Among the pillars of faith of the Muslim spiritual journey are some elementary declarations that are the building blocks of practice and belief. To them first belong the Six Kalimas (6 Kalimas), holy words that summarize the main Islamic teachings. They are not word-for-word memoranda strictly; they are deep declarations of faith, a formula of seeking forgiveness, an utterance concerning God’s glory, and a protection from disbelievers.
This comprehensive guide is meant to be your handbook to learning the Six Kalimas. We’re going to present each Kalima in a step-by-step fashion, giving you the original Arabic text to copy and paste, its transliteration so you can read it, and Six Kalimas translation in English and Urdu. Whether you are a new Muslim, parent educating your kids, or someone interested in learning them better, this article will be your readable, understandable, and authoritative handbook.
Understanding the Concept of “Kalma” (کلمہ)
Before discussing the Kalimas themselves, let us first understand the word itself.
What does “Kalma” mean?
The term “Kalma” (also written as Kalimah) is an Arabic word (كلمة) which literally means “word” or “utterance.” In Islam, it means a basic creedal statement or proclamation of faith. These are the “words” that establish a Muslim’s belief system.
What is the meaning of kalma in Urdu?
In Urdu, “Kalma” (کلمہ) means the same kind of thing: “لفظ” (lafz) or “قول” (qoul), i.e., a word or utterance. Specifically, it means the holy words that are the foundations of Iman (faith).
The First Kalma: Kalima Tayyaba (The Word of Purity)
The First Kalma, i.e., Kalima Tayyaba, is the most simple and the first pillar of Islam. It is the declaration which introduces the person into the fold of Islam.
Kalma Tayyaba in Arabic Text (Copy-Paste)
لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ
Kalma Tayyaba Transliteration
Lā ilāha illallāhu Muhammadur-rasūlullāh.
Kalma Tayyaba Meaning in English
No god but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.
Kalma Tayyaba Meaning in Urdu (Kalma Tayyaba meaning in Urdu)
کوئی معبود برحق نہیں سوائے اللہ کے، اور محمد (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) اللہ کے رسول ہیں۔
Significance of the First Kalma
This Kalima Tayyaba forms the basis of Tawhid (Oneness of Allah). The first half, “La ilaha illallah,” rejects every false god and attests to the worship of Allah alone. The second, “Muhammadur-rasulullah,” attests to the confirmation of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as the final messenger and the prophet who guides us to live according to Allah’s will.
When should kalma Tayyaba be recited?
It is recited the entire length of one’s lifetime. It is recited to a newborn baby, it is the profession of faith of the new Muslim, and it is recommended to be said each day as a form of dhikr (remembrance of Allah).
The Second Kalma: Kalima Shahadat (The Word of Testimony)
Second Kalma, or Kalima Shahadat, is a more elaborate statement of faith that recites and expounds on the First Kalma.
2nd Kalima in Arabic Text (Copy-Paste)
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيْكَ لَهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُوْلُهُ
2nd Kalima Transliteration
Ash-hadu allā ilāha illallāhu waḥdahū lā sharīka lahu wa-ash-hadu anna Muḥammadan ‘abduhū wa rasūluhū.
2nd Kalma in English Meaning
I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah alone, without partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is Allah’s servant and Messenger.
Significance of the Second Kalima
The Second Kalima personifies the act of “bearing witness” as public witness. The Second Kalima also testifies to the singleness of Allah (“without partner”) and proclaims the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to be His ‘abd’ (servant), a witness to the humbleness and submissiveness of the Prophet.
The Third Kalma: Kalima Tamjeed (The Word of Glorification)
The Third Kalma, Kalima Tamjeed, is a sweet utterance of the glory, perfection, and praise of Allah.
3rd Kalma in Arabic Text (Copy-Paste)
سُبْحَانَ اللهِ وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ وَلَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَاللهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللهِ الْعَلِيِّ الْعَظِيْمِ
3rd Kalma in English Transliteration
Subḥānallāhi, wal-ḥamdu lillāhi, wa lā ilāha illallāhu, wallāhu akbaru, wa lā ḥawla wa lā quwwata illā billāhil-‘alīyyil-‘aẓīm.
3rd Kalma in English Meaning
Glory be to Allah, and all praise be to Allah, and Allah is the One and Only God, and Allah is the Greatest. And none has power or might except Allah, the Most High, the Great.
Importance of the Third Kalima
This Kalima is an overall expression of dhikr. It includes Tasbih praise, Tahmid glorification, Tahlil doctrine of oneness, and Takbir doctrine of magnificence. It is normally recited after prayer as well as on remembrance events so that God may be thanked and Allah’s exclusive authority may be declared.
The Fourth Kalma: Kalima Tawhid (The Word of Unity)
Fourth Kalma, Kalima Tawhid, is a more powerful expression of the exclusive singularity of Allah.
