When is the Shahada pronounced?
In addition to conversion to Islam, the Shahada is also pronounced in other situations. Muslims say this, for example, in the daily prayer calls.
1. First call to prayer (Adhaan)
During the daily prayer call to prayer (adhan) of the Muslims, the Shahadatayn is pronounced twice, five times a day. The Muslims make the call to prayer only in a mosque and prayer meeting. Thus, the adhan is intended as the first prayer call for Muslims to be informed that prayer time has begun.
Description of the Adhan
Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar.
Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar.
Ash-hadu allaa ilaha illa Allah.
Ash-hadu allaa ilaha illa Allah.
Ash-hadu annaa Muhammadan rasulullah.
Ash-hadu annaa Muhammadan rasulullah.
Hayya 'ala Salat. Hayya 'ala Salat
Hayya 'ala Falah. Hayya 'ala Falah
Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar.
La ilaha illa Allah.
2. Second call to prayer (Iqama)
Then, when the prayer begins and the Muslims stand in rows behind the Imam to pray, the Iqama is done first. This one resembles the Adhaan, but the sentences are not repeated twice except for two. Muslims often make the second call to prayer at home when they want to start praying. This is also done in the mosque and prayer meeting.
Description of the Iqama
Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar.
Ash-hadu allaa ilaha illa Allah.
Ash-hadu annaa Muhammadan rasulullah.
Hayya 'ala Salat.
Hayya 'ala Falah.
Qad qamati Salat, qad qamati Salat.
Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar.
La ilaha illa Allah.
3. After ritual washing (Wudhu)
Every Muslim must be clean by performing a ritual washing (wudhu) before performing the prayer. This wash has both a small and a large variant. After the Muslim has finished ablution, he says the Shahadatayn to follow the Prophet (ﷺ) in his orders and actions.
Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
"
Anyone who recites the following after wudu, will have all eight doors of Jannah opened for him to enter from whichever of them he wishes:
Ash-hadu al la ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘Abduhu wa Rasuluh
"
Sahih Muslim 552
4. When praying
When the Muslims pray and come to a sitting position with their right index finger outstretched, they recite the Tashahhud. This is recited after a certain set and in the sitting position at the end of the prayer.
Recitation of the Tashahhud:
التحيات لله، والصلوات والطيبات، السلام عليك أيها النبي، ورحمة الله وبركاته، السلام علينا وعلى عباد الله الصالحين، أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله، وأشهد أن محمدا عبده ورسوله
‘At-tahiyatu lillahi, wa’s-salawatu wat tayyibat. As-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan nabiyyu wa rahmatu’llahi wa barakatuhu. As-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibadil lahis-salihin. Ash-hadu alla ilaha illa Allah wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh.
Sunan Tirmidhi 289 (Authentic)
The hadith collector (Imam Tirmidhi) indicates that this is the most authentic report on the subject of the Tashahhud. Also, this recitation is used by most of the Companions of the Prophet (ﷺ), and is followed by the students of the Companions.
5. On deathbed
It is recommended to pronounce the declaration of faith before dying. Thus the words are heavy on the scales of hasanat (good deeds) and thus a Muslim ends his life with the hope of being forgiven of bad deeds. However, the person must have lived according to the testimony by having practiced Tawheed and avoided Shirk.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
"Exhort to recite There is no god but Allah to those of you who are dying."
Sahih Muslim 916a
And verily, We have sent to every nation a Messenger (proclaiming): “Worship Allah and reject the Taghut (false gods).
