In Islam, Kalmas (also spelled Kalimas) are short declarations of faith that hold deep spiritual meaning. These six essential statements form the foundation of Islamic belief, remembrance (Zikr), and practice.
Muslims, especially children, are taught the Six Kalmas from a young age to build their connection with Allah and the core tenets of their faith. Let’s explore what each Kalma means and why it’s significant.
🌟 What Are the Six Kalmas?
The Six Kalmas are:
- First Kalma – Tayyab (Purity)
- Second Kalma – Shahadat (Testimony)
- Third Kalma – Tamjeed (Glorification)
- Fourth Kalma – Tawheed (Oneness)
- Fifth Kalma – Astaghfar (Repentance)
- Sixth Kalma – Radde Kufr (Rejecting Disbelief)
1️⃣ First Kalma – Tayyab (Purity)
“La ilaha illallah Muhammadur Rasoolullah”
“There is no god but Allah; Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
This Kalma is the foundation of Islamic faith. It expresses the belief in the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH). Reciting this Kalma with sincerity makes one a Muslim.
2️⃣ Second Kalma – Shahadat (Testimony)
“Ashhadu alla ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lahu lahu wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasooluhu”
“I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, the One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.”
This is a verbal declaration of belief and a reaffirmation of faith. It is also recited during Salah (prayer) and is essential during conversion to Islam.
3️⃣ Third Kalma – Tamjeed (Glorification)
“Subhanallahi walhamdulillahi wa la ilaha illallahu wallahu akbar. Wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah hil aliyyil azeem.”
“Glory be to Allah, and all praise is for Allah, and there is no god but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest. There is no power and no strength except with Allah, the Most High, the Most Great.”
This Kalma is used in Zikr (remembrance of Allah). It glorifies, praises, and exalts Allah and expresses complete reliance on Him.
4️⃣ Fourth Kalma – Tawheed (Oneness)
“La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu yuhyi wa yumitu wa huwa hayyun la yamutu abadan abada zul-jalali wal-ikram biyadihil khair wa huwa ala kulli shai’in qadeer.”
“There is no god but Allah. He is One. He has no partner. His is the kingdom, and His is the praise. He gives life and causes death. He is alive and does not die, ever. He is the Possessor of Majesty and Honor. In His hand is all good, and He has power over everything.”
This Kalma reaffirms the absolute oneness, sovereignty, and power of Allah.
5️⃣ Fifth Kalma – Astaghfar (Repentance)
“Astaghfirullaha Rabbi min kulli dhambin adhnabtuhu amadan aw khata’an sirran aw ‘alaniyatan wa atubu ilayh min adh-dhanb illadhi a’lamu wa min adh-dhanb illadhi la a’lamu innaka anta allamul-ghuyub wa sattaral-uyub wa ghaffarudh-dhunub wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billahil aliyyil azeem.”
“I seek forgiveness from Allah, my Lord, for all my sins which I committed knowingly or unknowingly, secretly or openly. I turn to Him in repentance. Truly, You are the Knower of the unseen, the Concealer of faults, the Forgiver of sins. There is no power and no strength except with Allah, the Most High, the Most Great.”
This Kalma is a sincere repentance and plea for forgiveness from all kinds of sins.
6️⃣ Sixth Kalma – Radde Kufr (Rejecting Disbelief)
“Allahumma inni a’udhu bika min an ushrika bika shai’an wa ana a’lamu bihi wa astaghfiruka lima la a’lamu bihi tubtu anhu wa tabarratu min al-kufri wash-shirki wal-kidhibi wal-ghibati wal-bid’ati wan-namimati wal-fawahishi wal-buhtani wal-ma’asi kulliha wa aslamtu wa aqulu la ilaha illallah Muhammadur Rasoolullah.”
“O Allah! I seek refuge in You from knowingly associating anything with You, and I seek Your forgiveness for what I do not know. I repent from it and declare myself free from disbelief, polytheism, lies, backbiting, innovation, slander, immorality, and all other sins. I have surrendered and declare: There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
This is a rejection of disbelief, polytheism, and sinful acts, and a reaffirmation of submission to Allah.
📘 Why Learn the Six Kalmas?
- Strengthens your faith and spiritual connection with Allah
- Helps in daily remembrance (Zikr) and purification of the heart
- Promotes Islamic identity and moral discipline
- Essential for kids and new Muslims to memorize and understand
The Six Kalmas of Islam are more than memorized words—they’re meaningful expressions of faith, love for Allah, and a commitment to live righteously. By reciting and reflecting on these Kalmas, Muslims gain spiritual strength and deepen their understanding of Islam.
“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” — Quran 13:28
