension of monotheism, reinforcing faith in the singular and supreme
  nature of Allah.
• Yields profound peace and satisfaction.
• Refines one's character, fostering humility and gratitude.
  Contributes to greater success in life.

Best Times to Recite the 6 Kalmas

Incorporating the teachings of the six Kalmas into our daily routine is crucial for unlocking their genuine advantages. It is advisable to cultivate a habit of reciting these Kalmas consistently, especially after each prayer:

1. Kalma Tayyab: Strengthen your faith by reciting this Kalma after every prayer.
2. Kalma Shahadat: Increase your faith and secure a faithful departure by reciting this Kalma daily; it is also recited to express acceptance of Islam.
3. Kalma Tamjeed: During Tasbih namaz, recite this Kalma for the fulfillment of prayers, wealth increase, defeating enemies, and seeking entry into Jannah in the Hereafter.
4. Kalma Tauheed: Safeguard yourself from shirk and external threats to your faith by reciting this Kalma daily after prayers.
5. Kalma Astaghfaar: Seek forgiveness for both major and minor sins by reciting this Kalma, either as a Tasbih or after obligatory prayers.
6. Kalma Radd-e-Kufr: Maintain protection from disobedience, adultery, shirk, and external threats to your faith by daily recitation; it is also recited for the forgiveness of sins.

In practicing the 6 Kalimas, we find not only a source of solace but a roadmap for navigating the complexities of life with a steadfast heart. Let us embrace these pillars of faith as a constant reminder of our commitment to Islam and strive to live our lives in accordance with the wisdom they impart. May the essence of the 6 Kalimas continue to illuminate our spiritual journey and
deepen our connection with the Almighty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the 6 Kalimas:

Q: What are the 6 Kalimas?

The 6 Kalimas are declarations of faith and phrases affirming the oneness and greatness of Allah in Islam.

Q: Why are the 6 Kalimas important in Islam?

The Kalimas serve as fundamental tenets of belief, reinforcing the principles of monotheism and guiding Muslims in their daily lives.

Q: When should I recite the 6 Kalimas?

It is recommended to recite the 6 Kalimas regularly, especially after daily prayers, to reinforce faith and seek various spiritual benefits.

Q: What is the significance of each Kalima?

Each Kalima holds distinct significance. For example, Kalima Tayyab strengthens faith, Kalima Shahadat affirms belief and acceptance of Islam, Kalima Tamjeed is recited for various blessings, Kalima Tauheed safeguards against shirk, Kalima Astaghfaar seeks forgiveness, and Kalima Radd-e-Kufr protects against disobedience and external threats.

Q: Can I recite the 6 Kalimas in any language?

While Arabic is the recommended language for recitation, you can also recite the meanings of the Kalimas in your preferred language to understand and internalize their significance.

Q: Is there a specific order in which the 6 Kalimas should be recited?

The order is not strictly defined, and you can recite them in any order. However, many people follow the traditional sequence: Kalima Tayyab, Kalima Shahadat, Kalima Tamjeed, Kalima Tauheed, Kalima Astaghfaar, and Kalima Radd-e-Kufr.

Q: How do the 6 Kalimas contribute to spiritual growth?

Reciting the 6 Kalimas helps in spiritual enlightenment, internal growth, and the development of a strong connection with Allah. They are a means of seeking forgiveness, strengthening faith, and maintaining a righteous path in life.

Q: Can I recite the 6 Kalimas for specific purposes, such as seeking forgiveness or protection?

Yes, each Kalima has specific benefits, and Muslims often recite them for various purposes, including seeking forgiveness, protection from sins, and asking for Allah's blessings in different aspects of life.

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