The Kalima are declarations of faith and core tenets of Islam. The fourth of these, known as the Kalima Tauheed, is all about declaring that Allah (God) is one.
But it’s not enough to simply recite the words. Understanding the meaning of the 4th Kalima, in English or whatever language you speak, is crucial. It’s a powerful, transformative statement that should inform every aspect of a Muslim’s life.
In this article, we’ll delve into the meaning, significance, and benefits of reciting the Fourth Kalima.
Understanding the Meaning of Tauheed
The Fourth Kalima is all about the concept of Tauheed, the Islamic principle of the absolute oneness of God. Here’s a closer look at the words and their meaning:
The Literal Translation
Here’s the Fourth Kalima in Arabic, along with its transliteration and English translation:
- Arabic: لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ لَهُ ٱلْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ ٱلْحَمْدُ يُحْىِ وَيُمِيتُ وَهُوَ حَىٌّ لَّا يَمُوتُ أَبَدًا أَبَدًا ذُو ٱلْجَلَالِ وَٱلْإِكْرَامِ بِيَدِهِ ٱلْخَيْرُ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
- Transliteration: Lā ʾilāha ʾillā-llāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu lahu-l-mulku wa lahu-l-ḥamdu yuhyi wa yumītu wa huwa ḥayyun lā yamūtu abadan abada dhū-l-jalāli wa-l-ʾikrām bi yadihi-l-khayru wa huwa ʿalā kulli shayin qadīr
- English Translation: There is none worthy of worship except Allah, alone without partner. To Him belongs the dominion, and to Him belongs all praise. He gives life and causes death, and He is living and will never die. Possessor of majesty and honor. In His hand is [all] good, and He is over all things competent.
Deeper Explanation of Tauheed
Tauheed is the foundation of Islamic monotheism, the unwavering belief that Allah is absolutely one. This oneness can be understood through three key aspects:
- Oneness in Lordship (Tauheed ar-Rububiyyah): This means believing that Allah alone created, sustains, and controls everything in the universe.
- Oneness in Worship (Tauheed al-Uluhiyyah): This signifies that only Allah deserves our worship, and no other being or entity should be associated with Him in worship.
- Oneness in Names and Attributes (Tauheed al-Asma’ wa Sifat): This emphasizes that Allah’s names and attributes are unique and perfect, and no created being can share or resemble them.
Understanding these three aspects of Tauheed is crucial to grasping the essence of the Fourth Kalima and its significance in Islam.
Why is Tauheed so important in Islam?
Tauheed is the most important idea in Islam. In fact, it’s what makes Muslims different from people of other faiths. It’s the idea that Allah is the only God, and that there is no one and nothing else worthy of worship.
That’s why shirk, or the act of associating partners with Allah, is considered such a serious sin. The Kalima is all about worshipping Allah alone and rejecting all other gods.
Believing in Tauheed changes everything about how a Muslim sees the world and acts in it. It means focusing all worship on Allah and turning away from anything false. Understanding the Kalima helps Muslims feel closer to Allah, which, in turn, encourages humility, obedience, and trust in Him.
Benefits of Reciting the Fourth Kalima
Reciting the Fourth Kalima, like reciting any prayer, offers a number of benefits to the reciter. These benefits can be grouped into categories like spiritual growth and protection.
Spiritual and Personal Growth
Reciting the Fourth Kalima can help you:
- Strengthen your relationship with Allah. Regular recitation can foster a deeper connection and promote qualities like modesty, kindness, and faith, especially when times are tough.
- Purify your soul and cleanse your heart. Many believe the Kalima has the power to cleanse the soul and bring inner peace. It’s seen as a way to purify your spirit and deepen your trust in Allah.
- Resist temptation and instill gratitude. The Fourth Kalima can help you resist negative influences and cultivate a sense of gratitude. It can also instill a stronger sense of integrity, honesty, and responsibility.
Rewards and Protection
Reciting the Kalima is also associated with various rewards and protections:
- Forgiveness of sins. Recitation is believed to earn you forgiveness for past wrongdoings.
- Entry into Jannah (Paradise). Believing in the meaning of the Kalima is considered essential for salvation and entry into Paradise.
- Protection from evil. Some traditions suggest that reciting the Kalima 100 times daily offers protection from evil and brings various other blessings. Another tradition holds that reciting it just 10 times brings a reward equivalent to freeing enslaved people.
Incorporating Tauheed into Daily Life
The Fourth Kalima isn’t just words; it’s a way of life. It’s a declaration that should transform how Muslims think, act, and live.
So, how do you live according to the principles of Tauheed?
- Dedicate all worship to Allah: Every prayer, every act of charity, every good deed should be purely for Allah’s sake, seeking His pleasure alone.
- Seek guidance only from Allah: In all matters, big or small, turn to Allah for help and direction. Trust in His plan and His wisdom.
- Remember Allah constantly: Let your thoughts, words, and actions be a reflection of your awareness of Allah’s presence. Strive to please Him in everything you do.
Continuous learning and reflection are key to strengthening your understanding of Tauheed. Delve deeper into the meaning of the Kalima, reflect on Allah’s attributes, and let it guide your every step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kalimah of Tawheed?
The Kalimah of Tawheed is the first and most important of the six Kalimas. It’s the declaration of faith, emphasizing the oneness of Allah. It’s essentially the core belief that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His messenger. Saying it sincerely is the foundation of Islam.
What is the meaning of “biyadihil khair”?
“Biyadihil khair” is an Arabic phrase that translates to “in His hands is all good” or “all good is in His hand.” It highlights the Islamic belief that Allah is the source of all goodness and blessings in the world, and that everything ultimately comes from Him. This phrase emphasizes His power and benevolence.
What is the 4th Kalma in English?
The 4th Kalima, also known as Kalima Tauheed, translated into English is: “There is none worthy of worship except Allah, alone. He has no partner. To Him belongs the kingdom, and for Him is all praise. He gives life and causes death. And He is living and will not die, ever. Possessor of Majesty and Honour. In His hand is [all] goodness, and He is over all things competent.” It’s a powerful statement affirming Allah’s absolute power, sovereignty, and eternal nature.
Wrapping Up
The most important message of the Fourth Kalima is the absolute oneness of Allah. This declaration, known as Tauheed, is a fundamental pillar of Islam.
Understanding and living by Tauheed strengthens your faith, purifies your soul, and guides you toward righteous living. It reminds you that everything comes from Allah and that you should dedicate your life to Him alone.
To deepen your understanding and practice of Tauheed, you can regularly recite the Fourth Kalima. You can also implement the principles of Tauheed in your daily life, remembering that all good comes from Allah. Finally, you can continue learning about Tauheed and its significance in Islam through study and reflection.