The 2nd Kalma, known as Kalma Shahadat, is a testimony of faith in Islam. It is the second among the six Kalmas and emphasizes the importance of bearing witness to the truth. In this declaration, a Muslim affirms that none is worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His servant and Messenger. The Kalma Shahadat reminds believers about the essence of Tawheed (oneness of Allah) and the Prophethood, which are the two main pillars of Islamic belief. Reciting this Kalma strengthens the bond of a Muslim with Allah and renews their commitment to live according to the teachings of Islam.
2nd Kalma in Arabic
The 2nd Kalma in Arabic is known as Kalma Shahadat, which means “the testimony of faith.” It is slightly longer than the 1st Kalma, but its meaning is just as powerful. The Arabic text goes like this:
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيْكَ لَهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُوْلُهُ
When recited slowly, the words feel like a solemn promise. It declares, “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, He is One without any partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.” These words form the foundation of a Muslim’s identity.
What makes the 2nd Kalma in Arabic text so important is the sense of responsibility it carries. Saying it is not only a belief but also a commitment to worship Allah alone and to follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is both faith and action tied together in one testimony.
Muslims around the world recite this Kalma to renew their faith, especially during prayer, special moments of reflection, or when someone embraces Islam. It serves as a constant reminder that being a Muslim means living with loyalty to Allah and His Messenger.
Just like the 1st Kalma, the 2nd Kalma in Arabic also has a unique beauty in its script. Whether written in calligraphy inside a mosque or taught to children in schools, its words connect generations of Muslims to the same eternal truth.
The 2nd Kalma in Arabic is more than just a phrase; it is the voice of belief, the heart of Shahadat, and the path to living as a true servant of Allah.
2nd Kalma in English
The 2nd Kalma, known as Kalma Shahadat, is the testimony of faith. In English, it is translated as:
“I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, He is One and has no partner. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.”
This declaration is not only words but also a pledge. It expresses the belief that Allah alone deserves worship and that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is chosen to guide humanity.
For Muslims, reciting the 2nd Kalma in English helps them understand the depth of its meaning. It is a reminder that faith is both belief in the heart and action in life. Whenever a Muslim repeats this testimony, they renew their connection with Allah and strengthen their commitment to live according to Islam.
The 2nd Kalma in English shows that Islam is universal. Whether spoken in Arabic, English, or any other language, its message is the same: true faith in one God and acceptance of His final Messenger.
2nd Kalma in Urdu Translation
“میں گواہی دیتا/دیتی ہوں کہ اللہ کے سوا کوئی معبود نہیں، وہ اکیلا ہے، اس کا کوئی شریک نہیں۔ اور میں گواہی دیتا/دیتی ہوں کہ محمد ﷺ اس کے بندے اور رسول ہیں۔”
The Urdu translation makes the meaning very clear. In this Kalma, a Muslim bears witness to two essential truths:
- Oneness of Allah (Tawheed): The phrase “اللہ کے سوا کوئی معبود نہیں” means “there is no god except Allah.” It confirms that only Allah deserves worship, and He has no partner or equal. This protects a Muslim from shirk (associating partners with Allah).
- Prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ: The words “محمد ﷺ اس کے بندے اور رسول ہیں” mean “Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.” This shows that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is not divine but the chosen messenger who brought Allah’s guidance.
By reciting the 2nd Kalma with understanding, a Muslim does not just say words they make a lifelong pledge:
- To worship Allah alone.
- To follow the teachings and example of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
This is why the 2nd Kalma is recited when someone enters Islam. It is both the identity and testimony of faith for every believer.
Meaning Of Second kalma
“I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, He is One and has no partner. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.”
- “I bear witness”
This means you are giving a personal statement of truth.
A Muslim is saying: “I truly believe this with my heart and I am ready to live by it.” - “There is no god but Allah”
Only Allah deserves worship.
He is the Creator, the One who gives life and death.
No one else no idol, no person, no angel can share His power. - “He is One and has no partner”
Allah is unique, and nothing is equal to Him.
He does not need any partner, helper, or family.
Everything depends on Him, but He depends on no one. - “And I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger”
Muhammad ﷺ is not divine, he is Allah’s humble servant.
But he is also the final Messenger, chosen to deliver Allah’s last message, the Qur’an.
Following his teachings is part of following Allah.
In Short
The 2nd Kalma means:
- Believe only in Allah’s oneness (Tawheed).
- Accept Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as His servant and last Messenger.
This Kalma is the foundation of Islam. Saying it with belief in the heart makes a person Muslim, and living by it keeps faith alive.
2nd Kalma (Shahadat) in Islam
The 2nd Kalma is called Kalma Shahadat, which means “the testimony of faith.” It declares:
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيْكَ لَهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُوْلُهُ
Meaning in English:
“I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, He is One and has no partner. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.”
In Islam, this Kalma is the foundation of faith. A person becomes Muslim by sincerely believing and declaring this testimony. It combines two pillars of belief:
- Tawheed – belief in the Oneness of Allah.
- Risalah – belief in Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as the final Messenger.
2nd Kalma in the Quran
The Quran does not list the “six Kalmas” the way we learn them today, but the words and meaning of the 2nd Kalma come directly from Quranic teachings. Some examples:
1. Tawheed – Oneness of Allah
- Surah Al-Ikhlas (112:1–2):
“Say: He is Allah, the One. Allah, the Eternal Refuge.” - Surah Muhammad (47:19):
“So know, [O Muhammad], that there is no deity except Allah…”
2. Prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ
- Surah Al-Fath (48:29):
“Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; and those with him are severe against the disbelievers and merciful among themselves…” - Surah Al-Ahzab (33:40):
“Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets.”
