Understanding the Meaning of Shahada and Its Significance for a Muslim, Also Know the Virtues of Reciting It

Kapanlagi.com - The Shahada is the first pillar of Islam. In other words, in Islam, the Shahada is a very sacred thing. Therefore, it is only right for every Muslim to understand the meaning of the Shahada. Because, in essence, the Shahada is not just an ordinary sentence or phrase. It contains a deep meaning about the teachings of monotheism.

Every day, Muslims recite the Shahada when performing the five daily prayers. Therefore, it is only right for every Muslim to memorize the Shahada and its meaning by heart. However, in reality, the Shahada cannot be simply interpreted word by word. The meaning of the Shahada must also be understood and internalized as a guide to living.

Because of the importance of the meaning of the Shahada for Muslims, to understand it further, please read the following discussion.

1. Understanding the Shahada

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Quoted from merdeka.com, the Journal of Islamic Education and Educational Technology of UIN North Sumatra revealed that the word Shahada comes from the Arabic word "syahida". In Indonesian, the word means 'to bear witness'. Therefore, the general meaning of Shahada is often interpreted as an expression of acknowledgement or bearing witness to the oneness of Allah SWT and belief in Prophet Muhammad as the messenger of Allah SWT.

In addition, Shahada is a pillar of the first pillar of Islam. After Shahada, the other pillars of Islam are prayer, fasting, zakat, and pilgrimage. This means that Shahada has an important position as the foundation or basis of a Muslim's faith.

2. Recitation and Meaning of Shahada

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Every Muslim is certainly familiar with the Shahada. This phrase is always recited every time one performs prayer. The Shahada itself consists of two parts. These two phrases of Shahada are also often referred to as Shahadatain. Although consisting of two parts, the recitation of the two phrases of Shahada is always done in sequence.

The Shahadatain phrases are as follows:

(1) Ayshadu An-la ilaha illallah

Meaning: "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah."

(2) Wa Ayshadu Anna Muhammada Rasulullah

Meaning: "I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah."

3. Profound Meaning of the Syahadat Sentence

Just like the recitation and meaning of the previous syahadat, the syahadatain sentence is a form of testimony and confession of a Muslim. Through the syahadat sentence, a Muslim declares their testimony that there is no god but Allah SWT and Prophet Muhammad SAW is the messenger of Allah SWT.

The testimony expressed through the syahadat becomes the foundation or basis of a Muslim's faith. This is because the syahadat sentence contains the teachings of tawhid or the oneness of Allah SWT, which is the foundation of the Islamic religion. Therefore, the syahadatain sentence is like a key for a non-Muslim to enter Islam.

It is essential for every Muslim to understand the meaning of the syahadat. Not only understanding the literal meaning, but also interpreting it to be a guiding principle in life. After understanding the syahadat, a Muslim should be more sincere and focused in worshiping Allah, and following the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

4. The Virtue of Reciting the Shahada

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The Shahada has a profound meaning for Muslims. The meaning of the Shahada should be ingrained in the hearts of every believer. As mentioned earlier, the Shahada is the foundation of a Muslim's faith. Therefore, the values within the meaning of the Shahada should always be preserved in the heart, one of which is by continuously reciting the Shahada during prayer.

In addition, there are several virtues that a Muslim can obtain through reciting the Shahada. The following are some of these virtues:

1. Attaining the Key to Paradise
One of the virtues of reciting and understanding the meaning of the Shahada is that it grants the key to Paradise. This is depicted in one of the hadiths of Prophet Muhammad as follows:

"I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, without any partners, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger, and I bear witness that Jesus is the servant of Allah and the son of His servant, and His word conveyed to Mary and a soul created by Him. And I bear witness that Paradise is true and Hellfire is true", then Allah will surely admit him into Paradise through any of its eight gates that he desires" (HR. Muslim).

2. Is One Form of Dhikr
Dhikr is highly recommended for a Muslim. By doing dhikr, a Muslim will be closer to and remember Allah SWT. It turns out that reciting the shahada can be one form of dhikr. By reciting the shahada, a Muslim will continuously remember the greatness and oneness of Allah SWT.

3. Cultivating a Sense of Surrender
Reciting the shahada means instilling in the heart and self that Allah SW is the One and Only God. It means that a Muslim will only worship and seek help from Him. By doing so, a Muslim will find it easier to surrender, be sincere, and have trust in living their life.

Those are some of the explanations regarding the meaning of the shahada and its significance for the life of a Muslim. Hopefully, it is beneficial and can increase faith.

(kpl/psp)