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Six Kalimas of Islam: Meaning, Benefits, and Spiritual Connection

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Muhammad Haseeb A.
December 16, 2024
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Six Kalimas: Foundation of Islamic Belief and Spiritual Growth

As Muslims, the Six Kalimas are much more than just phrases—they are the foundation of our beliefs, way of life, and spiritual connection to Allah (SWT). Generations have passed down these timeless words, and they carry deep meanings that help us reaffirm the core principles of Islam. They aren’t simply meant for recitation but for understanding, reflection, and integration into our daily lives.

For children and adults alike, the Six Kalimas are tools for cultivating a deeper relationship with Allah (SWT), grounding faith, and fostering spiritual resilience. Each one conveys a powerful message: from the oneness of Allah (SWT) to the continuous journey of seeking forgiveness and rejecting all forms of sin.

“But Why is it Important to Engage with the Six Kalimas Regularly?”

The Six Kalimas are a powerful tool to strengthen your faith. Furthermore, they serve as a shield, protecting you from harm. Incorporating the Kalimas into your daily routine can help you gain profound spiritual benefits. This practice fosters peace, security, and closeness to Allah (SWT).

Post Contents hide

1. Six Kalimas: Foundation of Islamic Belief and Spiritual Growth

1.1. First Kalima: Kalima Tayyibah (Word of Purity)

1.2. Second Kalima: Kalima Shahadah (Word of Testimony)

1.3. Third Kalima: Kalima Tamjeed (Word of Glorification)

1.4. Fourth Kalima: Kalima Tawheed (Word of Oneness)

1.5. Fifth Kalima: Kalima Astaghfar (Word of Seeking Forgiveness)

1.6. Sixth Kalima: Kalima Radde Kufr (Word of Rejecting Disbelief)

2. Benefits of Reciting the Six Kalimas

3. Best Times to Read the Kalmas

4. How to Memorize the Six Kalimas

5. Conclusion: The Power of the Six Kalmas

First Kalima: Kalima Tayyibah (Word of Purity)

The First Kalima declares the central belief in Islam: the oneness of Allah (SWT) and the finality of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as His messenger. We recite the First Kalima to strengthen our faith and renew our devotion to Allah (SWT).

First Kalima or Kalima Tayyibah
"Lā ilāha illallāhu, Muḥammadur Rasūlullāh." — “Lā ilāha illallāhu, Muḥammadur Rasūlullāh.”

Second Kalima: Kalima Shahadah (Word of Testimony)

The Second Kalima highlights the importance of bearing witness to the oneness of Allah(SWT) and acknowledging Prophet Muhammad as His servant and messenger. Reciting this strengthens your commitment to the Islamic faith and its core principles.

Second Kalima or Kalima Shahadah
"Ashhadu allā ilāha illallāhu, waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu, wa ashhadu anna Muḥammadan 'abduhu wa rasūluhu." — “Ashhadu allā ilāha illallāhu, waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu, wa ashhadu anna Muḥammadan ‘abduhu wa rasūluhu.”

Third Kalima: Kalima Tamjeed (Word of Glorification)

The Third Kalima powerfully glorifies and praises Allah (SWT). It reminds us of His greatness and our reliance on Him (SWT). This Kalima helps cultivate humility and gratitude toward Allah’s (SWT) blessings.

Third Kalima or Kalima Tamjeed
"Subḥānallāh, walḥamdulillāh, wa lā ilāha illallāh, wa-Allāhu Akbar, wa lā ḥawla wa lā quwwata illā billāhil-'Aliyyil-'Aẓīm." — “Subḥānallāh, walḥamdulillāh, wa lā ilāha illallāh, wa-Allāhu Akbar, wa lā ḥawla wa lā quwwata illā billāhil-‘Aliyyil-‘Aẓīm.”

Fourth Kalima: Kalima Tawheed (Word of Oneness)

Fourth Kalima to strengthen our belief in Allah’s (SWT) oneness and His power over life and death. This Kalima is a declaration of faith and a reminder of Allah’s (SWT) supreme power over life and death.

Fourth Kalima or Kalima Tawheed
"Lā ilāha illallāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu, lahu-l-mulku wa lahu-l-ḥamdu, yuḥyī wa yumītu, wa huwa ḥayyul lā yamūtu, abadan abada, dhul-jalāli wal-ikrām, biyadihil khayru wa huwa 'alā kulli shay'in qadīr." — “Lā ilāha illallāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu, lahu-l-mulku wa lahu-l-ḥamdu, yuḥyī wa yumītu, wa huwa ḥayyul lā yamūtu, abadan abada, dhul-jalāli wal-ikrām, biyadihil khayru wa huwa ‘alā kulli shay’in qadīr.”

Fifth Kalima: Kalima Astaghfar (Word of Seeking Forgiveness)

The Fifth Kalima is a sincere supplication for forgiveness from Allah (SWT). It encourages us to seek forgiveness for both known and unknown sins.

"Astaghfirullāha rabbī min kulli dhanbin adhnabtuhu 'amdan aw khaṭa'an sirran aw 'alāniyatan wa atūbu ilayhi minadh-dhanb alladhī a'lamu wa minadh-dhanb alladhī lā a'lamu, innaka anta 'allāmu-l-ghuyūbi wa sattāru-l-'uyūbi wa ghaffāru-dh-dhunūbi wa lā ḥawla wa lā quwwata illā billāhil-'Aliyyil-'Aẓīm." — “Astaghfirullāha rabbī min kulli dhanbin adhnabtuhu ‘amdan aw khaṭa’an sirran aw ‘alāniyatan wa atūbu ilayhi minadh-dhanb alladhī a’lamu wa minadh-dhanb alladhī lā a’lamu, innaka anta ‘allāmu-l-ghuyūbi wa sattāru-l-‘uyūbi wa ghaffāru-dh-dhunūbi wa lā ḥawla wa lā quwwata illā billāhil-‘Aliyyil-‘Aẓīm.”

