Kalma’s Role In Islam

The recent Pahalgam attack, victims were asked to recite the Kalma to prove their Muslim identity. This incident echoes similar past events, such as the 2014 bus attack in Kenya, where the Kalma was used to distinguish between Muslims and non-Muslims. The Kalma, or Shahada, is a fundamental declaration of faith in Islam, representing the core beliefs of the religion.

What Is The Kalma?

The Kalma is a declaration of faith affirming the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad. It is essential for all Muslims to know the Kalma as it encapsulates the essence of Islamic belief. Reciting the Kalma serves as a reminder of commitment to worship Allah and follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. There are six Kalmas in total, each with unique significance.

The First Kalma – Kalma Tayyib

The First Kalma, known as Kalma Tayyib, declares the oneness of Allah and the finality of Muhammad’s prophethood. It is the foundation of a Muslim’s faith. The recitation goes – “La ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahu wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhoo wa rasooluhu.” This translates to, “There is no god but Allah, He is One, without any partner, and Muhammad is His messenger.”

The Other Five Kalmas

• Second Kalma – Kalma Shahada This reaffirms the belief in Allah’s oneness and Muhammad’s prophethood. It is often recited during moments of reflection or when accepting Islam.
• Third Kalma – Kalma Tamjeed This praises Allah for His perfection and greatness. It expresses gratitude for Allah’s mercy.
• Fourth Kalma – Kalma Tawheed This reinforces the belief in Allah’s oneness, emphasising the central tenet of Islamic monotheism.
• Fifth Kalma – Kalma Astaghfar This is a request for forgiveness for sins committed, reflecting humility and the need for divine mercy.
• Sixth Kalma – Kalma Radde Kufr This renounces all forms of polytheism and strengthens faith by reaffirming allegiance to Allah.

Importance Of The Kalmas In Islam

The Kalmas are vital as they encapsulate the core beliefs of Islam. They affirm the oneness of Allah, the prophethood of Muhammad, and the rejection of disbelief. Regular recitation reinforces a Muslim’s connection to Allah and their commitment to Islamic principles. The Kalmas also serve as prayers for forgiveness, gratitude, and protection against polytheism.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Point out the significance of the Kalma in the context of religious identity in Islam.
2. Critically analyse the role of religious texts in shaping communal identities in contemporary society.
3. What are the implications of using religious declarations for identity verification in conflict situations? Discuss with examples.
4. Estimate the historical evolution of the concept of monotheism in major world religions.

Answer Hints:

1. Point out the significance of the Kalma in the context of religious identity in Islam.

1. The Kalma is a declaration of faith central to a Muslim’s identity, affirming belief in Allah’s oneness and Muhammad’s prophethood.
2. Reciting the Kalma serves as a public affirmation of faith, reinforcing a sense of belonging within the Muslim community.
3. It acts as a litmus test for identifying Muslims in various contexts, as seen in recent attacks where recitation determined survival.
4. The Kalma is integral to Islamic rituals and practices, enhancing spiritual connection and community ties.
5. Its importance is emphasized in Islamic teachings, making it essential for both personal faith and collective identity among Muslims.

2. Critically analyse the role of religious texts in shaping communal identities in contemporary society.

1. Religious texts provide foundational beliefs and values that shape the identity of communities, influencing social norms and behaviors.
2. They serve as a source of moral guidance, encouraging unity and a shared sense of purpose among followers.
3. Interpretations of religious texts can lead to diverse communal identities, sometimes resulting in sectarian divisions or conflicts.
4. In contemporary society, religious texts are often referenced in political discourse, impacting policies and community relations.
5. Digital platforms have allowed for wider dissemination of interpretations, further shaping communal identities and encouraging dialogue or discord.

3. What are the implications of using religious declarations for identity verification in conflict situations? Discuss with examples.

1. Using religious declarations for identity verification can lead to life-and-death situations, as seen in the Pahalgam attack where recitation determined survival.
2. This practice can exacerbate communal tensions, as it may promote exclusion and discrimination against perceived non-believers.
3. Historical examples, like the Al-Shabaab bus attack in Kenya, show how religious tests can lead to targeted violence against minority groups.
4. Such implications raise ethical concerns regarding the use of faith as a criterion for identity, risking further polarization in society.
5. In conflict zones, these practices can hinder reconciliation efforts and perpetuate cycles of violence and mistrust among communities.

4. Estimate the historical evolution of the concept of monotheism in major world religions.

1. Monotheism has roots in ancient religions, with early forms evident in the worship of a single god in cultures like ancient Egypt and Hebrew traditions.
2. Judaism established a formalized belief in one God, influencing Christianity and Islam, which further developed monotheistic doctrines.
3. Christianity introduced the concept of the Trinity, presenting a unique interpretation of monotheism that coexists with the belief in one God.
4. Islam, through the Kalma, emphasizes strict monotheism (Tawheed), rejecting any division of God’s nature and reinforcing the oneness of Allah.
5. Throughout history, monotheism has faced challenges from polytheistic beliefs and has evolved through philosophical debates, leading to diverse interpretations across cultures.