WHAT ARE TO BE PREPARED BEFORE SHAHADA

There are certain things that one must do when one is ready to make the shahada:
1. Niyat is the desire in the heart and in the mind of one who is going to undertake the oath to worship Allah subhana wata allah alone;
2. Abadas, or washing of the exposed surfaces of the body. Otherwise, wudu or washing of the whole body may also be done;
3. Change clothes with clean and purified sets;
4. Clean and purified place for the rite;
5. Imam or a learned person to lead the rite; and
6. Some community people to act as human witnesses when the opportunity allows.

IS SHAHADA IMPORTANT TO ALLAH?

Yes, shahada is very important to Allah. This is indicated by the many occassions in the Qur'an where Allah subhana wata Allah mentioned belief in Allah alone. In every chapter of the Qur'an belief in Allah is discussed. One clear example was the prayer of Abraham, peace be upon him. Another would be the answer of Jesus, the son of Mary, peace be upon them. Jesus was asked regarding the accusation that he taught people to worship him. Jesus said, 'you alone are my Allah, you have created me and you know me inside-out, they are your creation and you do with them whatever you will'. This is in consonance with the 1st Law that Allah gave to Moses to teach people which says"I the Lord am your God, You shall have no other gods besides me".

SHAHADA

The first pillar of Islam is shahada. Anyone who desires to worship Allah alone undertakes the pledge with a Muslim or Muslims who are knowlegeable. This is done usually after the asr prayer. The person who will pledge will follow the knowledgeable Muslim in saying "Wa ashhadu an la ilaha ilalla, wa ashadu an na Muhammadur rasullulah" 3x. "There is no other God besides Allah and Muhammad is a prophet of Allah".

This is a confirmation that the person who undertook the pledge worships Allah alone.