Six Kalmas
6 Kalmas
The Six Kalimas hold great significance in Islam as they encapsulate the fundamental beliefs of the faith. These Kalimas outline the essential principles of Islam, forming its very foundation. Among them, the Second Kalima, Kalima-e-Shahadat, is crucial, as it must be recited to embrace Islam. Below is a brief explanation of all six Kalimas:
- First Kalima (Tayyab): Affirms the core belief of a Muslim—the absolute Oneness of Allah.
- Second Kalima (Shahadat): Declares faith in the Oneness of Allah and the final prophethood of Muhammad (ﷺ).
- Third Kalima (Tamjeed): Expresses the glorification and praise of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
- Fourth Kalima (Tauheed): Reaffirms unwavering belief in the Oneness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
- Fifth Kalima (Astaghfar): Seeks forgiveness and repentance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
- Sixth Kalima (Radd-e-Kufr): Rejects disbelief and signifies complete submission to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
The 6 Kalmas With English Translation
كَلِمَةُ اَلطَّيِّبَة
1st Kalma
Tayyibah
كَلِمَةُ اَلشَّهَادَة
2nd Kalma
Shahadah
كَلِمَةُ اَلتَّمْجِيدْ
3rd Kalma
Tamjeed
كَلِمَةُ اَلتَّوْحِيدْ
4th Kalma
Tawheed
كَلِمَةُ إِسْتِغْفَارْ
5th Kalma
Istighfar
كَلِمَةُ رَدّْ اَلْكُفْرْ
6th Kalma
Radd-al-Kufr
The Origin Of the 6 Kalmas
The Six Kalimas are not collectively mentioned in any singular Islamic text; rather, they are selected from various Quranic verses and Hadith. Each Kalima carries a unique significance in Islamic teachings:
- The First and Second Kalimas serve as declarations of faith, reinforcing Tawhid (Oneness of Allah)—the first pillar of Islam.
- The Third and Fourth Kalimas offer beautiful forms of remembering and glorifying Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
- The Fifth and Sixth Kalimas emphasize seeking Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.
Origin of the First Kalima:
The roots of the First Kalima (Tayyab) can be traced back to a Hadith, which highlights its importance in affirming faith.
Ibn ‘Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “(The superstructure of) Islam is based on five (pillars), testifying the fact that La ilaha illallah wa anna Muhammad-ar-Rasul-ullah [there is no true god except Allah, and Muhammad ((ﷺ)) is the Messenger of Allah], establishing As- Salat (the prayers), paying Zakat (compulsory alms), the pilgrimage to the House [of Allah (Ka’bah)], and the Saum (fasting) during the month of Ramadan.”
[Riyad as-Salihin 1271]
Origin of the Second Kalima (Shahadat):
It proclaims the Oneness of Allah and affirms the finality of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Regarding this, Abu Huraira (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
Regarding this, Abu Huraira (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “My similitude in comparison with the other prophets before me, is that of a man who has built a house nicely and beautifully, except for a place of one brick in a corner. The people go about it and wonder at its beauty, but say: ‘Would that this brick be put in its place!’ So I am that brick, and I am the last of the Prophets.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari 3535]
The root of the Third Kalma (Tamjeed) can be attributed to this hadith:
Abu Hurairah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“There are two statements that are light for the tongue to remember, heavy in the Scales and are dear to the Merciful: ‘Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi, Subhan-Allahil-Azim [Glory be to Allah and His is the praise, (and) Allah, the Greatest is free from imperfection].”
[Riyad as-Salihin 1408]
Kalma Tauheed and Kalma Astaghfaar:
Besech Allah for his mercy and is a way for Muslims to ask forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
Ibn ‘Abbas (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) said reported the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying:
“If anyone constantly seeks pardon (from Allah), Allah will appoint for him a way out of every distress and a relief from every anxiety, and will provide sustenance for him from where he expects not.”
[Riyad as-Salihin 1873]
Sixth Kalma (Radd-e-Kufr):
Allows Muslims to show the Almighty they submit only to Him.
An-Nu`man bin Bashir (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) narrated the Prophet (ﷺ) saying:
“The supplication, is worship.” Then he recited: And Your Lord said: “Call upon me, I will respond to you. Verily, those who scorn My worship, they will surely enter Hell humiliated.”
[Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3372]
The Benefits of Reciting the 6 Kalmas
- Strengthens faith in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
- Brings spiritual enlightenment and inner growth.
- Deepens the understanding of monotheism and Allah’s greatness.
- Fills the heart with peace and contentment.
- Cultivates humility, gratitude, and good character.
- Leads to success and fulfillment in life.
The Best Times to Recite the 6 Kalmas
Incorporating the six Kalmas into daily life enhances faith and brings countless blessings. The ideal times to recite them include: