All the Infallibles (a.s.) recited Kalima-e-Tayyeba when they appeared in this world, in which they testified Tauheed of Allah, Risalat of Mohammad (s.a.w.a.w.) and Walayat of Ali (a.s.). Then no doubt our Kalima-e-Tayyeba is:
لا اِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللّهُ مُحَمَّداً رَسُولُ اللّهِ عَلیُِّ وَْلِی اللہِ وَ وَصیُّْ رَسوُلِ اللہ وا خَلیفَۃُ بِلا فَصل
To testify Tauheed of Allah, Risalat of Mohammad (s.a.w.a.w.) and Walayat of Infallible Imams (a.s.) is only One Kalima, it can not be subdivided or it has no parts and sections.
In surah Nisa v.59, Allah commands us to obey Allah, Rasool (s.a.w.a.w.) and Olil-Amr (Twelve Infallible Imams a.s.).
So we testify our obedience to these three supreme Authorities in our Kalima by mentioning Allah, His Rasool (s.a.w.a.w.) and His Wali (a.s.).
Imam Jafar Sadiq (s.a.) said about the saying of Allah, ‘Pure Kalima rises towards Allah, and good deed elevates it’ (Fatir 10): ‘Kalima Tayyiba (Pure)’ means the saying of Momin: ‘There is none worthy of worship except Allah, Mohammad (s.a.w.a.w.) is Rasool of Allah, Ali (s.a.) is Wali of Allah, and Khalifa of Rasool Allah.’ And said: Good Deed (Amal e Saleh) means faith with heart that it is Haqq from Allah and there is no doubt about it that it is from the Rabb of Aalameen.
(Tafseer Ali bin Ibraheem, Tooba 18-19)
Shajara-e-Tayyeba
In surah Ibrahim (a.s.) v. 24-25, Allah says that Kalima Tayyiba is like Shajarah Tayyiba [Pure Good (Family) Tree].
“Have you not seen how Allah gives example of Kalima Tayyiba like a Tayyiba Tree whose root is firm and whose branches are in the sky. Yielding its fruit every moment by the permission of it’s Rabb; and Allah gives examples for the people so that they keep doing Zikr.”
(Ibraheem 24-25)
Imam Jafar e Sadiq (s.a.) said: Holy Tree is that tree, its root is Rasool Allah (s.a.w.a.w.), stem is Amirul Momineen (s.a.), and Masomeen (s.a.a.) who are Aal of both of them, are its branches, and the knowledge of Imams (s.a.a.) is its fruit.
According to Imam Sadiq (a.s.), the Root of this Shajarah Tayyiba is Rasool Allah (s.a.w.a.w.), the Stem is Imam Ali (a.s.), the Branches are 11 Infallible Imams (a.s.), the Fruit is their Knowledge.
So it is very simple that Kalima Tayyiba is only that in which whole Tree is mentioned: Allah (the Creator of this Tree), His Rasool (s.a.w.a.w.) and His Wali (a.s.).
__________________________________________
🌙 Learn the Holy Quran at Home with Shia Fiqh-e-Jafaria Teachers 🌙
Start your free trial classes today with qualified male and female teachers via Skype!
🔗 Sign up now: www.mehdiqurancenter.com/signup
At Al Mehdi Online Quran Center, we provide comprehensive Islamic education from the comfort of your home, based on the authentic teachings of Fiqh-e-Jafaria (Shia School of Thought). Whether you’re starting your journey or seeking deeper knowledge, our experienced tutors are available at your convenience.
Our wide range of Shia-based courses includes:
Quran with Tajweed
Tafheem-ul-Quran
Tafseer-ul-Quran
Nahjul Balagha
Sahifa Sajjadiya
📱 For more information or to speak with our team, contact us on WhatsApp: +92 333 1941225
The Meaning of Each Part of the Kalima
- La ilaha illallah – There is no god except Allah. This is Tawheed, the oneness of Allah.
- Muhammadur Rasoolullah – Muhammad (s) is the Messenger of Allah. This is Risalat, belief in his prophethood as the final messenger.
- Aliyun Waliyullah – Ali (a.s.) is the Wali (guardian and friend) of Allah. This expresses belief in Wilayat, the divinely appointed leadership of Imam Ali (a.s.).
- Wasiyyu Rasoolillah wa Khalifatuhu bila fasl – He is the successor of the Messenger of Allah and his immediate caliph, without any gap.
The Qur’anic and Historical Basis for Wilayat
Shia scholars point to the verse of Wilayat, “Your guardian is only Allah, His Messenger, and those who believe, who establish prayer and give zakat while bowing” (Qur’an 5:55), which Shia and many Sunni commentators link to Imam Ali (a.s.) giving his ring in charity while in ruku. They also point to the event of Ghadir Khumm on 18 Dhul Hijjah 10 AH, where the Holy Prophet (s) declared, “Whoever I am his master (mawla), Ali is his master.”
Teaching the Kalima to Children
- Teach one part at a time with its meaning, not just the words.
- Connect each part to the Usool-e-Deen: Tawheed, Nabuwwat and Imamat.
- Repeat it together daily, for example after Fajr or before sleeping.
Want your children to learn the Kalimas, Usool-e-Deen and the Qur’an with correct pronunciation and meaning? Al Mehdi Center offers live one-to-one online classes with qualified Shia teachers for children and adults. Book your free trial classes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Shia Kalima?
The Shia Kalima-e-Tayyeba is: La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur Rasoolullah, Aliyun Waliyullah, Wasiyyu Rasoolillah wa Khalifatuhu bila fasl.
What does Aliyun Waliyullah mean?
It means “Ali is the Wali of Allah”, expressing belief in the divinely appointed guardianship and leadership of Imam Ali (a.s.).
What is the Qur’anic basis for Wilayat?
Shia scholars cite Qur’an 5:55, the verse of Wilayat, and the declaration of the Holy Prophet (s) at Ghadir Khumm: “Whoever I am his master, Ali is his master.”