4th Kalma in Arabic Text (Copy-Paste)
لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيْكَ لَهُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ يُحْيِيْ وَيُمِيْتُ وَهُوَ حَيٌّ لَا يَمُوْتُ أَبَدًا أَبَدًا ذُو الْجَلَالِ وَالْإِكْرَامِ بِيَدِهِ الْخَيْرُ وَهُوَ عَلٰى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيْرٌ
4th Kalma in English Transliteration
Lā ilāha illallāhu waḥdahū lā sharīka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-ḥamdu yuḥyī wa yumītu wa huwa ḥayyun lā yamūtu abadan abadan, dhul-jalāli wal-ikrām, biyadihil-khairu wa huwa ‘alā kulli shai’in qadīr.
4th Kalma in English Meaning
There is no god but Allah, He is alone, and He has no partner. To Him belongs the Kingdom, and for Him is all praise. He gives life and causes death. And He is alive, He will not die, never, ever. Possessor of Majesty and Reverence. In His hand is all good, and He has power over everything.
Significance of the Fourth Kalima
This Kalima penetrates deeply into the attributes of Allah. It attests to His kingship, His control over life and death, His immortality, and His absolute authority over all situations. Reciting it makes a righteous individual stronger in believing in Tawhid.
The Fifth Kalma: Kalima Istighfar (The Word of Penitence)
The Fifth Kalma, Kalima Istighfar, is a powerful declaration of seeking pardon from Allah.
5th Kalma in Arabic Text (Copy-Paste)
اَسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ رَبِّىْ مِنْ كُلِّ ذَنْبٍ اَذْنَبْتُهُ عَمَدًا اَوْ خَطَاءً سِرًّا اَوْ عَلَانِيَةً وَاَتُوْبُ اِلَيْهِ مِنَ الذَّنْبِ الَّذِىْ اَعْلَمُ وَمِنَ الذَّنْبِ الَّذِىْ لَآ اَعْلَمُ اِنَّكَ اَنْتَ عَلَّامُ الْغُيُوْبِ وَسَتَّارُ الْعُيُوْبِ وَغَفَّارُ الذُّنُوْبِ وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ اِلَّا بِاللهِ الْعَلِىِّ الْعَظِيْمِ
5th Kalma in English Transliteration
Astaghfirullāha rabbī min kulli dhambin adhnabtuhu ‘amadan aw khata’an sirran aw ‘alāniyyataw-wa atūbu ilayhi minadh-dhambilladhī a‘lamu wa minadh-dhambilladhī lā a‘lamu innaka anta ‘allāmul-ghuyūbi wa sittārul-‘uyūbi wa ghaffārudh-dhunūbi wa lā ḥawla wa lā quwwata illā billāhil-‘alīyyil-‘aẓīm.
5th Kalma in English Meaning
I seek forgiveness from Allah, my Lord, for all the mistakes I made knowingly or unknowingly, secretly or openly. And I seek His forgiveness for the sin that I know and the sin that I do not know. For certain, You, You are the Knower of the hidden and the Concealer of the faults and the Forgiver of the errors. And no might nor power is there except with Allah, the Most High, the Great.
Significance of the Fifth Kalima
Fifth Kalima is a true and humble request for forgiveness. It mentions the weakness of man by asking for forgiveness for sins done intentionally and with negligence, done secretly and openly, and even sins done unintentionally. It is a declaration of Allah’s vast mercy and His attribute of Almighty Forgiver.
The Sixth Kalma: Kalima Radd-e-Kufr (The Word of Rejection of Disbelief)
The Sixth Kalma, Kalima Radd-e-Kufr, is a declaration of faith negating disbelief and all polytheism at once.
6th Kalma in Arabic Text (Copy-Paste)
اَللّٰهُمَّ اِنِّیْٓ اَعُوْذُ بِكَ مِنْ اَنْ اُشْرِكَ بِكَ شَيْئًا وَّاَنَآ اَعْلَمُ بِهٖ وَ اَسْتَغْفِرُكَ لِمَا لَآ اَعْلَمُ بِهٖ تُبْتُ عَنْهُ وَ تَبَرَّأْتُ مِنَ الْكُفْرِ وَ الشِّرْكِ وَ الْكِذْبِ وَ الْغِيْبَةِ وَ الْبِدْعَةِ وَ النَّمِيْمَةِ وَ الْفَوَاحِشِ وَ الْبُهْتَانِ وَ الْمَعَاصِىْ كُلِّهَا وَ اَسْلَمْتُ وَ اَقُوْلُ لَآ اِلٰهَ اِلَّا اللهُ مُحَمَّدٌ رَّسُوْلُ اللهِ
6th Kalma in English Transliteration
Allāhumma innī a‘ūdhu bika min an ushrika bika shai’an wa ana a‘lamu bihi wa astaghfiruka limā lā a‘lamu bihi tubtu ‘anhu wa tabarra’tu min al-kufri wash-shirki wal-kidhbi wal-ghībati wal-bid‘ati wan-namīmati wal-fawāḥishi wal-buhtāni wal-ma‘āṣī kullihā wa aslamtu wa aqūlu lā ilāha illallāhu muḥammadur-rasūlullāh.
