Complete Guide To The 6 Kalimas Of Islam With English Translation
The Six Kalimas are fundamental Islamic declarations that strengthen faith and purify the soul. This comprehensive guide covers all six Kalimas with authentic Arabic text, accurate transliterations, and English translations. From the First Kalima (Tayyibah) affirming Allah’s oneness to the Sixth Kalima (Radd-e-Kufr) rejecting disbelief, each declaration offers unique spiritual benefits including forgiveness, protection, and divine rewards. Learn their meanings, benefits backed by authentic Hadiths, and practical ways to incorporate them into daily life. Perfect for new Muslims, students, and anyone seeking to deepen their Islamic knowledge and spiritual connection with Allah.
In this guide of “6 Kalimas – Transliteration, English Translation Guide” we’ll find each Kalima in detail, providing you with authentic Arabic text, accurate transliterations, meaningful translations, and the spiritual benefits that come from reciting them.
Table of Contents
What Are the 6 Kalimas?
The Six Kalimas (also spelled Kalimahs or Kalimats) are fundamental declarations of faith in Islam. While they’re not found together as a collection in the Quran, each phrase is derived from authentic Hadiths and Islamic teachings. These declarations encompass the core beliefs of Islam:
- Tawheed (The Oneness of Allah)
- Prophethood of Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)
- Glorification of Allah
- Repentance and seeking forgiveness
- Rejection of disbelief and sin
Regular recitation of these Kalimas brings immense spiritual rewards, protection from evil, forgiveness of sins, and a stronger connection with your Creator.
The First Kalima: Tayyibah (The Word of Purity)
Arabic Text
لا إله إلا الله محمد رسول الله
Transliteration
Lā ilāha illallāhu Muḥammadur Rasūlullāh
English Translation
“There is no god but Allah; Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
Understanding the First Kalima
This is the most fundamental declaration in Islam—the Shahada that every Muslim must believe in their heart and affirm with their tongue. It’s beautifully simple yet profoundly complete, consisting of two parts:
- Negation and Affirmation: “There is no god but Allah” first rejects all false deities, then affirms the One True God
- Recognition of Prophethood: Accepting Muhammad (PBUH) as Allah’s final messenger
When to Recite It
- During the five daily prayers
- When teaching children about Islam
- At the moment of converting to Islam
- Throughout the day as a reminder of your faith
Spiritual Benefits
- Reinforces the concept of Tawheed (monotheism)
- Protects against shirk (associating partners with Allah)
- Opens the gates of Paradise for believers
- Purifies the heart from doubt and confusion
According to authentic Hadiths in Sahih Bukhari, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that whoever says this declaration with sincerity will enter Paradise.
The Second Kalima: Shahadah (The Word of Testimony)
Arabic Text
أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له وأشهد أن محمدا عبده ورسوله
Transliteration
Ashhadu an lā ilāha illallāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu wa ashhadu anna Muḥammadan ʿabduhu wa rasūluhu
English Translation
“I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, He is alone and has no partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.”
Understanding the Second Kalima
This expanded testimony emphasizes two crucial aspects:
- Allah’s Absolute Uniqueness: “He is alone and has no partner” leaves no room for ambiguity
- Muhammad’s Dual Role: First as a servant (
'abd), then as a messenger—reminding us that even the Prophet was a humble servant of Allah
When to Recite It
- After performing wudu (ablution)
- During the Adhan (call to prayer)
- When renewing your faith
- In times of doubt or spiritual weakness
Spiritual Benefits
- Leads to forgiveness of sins when recited sincerely
- Strengthens one’s testimony of faith
- Protects against hypocrisy
- Qualifies the believer for Allah’s mercy and Paradise
Hadiths in Sahih Muslim mention that this testimony, when spoken with true conviction, erases previous sins and grants entry to Jannah (Paradise).
The Third Kalima: Tamjeed (The Word of Glorification)
Arabic Text
سبحان الله والحمد لله ولا إله إلا الله والله أكبر ولا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله العلي العظيم
Transliteration
Subḥānallāhi walḥamdulillāhi wa lā ilāha illallāhu wallāhu akbar wa lā ḥawla wa lā quwwata illā billāhil ʿaliyyil ʿaẓīm
English Translation
“Glory be to Allah, and praise be to Allah, and there is no god but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest. And there is no power nor strength except with Allah, the Most High, the Most Great.”
Understanding the Third Kalima
This beautiful Kalima combines five powerful declarations:
- SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah) – Declaring Allah’s perfection
- Alhamdulillah (All praise be to Allah) – Expressing gratitude
- La ilaha illallah (There is no god but Allah) – Affirming Tawheed
- Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest) – Acknowledging Allah’s supremacy
- La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah (There is no power except with Allah) – Recognizing our complete dependence on Him
When to Recite It
- After completing the five daily prayers
- During Tasbih (dhikr sessions)
- When facing difficulties or challenges
- Throughout the day as a form of remembrance
Spiritual Benefits
- Elevates your spiritual state
- Removes sins like leaves falling from a tree (as mentioned in Tirmidhi)
- Provides protection from hardships and calamities
- Plants trees in Paradise for the reciter
- Brings contentment and peace to the heart
The Prophet (PBUH) said that these words are beloved to Allah and light upon the tongue, yet heavy on the scales of good deeds.
