Shia Kalima: The Complete Declaration of Faith
لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ مُحَمَّدٌ رَّسُولُ ٱللَّٰهِ، عَلِيٌّ وَلِيُّ ٱللَّٰهِ

The Shia Kalima represents the complete declaration of faith that encompasses not only the fundamental Islamic testimony of Tawheed (Divine Unity) and Risalah (Prophethood), but also the essential doctrine of Walayah (Guardianship) of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) and the Ahlul Bayt. This tripartite formula forms the cornerstone of Shia Islamic identity, distinguishing it while maintaining the universal foundation of Islam. This comprehensive guide explores the linguistic, theological, and spiritual dimensions of the Shia Kalima.

Understanding the Three Pillars of Shia Kalima

Deep Dive into Each Component

1. Lā ilāha illā Allāh - The Foundation of Tawheed

This first part of the Kalima is universal among all Muslims and represents the absolute foundation of Islamic monotheism. It declares that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, without partners, equals, or rivals.

Theological Implications

This testimony establishes:

• Absolute Monotheism: Rejecting any form of polytheism (shirk) in worship
• Divine Uniqueness: Allah's attributes are unique to Him alone
• Complete Dependence: All reliance, hope, and fear should be directed only to Allah
• Universal Sovereignty: Allah alone is the Creator, Sustainer, and Disposer of all affairs

"Whoever says Lā ilāha illā Allāh sincerely from his heart, enters Paradise."

- Prophet Muhammad (SAWA)

2. Muḥammadun Rasūl Allāh - The Testimony of Prophethood

The second testimony affirms that Muhammad ibn Abdullah (SAWA) is the final and greatest messenger sent by Allah to humanity, delivering the complete and final revelation.

Dimensions of Risalah

• Nubuwwah: His role as a prophet receiving revelation
• Risalah: His mission as a messenger delivering Allah's message
• Imamah: His position as the divinely appointed leader of the Ummah
• Finality: The completion and perfection of prophethood through him

مُّحَمَّدٌ رَّسُولُ اللَّهِ ۚ وَالَّذِينَ مَعَهُ أَشِدَّاءُ عَلَى الْكُفَّارِ رُحَمَاءُ بَيْنَهُمْ
"Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; and those with him are forceful against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves." - Quran 48:29

3. 'Aliyyun Walīyyullāh - The Testimony of Walayah

This third testimony is what distinguishes the Shia Kalima and represents the core of Shia theology. It declares that Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) is the Wali (Guardian/Saint) of Allah, the Successor of the Prophet, and his divinely appointed Caliph without separation.

Quranic Basis for Walayah

Shia scholars cite numerous verses of the Quran that establish the concept of Walayah, particularly concerning Imam Ali (AS) and the Ahlul Bayt:

Hadith Evidence for the Third Testimony

While the first two parts of the Kalima are recited in the Adhan (call to prayer) by all Muslims, Shia Muslims add the third testimony to the Adhan and Iqamah as a declaration of their belief in Walayah, based on numerous hadiths:

أَلَسْتُ أَوْلَى بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ مِنْ أَنْفُسِهِمْ؟ قَالُوا: بَلَى. قَالَ: فَمَنْ كُنْتُ مَوْلَاهُ فَهَذَا عَلِيٌّ مَوْلَاهُ
"Am I not closer (awla) to the believers than their own selves?" They said: "Yes." He said: "Then whomever I am his mawla, Ali is his mawla." - Hadith of Ghadir Khumm

Hadith of Ghadir Khumm

The most significant evidence comes from the event of Ghadir Khumm (18 Dhu al-Hijjah 10 AH), where the Prophet explicitly appointed Imam Ali as his successor. Over 100,000 companions witnessed this event, including the future caliphs Abu Bakr and Umar.

Hadith al-Thaqalayn

In his final sermon at Arafah, the Prophet declared: "I leave among you two things of great weight: the Book of Allah and my progeny, the Ahlul Bayt. These two will never separate until they return to me at the Fountain (of Kawthar)." This hadith establishes that following the Ahlul Bayt (with Imam Ali as their head) is as obligatory as following the Quran.

Theological Significance of Walayah

Completing the Religion

Shia theologians argue that Walayah is the third fundamental principle of Islam, alongside Tawheed and Risalah. The Quran states: "Today I have perfected for you your religion, completed My favor upon you, and approved for you Islam as your religion" (5:3). According to Shia interpretation, this verse was revealed after the Prophet's declaration at Ghadir, indicating that the appointment of Imam Ali as Wali completed the religion.

The Order of Testimonies

The order of the Kalima is significant:

1. Tawheed first: Establishes the foundation - none deserves worship but Allah
2. Risalah second: Identifies the path to Allah - following the Prophet
3. Walayah third: Identifies the guardian of that path - Imam Ali and the Ahlul Bayt

"Our Shia are those who follow Ali ibn Abi Talib. Their testimony is: Lā ilāha illā Allāh, Muḥammadun Rasūl Allāh, and they believe in the Imamah of Ali and his sons."

- Imam al-Baqir (AS)

Unity in Trinity

The three testimonies are interconnected and inseparable. Belief in Tawheed necessitates accepting Allah's chosen representatives. The Prophet's Risalah is incomplete without designated successors to preserve and interpret his message. Imam Ali's Walayah is the continuation of the Prophet's guidance.

