The six Kalmas or Kalimas in Islam are integral to the Islamic faith. These Kalmas highlight Islam's primary and most essential principles that form the core of the religion. The second Kalmah, Kalma-e-Shahadat, is so essential that it must be recited to become a Muslim. Here is a brief explanation of the 6 Kalmas:
- The First Kalma (Tayyab) reinforces the fundamental belief required by a Muslim to be a true believer, i.e., the Oneness of Allah.
- The Second Kalma (Shahadat) testifies that a Muslim believes in the Oneness of Allah and that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is His last Messenger.
- The Third Kalma (Tamjeed) narrates the glorification of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
- The Fourth Kalma (Tauheed) strengthens faith in the Oneness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
- The Fifth Kalma (Astaghfaar) asks for repentance and forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
- The Sixth Kalma (Radd-e-Kufr) discards disbelief and submits completely to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
The 6 Kalmas With English Translation
The Origin Of the 6 Kalmas
The six Kalmas have not been mentioned collectively in any Islamic text; these Kalmas are selected verses from the Holy Quran and Hadith. The first and second kalma are declarations of faith and reinforce the first pillar of Islam (Tawhid), the third and fourth are beautiful ways to remember Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), and the fifth and sixth kalma invite His mercy and forgiveness.
Origin of 1st Kalima: The origin of the first kalima can be traced back to this hadith:
Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "(The superstructure of) Islam is based on five (pillars), testifying the fact that La ilaha illallah wa anna Muhammad-ar-Rasul-ullah [there is no true god except Allah, and Muhammad ((ﷺ)) is the Messenger of Allah], establishing As- Salat (the prayers), paying Zakat (compulsory alms), the pilgrimage to the House [of Allah (Ka'bah)], and the Saum (fasting) during the month of Ramadan."[Riyad as-Salihin 1271]
The Second Kalma (Shahadat) proclaims the oneness of Allah and the finality of the Prophet Muhammad(ﷺ). Confirming the finality of the Prophet (ﷺ), Abu Huraira (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) narrated him as saying:
“Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "My similitude in comparison with the other prophets before me, is that of a man who has built a house nicely and beautifully, except for a place of one brick in a corner. The people go about it and wonder at its beauty, but say: 'Would that this brick be put in its place!' So I am that brick, and I am the last of the Prophets." [Sahih al-Bukhari 3535].
The root of theThird Kalma (Tamjeed)can be attributed to this hadith: Abu Hurairah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
"There are two statements that are light for the tongue to remember, heavy in the Scales and are dear to the Merciful: 'Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi, Subhan-Allahil-Azim[Glory be to Allah and His is the praise, (and) Allah, the Greatest is free from imperfection]'." [Riyad as-Salihin 1408]
Kalma Tauheed and Kalma Astaghfaar besech Allah for his mercy and is a way for Muslims to ask forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). Ibn 'Abbas (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) said reported the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying:
"If anyone constantly seeks pardon (from Allah), Allah will appoint for him a way out of every distress and a relief from every anxiety, and will provide sustenance for him from where he expects not." [Riyad as-Salihin 1873]
It is a masoon practice for Muslims to proclaim the uniqueness and oneness of Allah. The Sixth Kalma (Radd-e-Kufr) allows Muslims to show the Almighty they submit only to Him.An-Nu`man bin Bashir (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) narrated the Prophet (ﷺ) saying:
“The supplication, is worship.” Then he recited: And Your Lord said: “Call upon me, I will respond to you. Verily, those who scorn My worship, they will surely enter Hell humiliated." [Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3372]
The Benefits of Reciting the 6 Kalmas
- Reinforces and strengthens faith in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
- Leads to spiritual enlightenment and internal growth.
- Enhances understanding of monotheism and strengthens belief in the oneness and greatness of Allah.
- Leads to immense peace and contentment.
- Improves one’s character and encourages the development of humility and appreciation.
- Results in greater success in life.
The Ideal Times to Recite the 6 Kalmas
Reciting and implementing the teachings of the six Kalmas in our daily lives is the key to gaining their true benefits. We should make it a habit to recite these Kalmas regularly and after each namaz:
- Kalma Tayyab: Reciting this Kalma after each prayer helps strengthen faith.
- Kalma Shahadat: Reciting this Kalma daily increases faith and ensures that the reciter will die on faith. It is also recited for accepting Islam.
- Kalma Tamjeed: This Kalma is often recited during Tasbih namaz for the fulfillment of duas, increase in wealth, destruction of enemies, and request for Jannah in the Hereafter.
- Kalma Tauheed: Reciting this Kalma daily after prayers keeps one safe from shirk and external attacks on faith.
- Kalma Astaghfaar: This Kalma is beneficial for asking for forgiveness for all major and minor sins. It is recited as a Tasbih or after obligatory prayers.
- Kalma Radd-e-Kufr: Reciting this Kalma daily keeps one safe from disobedience, adultery, shirk, and external attacks on faith. It is also recited for forgiveness of sins.
Muslim and Quran App to Recite & Memorize the 6 Kalmas
Use the Muslim and Quran app to recite the 6 Kalmas on the go! The Kalmas are available in Arabic and English, with their translation and transliteration, making it easier to memorize them. Gain immense blessings and rewards from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), and include the recitation of the 6 Kalmas in your daily routine.