Sixth Kalima: Kalima Radde Kufr (Word of Rejecting Disbelief)

The Sixth Kalima rejects the Acts of disbelief and all forms of sin. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of sincerity in worship and rejecting evil.

Sixth Kalima or Kalima Radde Kufr
"Allāhumma innī a'ūdhu bika min an ushrika bika shay'an wa ana a'lamu bihi wa astaghfiruka limā lā a'lamu bihi tubtu 'anhu wa tabarra'tu minal-kufri wash-shirki wal-kadhibi wal-ghībati wal-bid'ati wannamīmati wal-fawāḥishi wal-buhtāni wal-ma'āṣī kullihā wa aslamtu wa āamantu wa aqūlu lā ilāha illallāhu Muḥammadur Rasūlullāh." — “Allāhumma innī a’ūdhu bika min an ushrika bika shay’an wa ana a’lamu bihi wa astaghfiruka limā lā a’lamu bihi tubtu ‘anhu wa tabarra’tu minal-kufri wash-shirki wal-kadhibi wal-ghībati wal-bid’ati wannamīmati wal-fawāḥishi wal-buhtāni wal-ma’āṣī kullihā wa aslamtu wa āamantu wa aqūlu lā ilāha illallāhu Muḥammadur Rasūlullāh.”

Benefits of Reciting the Six Kalimas

Reciting the Six Kalimas offers a powerful way to stay grounded in faith and aligned with Islamic principles. Each Kalima acts as a reminder of our commitment to Allah (SWT), reinforcing sincerity in our worship and daily actions. They also serve as a source of comfort during difficult times, instilling hope and patience. Here are some benefits of Six Kalmas;

Strengthens Faith: Reciting the Six Kalmas strengthens the core beliefs of Islam, helping us connect deeply with our Creator and strengthen our faith.
Forgiveness: They serve as a means to seek forgiveness for both known and unknown past sins.
Protection from Evil: Regular recitation serves as a safeguard for our faith. It protects us from harmful thoughts, negative influences, and actions that stray from righteousness.
Spiritual Peace: Engaging in the remembrance of Allah (SWT) (Dhikr) through the Kalimas cultivates a profound sense of inner peace and spiritual balance.
Increased Gratitude: Incorporating the 6 Kalimas into daily life helps us nurture a spirit of gratitude. It allows us to recognize Allah’s (SWT) continuous blessings and reinforces our spiritual strength.

Best Times to Read the Kalmas

Reciting the Six Kalimas at specific moments throughout the day can help strengthen your faith and bring spiritual peace. Here are some of the best times to read the Kalmas for maximum benefit:

After Fajr and Isha Prayers: Start and end your day by reciting the 6 Kalimas, which keep your heart connected to Allah (SWT) and serve as a spiritual shield throughout the day and night.
During Morning and Evening Dhikr: Incorporating the Kalimas into your daily remembrance (dhikr) routine helps you reflect upon Allah’s (SWT) greatness. It also encourages you to seek His (SWT) guidance and forgiveness.
Kalima Istighfar is especially effective when seeking forgiveness from Allah (SWT). Reciting it during times of reflection or after making a mistake can help seek pardon from Allah (SWT).
Before Sleeping: Reading the Kalimas before bed can provide peace and protection, ensuring you end your day in remembrance of Allah (SWT) and submission to His (SWT) will.
When Feeling Troubled or Anxious: Reciting the Kalimas, especially Kalima Tamjeed (Glorification of Allah (SWT)), can bring comfort and calmness when facing challenges. It serves as a reminder of Allah’s (SWT) power and mercy.
During Times of Repentance and Renewal: Reflecting on Kalima Shahadat and Kalima Tawhid during times of personal repentance or spiritual renewal strengthens your faith. It also deepens your commitment to the oneness of Allah (SWT).

Making the recitation of the Six Kalimas a regular part of your daily routine draws you closer to Allah (SWT). It fosters a sense of inner peace and spiritual strength.

How to Memorize the Six Kalimas

Memorizing the 6 Kalimas can be a deeply rewarding spiritual exercise. Here are some techniques to help:

Repetition: Recite each Kalima daily, especially after prayers, to build familiarity and reinforce memory.
Visualization: Use flashcards with the Arabic text on one side and the translation on the other. Reviewing these cards regularly helps strengthen memory.
Audio Recitation: Listen to recordings of the Kalimas being recited, repeating after each line. This helps with pronunciation and embeds the words in memory.
Group Study: Studying with family or friends creates a supportive environment, making memorization easier and more enjoyable.
Set Small Goals: Focus on memorizing one Kalima at a time, aiming to learn it thoroughly before moving on to the next.

Conclusion: The Power of the Six Kalmas

We use the Six Kalimas not just as words but as a powerful spiritual tool to transform our faith and connection to Allah (SWT). We strengthen our belief and seek forgiveness by learning, understanding, and reciting these Kalimas.

“O Allah (SWT), make our hearts understand Your words, grant us the strength to remember and recite them, and make us among those who remember You in every situation.” Ameen!

Please take a moment today to memorize the Six Kalimas, share them with your family, and reflect on their meanings. Let these words guide your actions and bring you closer to Allah (SWT). Start today!