Shahada — Declaration of Faith

The Shahada is the most fundamental expression of Islamic beliefs. It simply states that there is no god but God (Allah) and that Muhammad is God's messenger. Reciting the Shahada with sincere belief is the single act that makes a person a Muslim. It is the first of the Five Pillars of Islam and the most important. The Shahada is whispered into the ear of a newborn child, and Muslims strive to make it their last words before death. The two parts of the Shahada represent tawhid (the oneness of God) and risalah (prophethood). By declaring tawhid, a Muslim affirms that God alone deserves worship, has no partners or equals, and is the sole Creator and Sustainer of all existence. By affirming Muhammad's prophethood, a Muslim accepts the entire chain of prophets from Adam to Muhammad and commits to following the guidance revealed through them.

"So know that there is no deity except Allah" — Quran 47:19