The Kalma, or declaration of faith, is the foundation of a Muslim’s belief. In Shia Islam, the Kalma holds profound significance as it not only affirms the oneness of Allah (Tawheed) and the prophethood of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) but also emphasizes the pivotal role of the Ahlul Bayt (the family of the Prophet) in guiding the Muslim Ummah.
The Shia Kalma
The Shia declaration of faith (Kalma) is as follows:
“La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur Rasool Allah, Aliyyun Waliullah, Wasiyyu Rasulillah, Wa Khalifatuhu Bila Fasl.”
لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ، مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ اللهِ، عَلِيٌّ وَلِيُّ اللهِ، وَصِيُّ رَسُولِ اللهِ، وَخَلِيفَتُهُ بِلَا فَصْلٍ.
Translation:
“There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, Ali is the Wali (guardian) of Allah, the successor of the Messenger of Allah, and his immediate Caliph without separation.”
Breaking Down the Shia Kalma
- Tawheed (Oneness of Allah)
- The first part, “La ilaha illallah,” declares the absolute monotheism central to Islam. Allah is the sole Creator, Sustainer, and Sovereign of the universe, with no partners or equals. This is the unshakable foundation of Shia theology.
Risalat (Prophethood of Muhammad)
- The second part, “Muhammadur Rasool Allah,” acknowledges that Muhammad (PBUH) is the final messenger of Allah. In Shia belief, Prophet Muhammad is the seal of all prophets and the ultimate source of divine guidance for humanity.
Wilayah of Imam Ali
- The addition of “Aliyyun Waliullah” is what distinguishes the Shia Kalma. This part affirms that Imam Ali (AS), the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet, is divinely appointed as the Wali (guardian) of the Muslim Ummah.This is based on numerous Quranic verses and Hadiths, such as the event of Ghadir Khumm, where the Prophet explicitly declared:”For whomever I am his Mawla, Ali is also his Mawla.”Succession and Leadership (Imamat)The phrases “Wasiyyu Rasulillah” and “Wa Khalifatuhu Bila Fasl” underline the Shia belief in the Imamat. Imam Ali is recognized as the immediate successor and rightful Caliph after the Prophet, without any delay or separation. This leadership is not political alone but divinely mandated to ensure the spiritual and worldly well-being of the Muslim community.