The First Kalima or Kalima Tayyibah

 The first Kalima or Kalima Tayyibah is the primary and extremely important belief in Islam. Through it, a Muslim expresses their faith and full obedience to Allah. It is the fundamental foundation of Islam and the central focus of a Muslim's life.

A More Detailed Explanation of the First Kalima:

Kalima Tayyibah: "لا إله إلا الله محمد رسول الله" ('La ilaha illallah Muhammadur rasulullah') meaning: "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad (PBUH) is the Messenger of Allah."

Components of the First Kalima:

La ilaha illallah (لا إله إلا الله):

This part declares the oneness of Allah (Tawhid).

It means "There is no god but Allah," meaning that Allah is the sole Creator and Sustainer of the universe. Through this, every Muslim accepts the oneness of Allah in their life and pledges to worship Him alone.

This phrase represents the first fundamental belief of Islam, which is the central point of a Muslim’s life and faith.

Muhammadur rasulullah (محمد رسول الله):

This part acknowledges Muhammad (PBUH) as the Messenger of Allah.

It means "Muhammad (PBUH) is the Messenger of Allah," indicating that Muhammad (PBUH) is the chosen and sent Messenger of Allah, who was sent from the heavens to deliver Allah's message to humanity.

According to Islamic teachings, Muhammad (PBUH) is the final Prophet (Seal of the Prophets), through whom Allah's guidance for humanity was sent until the Day of Judgment.

Importance of the First Kalima:

The Fundamental Foundation of Islam:

The first Kalima is the foundational base of Islam. It marks the beginning of religious life. For any Muslim, this Kalima is a testimony of their faith and a symbol of their complete belief in Islam.

Monotheistic Philosophy (Tawhid):

"لا إله إلا الله" (La ilaha illallah), meaning "There is no god but Allah," establishes the concept of Tawhid, or belief in the oneness of Allah. This is the most important teaching of Islam, as the foundation of Islam is full trust and faith in Allah alone.

Faith in Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):

"محمد رسول الله" (Muhammadur rasulullah) directs Muslims to accept Muhammad (PBUH) as the only Prophet of Allah. Through this, Muslims commit to following his life and teachings.

The Claims of the First Kalima:

The first Kalima also demands that a Muslim:

There is no god except Allah:

A Muslim must always worship only Allah and must not worship any other created being or power. Trust and reliance must solely be placed on Allah.

Muhammad (PBUH) is the Last Prophet:

A believer in Islam must follow the life and ideals of Muhammad (PBUH). He is the final Prophet, and the Quran, revealed to him by Allah, is the final truth.

Following every instruction of Islam:

By observing the other pillars of Islam, such as Salah (prayer), Sawm (fasting), Hajj (pilgrimage), and Zakat (almsgiving), a Muslim strengthens their faith and fulfills the demands of the first Kalima.

Practical Impact of the First Kalima:

The first Kalima directs a Muslim’s life toward an Islamic way of living. It motivates a Muslim to guide their life according to Allah's instructions:

Full Obedience to Allah: The Kalima Tawhid signifies a commitment to complete obedience to Allah.

Trust in Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): A Muslim devotes themselves to following the ideals, teachings, and lifestyle of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Equality in the Islamic Society: Through the first Kalima, Muslims are bound by faith and love, treating one another as brothers and sisters.

Conclusion:

The first Kalima is the central sign of a Muslim's faith and the foundational base of their life. It is the symbol of their belief in the oneness of Allah and the Prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH). This Kalima encompasses the core principles and ideals of Islam, guiding Muslims toward peace, harmony, and spiritual advancement in their lives.