Second Kalima Shahadat in Arabic, Transliteration and Meaning
By Hikmah Noor Editorial • 9/10/2026
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ
Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah, wahdahu la sharika lah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluh.
The second Kalima, Shahadat (testimony), turns belief into witness.
Second Kalima in Arabic
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ
Transliteration
Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah, wahdahu la sharika lah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluh.
Meaning
I bear witness that none is worthy of worship but Allah — alone, without partner — and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and His Messenger.
Why both “servant” and “Messenger”?
- Abduhu (His servant): blocks exaggeration — no matter his rank, Muhammad worshipped Allah and is never worshipped.
- Rasuluhu (His Messenger): blocks denial — his commands and Sunnah are binding guidance, not optional advice.
- This balance defines Sunni belief: love him deeply, follow him fully, worship Allah alone.
Where you recite it
- Tashahhud in every salah — the wording the Prophet taught Ibn Masud.
- After wudu — whoever completes it opens the eight gates of Paradise (Muslim).
- Embracing Islam and in the adhan five times daily.
Pair it with the first kalima and continue to the third kalima.
❓ Frequently asked questions
What is the second kalima?
The testimony (shahadah): I bear witness none is worthy of worship but Allah alone without partner, and Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.
Where is the second kalima recited?
In every tashahhud of salah, after wudu, when embracing Islam, and in the adhan — it is the most repeated testimony in a Muslim's life.
Why does it mention both servant and Messenger?
'Servant' guards against exaggeration, 'Messenger' guards against denial — Muhammad is honoured as Allah's chosen servant, never worshipped.
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