6th Kalma in English Meaning
O Allah! I take refuge with You from becoming Your partner knowingly, and I ask You to forgive me regarding that in which I am unaware. I repent to it. And I am purified of disbelief, polytheism, false words, backbiting, innovation in religion, slander, immorality, false accusation, and all the sins. And I submit to You and I testify: There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.
Significance of the Sixth Kalima
This Kalima is a good declaration of faith that is by deliberately renouncing and seeking refuge from all the serious sins and deeds of kufr (disbelief) and shirk (polytheism). It is a deliberate act of choice on the part of a Muslim in cleansing their faith and willingly submitting unto Allah alone.
Summary Table: The Six Kalimas at a Glance
To make things simpler, here is a table which provides a brief description of all 1 to 6 Kalma in English along with their common names.
| Kalima Number | Common Name | Core Theme |
|---|---|---|
| First Kalma | Kalima Tayyaba (Word of Purity) | Declaration of Faith |
| Second Kalma | Kalima Shahadat (Word of Testimony) | Bearing Witness |
| Third Kalma | Kalima Tamjeed (Word of Glorification) | Glorifying Allah |
| Fourth Kalma | Kalima Tawhid (Word of Unity) | Oneness of Allah |
| Fifth Kalma | Kalima Istighfar (Word of Penitence) | Seeking Forgiveness |
| Sixth Kalma | Kalima Radd-e-Kufr (Word of Rejection of Disbelief) | Rejecting Disbelief |
The Importance of Studying and Reciting the Six Kalimas
Six Kalimas are not just a Madrassah lesson plan for kids but are of vital spiritual and practical significance for Muslims of all ages.
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Ground of Faith (Iman): They encapsulate the very essence teachings of Islam, ranging from the minimum of confirmation of faith to the complex idea of Tawhid.
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Spiritual Remembrance (Dhikr): Repetition time and again is a method of remembrance of Allah, calming the heart and attracting celestial favors.
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Moral and Ethical Reference: Announcing sins in the 6th Kalma and placing calls for forgiveness in the 5th Kalma, they become a reminder factor at all times for a Muslim to have good morals.
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Protection and Fortification: The recitation of these Kalimas, particularly the Third and Sixth, is a method of asking Allah’s protection against sin and disbelief.
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A Source of Blessings (Barakah): Reading these sacred words invokes blessings into one’s life and household.
Conclusion
The Six Kalimas are a treasure of immeasurable number, a concise but compact handbook to belief for all Muslims. From the straightforward declaration of the Kalima Tayyaba to the repentant wholeness of the Kalima Radd-e-Kufr, they provide to the entire spectrum of a believer’s life with Allah. Learning their Urdu meanings and English meanings, memorizing them, and reciting them every day can embolden us in our belief, make our hearts cleaner, and bring us closer to our Creator.
We pray that this whole guide is a helpful and easily accessible guide for your family and you. May Allah (SWT) accept our efforts and grant us the ability to understand and implement the lessons of these holy words. Ameen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the translation of the first Kalma?
The First Kalma translation in English is: “There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
What is kalima in English?
“Kalima” in English is “word” or “declaration.” In Islamic slang, it means the six principal declaratory sentences of faith.
What does “kalma” mean?
“Kalma” is an Arabic term for “word.” In Islam, it is used to describe the six holy words that are the elements of a Muslim’s religion.
What is the basic Kalma in English?
The Shortest Kalma in English is the First Kalma: “There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.” This is the absolute minimum of the profession of faith.
What is the 6th kalma in English?
The 6th kalma in English is a prayer to be guarded in Allah against associating partners with Him and against disobedience, polytheism, and the big sins. It ends with reciting the First Kalma.
What are 6 Kalimas in Islam?
There are basic six statements of belief in Islam known as 6 Kalimas. These are:
- Kalima Tayyaba
- Kalima Shahadat
- Kalima Tamjeed
- Kalima Tawhid
- Kalima Istighfar
- Kalima Radd-e-Kufr.
What is the 4th Kalima in English?
The 4th Kalima in English is a declaration of the absoluteness, singularity, and eternity of Allah. It starts with, “There is no god but Allah, He is alone, and He has no partner. To Him belongs the Kingdom, and for Him is all praise.”
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