What is Shahadatayn?

What is Shahadatayn?

The religion of Islam does not approve of compulsing others to believe. The Holy Quran clearly states

“There is no compulsion in religion (2:256).”

Therefore, the first step begins with rationally believing in the tenets of Islam, such as the belief in the One and Almighty Creator, Prophethood, and the Day of Judgement, through logical and rational proof. 

After the conviction is solidified, the final step to officiating becoming a Muslim is to utter the two testimonies, called the Shahadatayn (Arabic: الشهادتين) or the two declarations of faith. The two testimonies are to testify or stand witness to the Oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad. The Shahadatayn can be read as follows:

• Arabic Form (أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ ٱللَّٰهِ)
• English Translation: “I testify that there is no god except Allah and I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.”
• Transliteration: Ash-hadu an laa ilaaha illallah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan Rasul-u-Lallah.

The one who completes these steps has achieved the bare minimum of becoming a Muslim and binding on others to be treated as a Muslim.  Meaning, one who becomes a Muslim is entitled to rights and privileges further explained in books of Islamic Jurisprudence, such as the ability to marry another Muslim, or receiving inheritance.

Although reciting the Shahadatayn is the bare minimum to becoming a Muslim, there a levels and ranks of belief and faith. Therefore, devout Muslims strive to deepen their knowledge of Islamic Sciences, enhance their morals and ethics, and practice Islam in all daily life matters, observing the five times daily prayers, fasting during the month of Ramadan, and going to Mecca for religious pilgrimage, paying their religious charity, etc.