How to Say Shahada – The Words That Change Everything
There’s a moment.
When the noise fades.
The heart stills.
And a soul decides, “I’m ready.”
That moment is when someone says the Shahada.
Not just a sentence. Not just syllables.
It’s a turning point. A doorway. A homecoming.
Whether you’re a new Muslim, a born Muslim reconnecting, or just curious here’s how to say the Shahada… and what it truly means, deep down.
What Is the Shahada?
The Shahada (الشهادة) is the Islamic declaration of faith. It means to witness and testify to the truth.
It has two parts:
أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله
Ash-hadu alla ilaha illAllah
“I bear witness that there is no god but Allah”
وأشهد أن محمدًا رسول الله
Wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasulullah
“And I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah”
These 12 words aren’t just verbal.
They’re transformational.
They’re the moment a heart chooses Allah above all else.
How to Pronounce Shahada (Even If You’re Nervous)
You don’t need perfect Arabic. You don’t need to roll every letter like a Qari.
You just need sincerity. Allah sees the effort.
Break it down slowly:
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Ash-hadu = I bear witness
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Alla ilaha illa Allah = There is no god except Allah
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Wa ash-hadu = And I bear witness
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Anna Muhammadan rasool Allah = That Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah
Say it out loud, from your chest not just your tongue.
Let it echo in your heart before your mouth.
When Should Someone Say Shahada?
Some say it in a crowded masjid.
Some whisper it alone in their room.
Some cry. Some smile. Some shake.
There’s no script.
But when your heart says “Yes, I believe” that’s your moment.
You don’t need to memorize everything about Islam first.
You don’t need to change your clothes, name, or culture right away.
You just need to believe in Allah, and that Muhammad ﷺ is His Prophet.
That’s it. That’s Islam.
What Happens After the Shahada?
Let’s be real: life doesn’t become perfect.
But your soul will feel like it finally exhaled.
Here’s what to expect:
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A deep sense of peace you never knew you needed.
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All your past sins are wiped away. Seriously. Clean slate.
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Angels record a new beginning.
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You start growing slowly, beautifully, on your own path.
No one becomes a perfect Muslim overnight.
You walk. You fall. You get up.
But now, you’re walking home to Allah.
The Power Behind the Words
When you say the Shahada, it’s not just a statement. It’s a contract of the heart.
A soul-level surrender.
And the heavens rejoice when you do.
Because Allah wanted you.
Out of billions of people, you’re the one who returned.
If You’re Reconnecting with Islam…
Maybe you were born Muslim. But life happened.
The prayers stopped. The guilt grew.
And now you’re here.
Let me say this:
You can reclaim the Shahada. Whisper it again.
Renew your vow. Not because Allah forgot but because you remembered.
Say It Now — If You’re Ready
No pressure. No push.
Just an open invitation from your Creator.
If you feel it…
“Ash-hadu alla ilaha illa Allah,
Wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasulullah.”
That’s it.
FAQs
How do you recite the Shahada?
To recite the Shahada, say with full belief in your heart: **“Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan rasulullah.”** This means, “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.” It’s important to say it sincerely, with the intention of entering or affirming your faith in Islam.
What is the correct way to say Shahada?
The correct way is to say it in Arabic with full understanding and intention. The Shahada should be pronounced clearly, with humility and from the heart. If you’re accepting Islam, it’s encouraged to say it in front of witnesses, but sincerity is what truly matters.
What is the full Shahada in Arabic?
The full Shahada in Arabic is: **أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله وأشهد أن محمدًا رسول الله** This statement is the foundation of Islamic belief and the first of the five pillars of Islam.
How to say Shahada in Arabic and English?
In Arabic: **Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan rasulullah** In English: **I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.**
How to say Shahada in prayer?
While the Shahada is the foundation of faith, it is not recited separately during the daily prayers. Instead, its meaning is embedded within the Tashahhud portion of Salah, specifically during the sitting position.
How to say Shahada before death?
At the time of death, it is highly recommended to help the person utter the Shahada gently. You may say it softly and encourage them to repeat: **“La ilaha illallah Muhammadur rasulullah”** — as the Prophet ﷺ instructed that a dying person’s last words should be the testimony of faith.
What is Shahada transliteration?
The transliteration of Shahada is: **Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan rasulullah.** This helps non-Arabic speakers pronounce it correctly until they can recite fluently.
Can I copy and paste the Shahada in Arabic?
Yes, here is the Shahada in Arabic for easy copy and paste: **أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله وأشهد أن محمدًا رسول الله**