The Fourth Kalima: Tawheed (The Word of Unity)
Arabic Text
لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له له الملك وله الحمد يحيي ويميت وهو حي لا يموت أبدا أبدا ذو الجلال والإكرام بيده الخير وهو على كل شيء قدير
Transliteration
Lā ilāha illallāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu lahul-mulku wa lahul-ḥamdu yuḥyī wa yumītu wa huwa ḥayyun lā yamūtu abadan abadā dhul-jalāli wal-ikrām biyadihil-khayr wa huwa ʿalā kulli shayʾin qadīr
English Translation
“There is no god but Allah, He is alone, no partner unto Him. His is the sovereignty and all praise. He gives life and causes death, and He is the Ever-Living who never dies, forever and ever. Possessor of majesty and honor. In His hand is all good, and He has power over all things.”
Understanding the Fourth Kalima
This comprehensive declaration covers Allah’s divine attributes:
- Sovereignty: All dominion belongs to Him alone
- Life and Death: Complete control over existence
- Eternal Life: Unlike His creation, Allah never dies
- Majesty and Honor: Worthy of all reverence
- Supreme Power: Ability to do all things
- Source of Goodness: All that is good comes from Him
When to Recite It
- In the morning and evening (100 times is recommended)
- During meditation on Allah’s attributes
- When seeking protection from poverty
- Before important decisions
Spiritual Benefits
- Protects from poverty and hellfire (according to Hadiths in Ibn Majah)
- Increases reliance and trust in Allah (Tawakkul)
- Brings inner peace and contentment
- Earns immense rewards—equivalent to freeing ten slaves for every ten recitations
- Strengthens understanding of Allah’s divine nature
This Kalima is particularly powerful for developing a deep, personal understanding of who Allah is and His relationship with His creation.
The Fifth Kalima: Istighfar (The Word of Penitence)
Arabic Text
أستغفر الله ربي من كل ذنب أذنبته عمدا أو خطأ سرا أو علانية وأتوب إليه من الذنب الذي أعلم ومن الذنب الذي لا أعلم إنك أنت علام الغيوب وستار العيوب وغفار الذنوب ولا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله العلي العظيم
Transliteration
Astaghfirullāha rabbī min kulli dhanbin adhnabtuhu ʿamdan aw khaṭaʾan sirran aw ʿalāniyatan wa atūbu ilayhi min adh-dhanb alladhī aʿlamu wa min adh-dhanb alladhī lā aʿlamu innaka anta ʿallāmul-ghuyūb wa sattārul-ʿuyūb wa ghaffārudh-dhunūb wa lā ḥawla wa lā quwwata illā billāhil ʿaliyyil ʿaẓīm
English Translation
“I seek forgiveness from Allah, my Lord, for every sin I committed knowingly or unknowingly, secretly or openly, and I repent to Him for the sins I know and those I do not know. Indeed, You are the Knower of the unseen, the Concealer of faults, and the Forgiver of sins. And there is no power nor strength except with Allah, the Most High, the Most Great.”
Understanding the Fifth Kalima
This is the most comprehensive supplication for repentance in the Six Kalimas. It covers:
- All types of sins: Intentional and unintentional
- All circumstances: Done secretly or openly
- Known and unknown sins: Even those we’re unaware of
- Recognition of Allah’s attributes: The All-Knowing, the Concealer, the Forgiver
The beauty of this Kalima is its completeness—it leaves no sin unaddressed and demonstrates complete humility before Allah.
When to Recite It
- Before going to sleep
- After each prayer
- During times of guilt or regret
- When seeking to purify your heart
- After committing any sin
Spiritual Benefits
- Cleanses the soul from sins
- Averts calamities and disasters
- Increases sustenance (rizq) and blessings
- Opens doors of mercy and forgiveness
- Provides relief from anxiety and stress
- Protects from the punishment of the grave
According to Hadiths in Abu Dawud, regular istighfar (seeking forgiveness) brings relief from difficulties and provisions from unexpected sources.