Shia Kalima in Practice

In Adhan and Iqamah

Shia Muslims include the third testimony in the Adhan (call to prayer) and Iqamah (second call to prayer) after Hayya 'ala khayril 'amal (Come to the best of deeds). It is recited as:

أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ عَلِيًّا وَلِيُّ ٱللَّٰهِ
"I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, alone, without partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger; and I bear witness that Ali is the Wali of Allah."

In Daily Life

Shia Muslims recite the complete Kalima in various aspects of daily life:

• Conversion to Islam: New Shia Muslims declare all three testimonies when embracing Islam
• Teaching Children: Parents teach the complete Kalima to their children from early age
• Moments of Prayer: Recited during times of distress and need
• Religious Gatherings: Professed in majalis (religious gatherings) and ceremonies
• Written Form: Displayed in homes, mosques, and religious institutions

Spiritual Benefits

According to Shia traditions, reciting the complete Kalima with conviction brings numerous spiritual benefits:

Common Misconceptions and Clarifications

Misconception 1: Shia believe Ali is divine

Clarification: Shia Muslims absolutely do not believe that Imam Ali is God or a partner to Allah. This is a grave slander. The Kalima clearly states "Lā ilāha illā Allāh" - there is NO god but Allah. Imam Ali is Wali (Guardian) of Allah, meaning he is Allah's appointed representative, not His equal. The term "Wali" indicates closeness to Allah, not divinity.

"Ali is a servant of Allah and the brother of His Messenger. Whoever claims anything beyond this has lied."

- Imam al-Rida (AS)

Misconception 2: The third testimony was added later

Clarification: The concept of Walayah is rooted in the Quran and was explicitly taught by the Prophet. The inclusion in the Adhan became common practice among Shia as a declaration of faith, not as an innovation (bid'ah). The testimony itself is from revelation, though its placement in the Adhan is a matter of jurisprudence.

Misconception 3: This creates division among Muslims

Clarification: The Kalima itself unites Muslims on the fundamental principles of Tawheed and Risalah. The third testimony is a clarification of leadership succession, not a challenge to Islamic unity. Historical political decisions, not theological testimony, created division. Shia Muslims recite the same Quran, face the same Qibla, and perform the same five daily prayers as other Muslims.

The Extended Form of the Kalima

The complete Shia Kalima often includes additional phrases that elaborate on Imam Ali's position:

عَلِيٌّ وَلِيُّ ٱللَّٰهِ وَ وَصِيُّ رَسُولِ ٱللَّٰهِ وَ خَلِيفَتُهُ بِلاَ فَصْلٍ

Meaning: "Ali is the Wali of Allah, and the Successor of the Messenger of Allah, and his Caliph without separation."

Explanation of Each Title

• Wali of Allah: He possesses divine friendship and authority
• Waṣī of the Messenger: He is the explicitly designated executor of the Prophet's will
• Khalifah without separation: His succession is immediate and direct, without any gap or intermission

The Kalima in Shia Theology

Pillar of Faith

In Shia theology, belief in Walayah is considered one of the five pillars of Usul al-Din (Principles of Religion):

1. Tawheed (Divine Unity)
2. Adalah (Divine Justice)
3. Nubuwwah (Prophethood)
4. Imamah (Divine Leadership) - which encompasses Walayah
5. Ma'ad (Resurrection)

Completeness of Faith

Imam al-Sadiq (AS) explained: "Faith (Iman) has four pillars: Tawheed, Nubuwwah, Ma'ad, and Walayah. Whoever lacks one pillar lacks complete faith." This makes Walayah an essential component, not an optional addition.

Practical Guidance for Shia Muslims

Teaching Children the Complete Kalima

Parents are encouraged to teach children the Kalima from an early age, explaining each part's meaning as they mature:

• Ages 3-5: Memorization without deep explanation
• Ages 6-10: Simple explanations of Tawheed, Risalah, and love for Imam Ali
• Ages 11+: Detailed theological understanding and spiritual significance

Recitation with Presence of Heart

Imam Ali (AS) said: "The best dhikr (remembrance) is that which is accompanied by reflection and understanding." When reciting the Kalima, one should:

• Contemplate the meaning of each testimony
• Foster sincere love for Allah, the Prophet, and his Ahlul Bayt
• Commit to following their guidance in daily life
• Renew intentions and repent for shortcomings

Conclusion: The Complete Declaration

The Shia Kalima is not merely a verbal formula but a comprehensive declaration that shapes one's entire worldview and relationship with the divine. It affirms:

1. Absolute devotion to Allah alone - The principle of Tawheed
2. Commitment to following the Prophet - The principle of Risalah
3. Recognition of divinely appointed authority - The principle of Walayah

By including Imam Ali in this sacred testimony, Shia Islam emphasizes that true love and obedience to Allah and His Messenger necessarily includes love and obedience to those whom Allah has chosen as their successors. This completes the circle of divine guidance, ensuring that believers have a continuous, infallible source of guidance until the Day of Judgment.

May Allah grant us the wisdom to understand the true meaning of this Kalima, the sincerity to believe it from the depths of our hearts, and the strength to live by its principles in our daily lives. May we be counted among those who truly love and follow the Ahlul Bayt, and may we be resurrected under their flag on the Day of Judgment.