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Kalimah

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The Kalimah (Arabic: الكلمة; Turkish: Kelime; also spelled Kalima or Kalema) literally translates as "the word". In the Islamic context, it translates to "the word of Islam." It is a centrepiece in the faith of Muslims. Affirmation of the Kalimah is the first of the five pillars of Islam; belief in the meaning of the Kalimah is the primary distinction of what defines a Muslim. Recitation of the Shahada (based on the Kalimah) is the Islamic declaration of faith, also known as the Kalema-tut-shahadat.

Qiblah of imam Mustansir in Fatemid masjid of Cairo showing Kalema-tut-shahadat 'la-ilaha-'

Tawheed and Nabuwwat

Tawheed

Tawheed is is an expression of the belief in a monotheistic faith. The first phrase, Laa ilaaha illa l-laah, is the foundation stone of Islam. It translates to, "There is no god, but Allah".

Nabuwwah

Nabuwwah is the acceptance of Muhammad as a prophet/messenger of God. The second phrase, Muhammadu r–rasuwlu l-laah, fulfills the requirement that there should be someone to guide in the name of Allah. It translates to, "Muhammad is Allah's the Messenger/Prophet/Apostle".

Imamat (Shi'ah tradition)

Shia Muslims believe that Muhammad declared Ali bin Abi Talib as his successor at a place called Ghadir-al-Khumm (Hadith of the pond of Khumm), which was required for the continuation of His guidance. Hence, the Shi'ah kalimah includes the third phrase `Aliyun waliyu l-laah ("Ali is Muhammad's delegate/chosen/caretaker"). The addition of this verse is opposed by non-Shi`a groups.