Instructions:
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Watch the video carefully and take clear, organized notes while watching.
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Review the concepts covered in the video and then attempt all the given exercises independently.
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If you feel stuck on any question, go back to your notes and re-watch the relevant part of the video before moving on.
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Do not skip difficult questions—use your notes to understand the method or concept step by step.
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Write down any questions or confusions in your notebook so you can ask the lecturer during the next class.
Good morning students. Today, we’re going to talk about the first pillar of Islam — the Shahadah, which means the declaration of faith. It’s the foundation of our religion and the first step in becoming a Muslim.
The word Shahadah means “testimony” or “witnessing.” When we say the Shahadah, we are testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). These two parts together form the very heart of Islam. The first part tells us that only Allah deserves our worship — nothing and no one else. The second part tells us that we must follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who brought Allah’s final message to humanity.
Now, it’s important to remember that the Shahadah is not just a sentence to say — it’s a promise to live by. When someone sincerely says the Shahadah, they are declaring that they accept Allah as their only Lord and will follow the guidance of the Prophet. That’s why, when a person becomes Muslim, they recite the Shahadah in front of witnesses — it marks the beginning of their faith and their journey in Islam.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever testifies that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, Allah will forbid the Fire for him.” This means that true belief in the Shahadah leads to salvation — but it has to be sincere, not just spoken words.
The Shahadah is also the foundation for all our actions. Every act of worship — prayer, fasting, zakat, and Hajj — is built on the Shahadah. It reminds us that everything we do should be for Allah alone. For example, when we pray, we’re not just doing a routine; we’re worshiping the One we declared as our Lord. And when we follow the Prophet’s sunnah, we’re showing obedience to the one we called the Messenger of Allah.
The Qur’an reminds us, “Whoever obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allah.” This shows that the Shahadah connects belief and action — it’s not enough to believe in the heart; we must also live according to that belief.
In our daily lives, the Shahadah is everywhere. We hear it in the adhan five times a day — a constant reminder of our faith. We repeat it in prayer, and every Muslim hopes to say it as their last words before death. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever’s last words are ‘La ilaha illallah’ will enter Paradise.” So the Shahadah is the first thing a Muslim says when entering Islam and ideally the last thing before leaving this world — a complete circle of faith.
The Shahadah also reminds us about accountability and the Hereafter. On the Day of Judgment, the Shahadah will be a testimony for those who lived by it sincerely. Even a small amount of true faith will bring Allah’s mercy, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said that anyone who has even a grain of goodness in their heart along with this belief will be saved eventually.
But belief must be real — not just words. For example, if someone says “La ilaha illallah” but continues to worship others or disobey Allah deliberately, they haven’t truly lived by the Shahadah. It requires sincerity, knowledge, and action.
Finally, the Shahadah is what unites all Muslims around the world. No matter where we come from — whether Pakistan, Indonesia, Africa, or America — we all share the same words: “La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur Rasulullah.” It brings us together as one ummah, one global family. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim. He does not oppress him, nor hand him over to an oppressor.” So, through the Shahadah, we are connected by faith, equality, and brotherhood.
To wrap up, students: The Shahadah is the key to Islam and the foundation of a Muslim’s life. It means believing that only Allah deserves worship and that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His final Messenger. It’s not just to be said, but to be lived — through our prayers, our behavior, and our obedience to Allah. When we hold on to the Shahadah sincerely, it guides us in this life and leads us to success in the Hereafter.