The Sixth Kalima: Radd-e-Kufr (The Word of Rejecting Disbelief)
Arabic Text
اللهم إني أعوذ بك من أن أشرك بك شيئا وأنا أعلم به وأستغفرك لما لا أعلم به تبت عنه وتبرأت من الكفر والشرك والكذب والغيبة والنميمة والفواحش والبطان والمعاصي كلها وأسلمت وأقول لا إله إلا الله محمد رسول الله
Transliteration
Allāhumma innī aʿūdhu bika min an ushrika bika shayʾan wa anā aʿlamu bihi wa astaghfiruka limā lā aʿlamu bihi tubtu ʿanhu wa tabarraʾtu minal-kufr wash-shirk wal-kidhb wal-ghībah wan-namīmah wal-fawāḥish wal-buḥtān wal-maʿāṣī kullihā wa aslamtu wa aqūlu lā ilāha illallāhu Muḥammadur Rasūlullāh
English Translation
“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from associating anything with You knowingly, and I seek Your forgiveness for what I do unknowingly. I repent from it and disassociate myself from disbelief, polytheism, lying, backbiting, tale-bearing, obscenities, slander, and all sins. I submit myself (to Islam) and say: There is no god but Allah; Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
Understanding the Sixth Kalima
This powerful declaration serves as a protective shield for the believer. It actively:
- Seeks refuge from shirk: The greatest sin in Islam
- Rejects all major sins: Listing them by name
- Reaffirms submission to Islam: Ending with the Shahada
The sins specifically mentioned are:
- Kufr (disbelief)
- Shirk (polytheism)
- Kidhb (lying)
- Gheebah (backbiting)
- Nameemah (tale-bearing/gossip)
- Fawaahish (obscenities/indecencies)
- Buhtaan (slander/false accusations)
When to Recite It
- In the morning for daily protection
- When feeling spiritually vulnerable
- After being in doubtful company
- To renew your commitment to Islam
- During times of temptation
Spiritual Benefits
- Safeguards your faith from corruption
- Expels Satan and his whispers
- Purifies your intentions and actions
- Earns Allah’s pleasure and protection
- Qualifies you for entry into Paradise
- Creates a spiritual barrier against evil
According to Hadiths in Tirmidhi, this supplication is a powerful means of protection and renewal of faith.
How to Incorporate the Six Kalimas into Your Daily Life
Create a Daily Routine
Morning Routine (5-10 minutes)
- Recite the First Kalima (10 times)
- Recite the Sixth Kalima (3 times) for protection
- Recite the Third Kalima (33 times) for glorification
After Each Prayer
- Recite the Third Kalima (33 times)
- Recite the Fifth Kalima (1 time) for forgiveness
Evening Routine (5-10 minutes)
- Recite the Fourth Kalima (100 times)
- Recite the Fifth Kalima (3 times)
- Recite the Second Kalima (1 time) before sleep
Tips for Memorization
- Start Small: Learn one Kalima at a time, beginning with the shortest
- Use Audio: Listen to proper recitations to learn correct pronunciation
- Write Them Down: Writing helps with memorization and understanding
- Teach Others: Teaching family or friends reinforces your own learning
- Use Dhikr Beads: Keep count of your recitations (especially for the longer ones)
- Set Reminders: Use phone alarms to maintain consistency
Understanding Before Memorizing
Don’t just memorize the words—understand their meanings. Reflect on each phrase and let it touch your heart. When you understand what you’re saying, the recitation becomes more meaningful and spiritually fulfilling.
Common Questions About the Six Kalimas
Q: Are the Six Kalimas mentioned in the Quran? A: While the collection as “Six Kalimas” is not found in the Quran, each phrase is derived from authentic Hadiths and Quranic verses. They represent core Islamic beliefs taught by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Q: Do I have to recite all six every day? A: While it’s highly recommended and beneficial, there’s no strict obligation. However, consistency brings greater spiritual rewards. Start with what you can manage and gradually increase.
Q: Can I recite them in English? A: While learning and understanding in English is excellent, try to memorize and recite in Arabic as well. The Arabic carries special blessings (barakah), and it’s the language of revelation.
Q: What if I make a mistake while reciting? A: Allah looks at your intention and effort, not perfection. Keep practicing, and with time, your recitation will improve. Don’t let fear of mistakes stop you from reciting.
Q: Can children learn these Kalimas? A: Absolutely! Teaching children the Six Kalimas is one of the best gifts you can give them. Start with the First Kalima and gradually introduce the others as they grow.
Power of the Six Kalimas
The Six Kalimas are more than just words—they’re a spiritual practice that transforms your relationship with Allah. When recited with sincerity and understanding, they:
- Purify Your Heart: Cleansing it from arrogance, doubt, and negativity
- Strengthen Your Faith: Building an unshakeable foundation of belief
- Protect Your Soul: Creating a shield against evil and temptation
- Bring Inner Peace: Replacing anxiety with trust in Allah
- Increase Your Good Deeds: Earning rewards that continue even after death
Think of these declarations as spiritual nutrients—just as your body needs food daily, your soul needs these affirmations to remain healthy and strong.
Journey of Faith
Learning and reciting the Six Kalimas is a beautiful journey of faith. Each Kalima offers unique spiritual benefits, and together they cover every aspect of a Muslim’s relationship with Allah—from declaring faith to seeking forgiveness, from glorifying Him to rejecting evil.
Start today. Choose one Kalima, learn it, understand it, and make it part of your daily routine. As you grow more comfortable, add another. Before you know it, these sacred words will become second nature, flowing from your tongue as naturally as breathing.
Remember, Allah loves consistency, even if it’s small. Better to recite one Kalima daily with full understanding than to rush through all six without comprehension.
May Allah accept your efforts, grant you sincerity in your worship, and make these declarations a means of your salvation in this life and the Hereafter.
Ameen.
Have you started incorporating the Six Kalimas into your daily routine? What benefits have you experienced? Share your journey in the comments below and inspire others to strengthen their faith!