These verses show that the exact meaning of the 2nd Kalma is rooted in the Quran: belief in Allah’s Oneness and acceptance of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as His Messenger.
2nd Kalma in Islamic Practice
- It is the Shahadah that a new Muslim declares to enter Islam.
- It is repeated in the Adhan (call to prayer) and Iqamah.
- It is part of the daily Salah (prayer), reminding Muslims of their faith.
- It is also the first step and the last hope often the first words taught to a child and the last words a Muslim wishes to say before death.
When to Recite Kalma Shahadat
The Kalma Shahadat is more than a phrase; it is the declaration that connects a Muslim to Allah. Knowing when to recite it helps us live with constant remembrance of faith.
1. When Embracing Islam
First of all, the Kalma Shahadat is recited when someone accepts Islam. By declaring “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad ﷺ is His servant and Messenger,” a person officially enters the fold of Islam. Therefore, it is the doorway to becoming a Muslim.
2. During Daily Salah (Prayers)
In addition, Muslims recite the Shahadat during their five daily prayers. Specifically, it is part of the Tashahhud. This means that every Salah becomes not only worship, but also a renewal of faith.
3. In Adhan and Iqamah
Moreover, the Kalma Shahadat is included in the Adhan and Iqamah. Every time the call to prayer is heard, Muslims are reminded of Allah’s Oneness and the Prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ. Thus, it echoes across the world five times a day.
4. At the Time of Death
Also, Muslims are encouraged to recite the Kalma Shahadat in their final moments. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“He whose last words are ‘La ilaha illallah’ will enter Paradise.” (Abu Dawood, Hadith 3116)
Therefore, Muslims hope that their last breath carries this testimony of faith.
5. For Renewal of Faith (Tajdeed-e-Iman)
Furthermore, reciting the Kalma Shahadat at any time helps renew one’s faith. Whenever a Muslim feels weak, doubtful, or distant from Allah, repeating the Kalma strengthens the heart and brings peace.
6. During Special Moments
Finally, the Kalma Shahadat can also be recited in special moments: while making dua, when seeking forgiveness, during illness, or even when teaching children. In this way, the Kalma becomes a constant reminder that faith is the center of a Muslim’s life.
Importance Of Second Kalma
The 2nd Kalma, known as Kalma Shahadat, holds a very high place in Islam because it carries the essence of faith. It brings together two truths that form the foundation of being a Muslim: the belief in the oneness of Allah and the acceptance of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as His final Messenger. Without this testimony, faith is incomplete.
When someone enters Islam, the very first step is reciting the 2nd Kalma with sincerity. This simple yet powerful declaration transforms a person’s life and opens the door to becoming part of the Muslim community. However, its importance does not end there. Muslims continue to recite it daily, especially in their prayers and during the call to prayer, which keeps their faith alive and strong.
The Kalma Shahadat also acts as a renewal of faith. Whenever a Muslim feels weak, distracted, or distant from Allah, repeating this testimony of belief refreshes the heart and strengthens the bond with the Creator. It is not only for life but also for death, because the Prophet ﷺ taught that whoever’s last words are “La ilaha illallah” will enter Paradise. For this reason, Muslims hope that the 2nd Kalma will be their final statement before leaving this world.
Another great importance of this Kalma is that it unites Muslims across the globe. A believer in Pakistan, one in Africa, and another in Europe may differ in culture or language, but when they recite the 2nd Kalma, they all declare the same truth. It becomes a powerful symbol of unity, showing that all Muslims share the same belief in Allah’s oneness and the Prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ.
Benefits Of Second Kalma
Reciting the 2nd Kalma brings peace to the heart because it reminds a Muslim of the oneness of Allah and the Prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ. Every time it is repeated with sincerity, faith becomes stronger and the believer feels closer to Allah. It also wipes away doubts and renews commitment to live as a true Muslim.
Another benefit of reciting this Kalma is that it brings forgiveness. When a person sincerely declares that only Allah deserves worship and accepts the Prophet ﷺ as His Messenger, Allah’s mercy surrounds them. It becomes a shield against sin and a source of spiritual purity.
Reciting the 2nd Kalma also brings calmness during times of fear, sadness, or weakness. It reminds a believer that Allah alone is in control and that following the Prophet ﷺ is the path to peace. It strengthens the soul and helps Muslims stay firm in their faith, no matter the challenges they face.
Moreover, this Kalma is a way of renewing one’s connection with Islam every day. It is recited in prayer, in the call to prayer, and even in private moments of reflection. With each recitation, the bond with Allah deepens and the believer’s heart fills with light. At the time of death, reciting this Kalma becomes the key to Paradise, as the Prophet ﷺ promised.
Final Thoughts on 2nd kalma
The 2nd Kalma, also known as Kalma Shahadat, is more than just a statement it is the soul of Islam. It carries the message of pure faith, declaring that only Allah is worthy of worship and that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is His final Messenger. This simple testimony connects Muslims to their Creator and gives direction to their lives.
By reciting it, a believer enters Islam, renews their faith, and finds peace in the heart. It serves as a reminder of purpose in this world and hope for success in the Hereafter. Muslims around the world, no matter their language or culture, are united by this declaration. It is both the beginning of a Muslim’s journey and the words they hope to say at the end of their life.