Write on the significance of the first pillar of Islam.

Answer Details

The first pillar of Islam is the Shahadah (the declaration of faith): Ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Llah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan Rasulu Llah, meaning "I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah." Its significance is as follows.

1. Gateway into Islam: Uttering the Shahadah sincerely, with belief, is what makes a person a Muslim. No one can enter the fold of Islam without it.
2. Foundation of Tawhid: It affirms the absolute Oneness of Allah and rejects Shirk, idol worship and every false deity. It is the basis on which all other beliefs and acts of worship rest.
3. Acknowledgement of Prophethood: The second part confirms Muhammad (S.A.W.) as the final Messenger, so the Muslim accepts his teachings, follows his Sunnah and obeys the guidance he brought.
4. Basis of the other pillars: Prayer, Zakah, fasting and Hajj are all built upon and derive their meaning from the Shahadah; without it they are of no benefit.
5. Unity of the Ummah: The single creed binds all Muslims, of every race and land, into one brotherhood with a common belief.
6. Key to salvation: The Prophet said that whoever's last words are La ilaha illa Llah will enter Paradise, showing its role in the believer's ultimate success.

The Shahadah is therefore the heart and cornerstone of the Islamic faith.