Are the Six Kalimas from the Quran?

The Six Kalimas are a series of affirmations of faith and declarations of fundamental beliefs in Islam. These statements are not directly from the Quran but are derived from various verses and teachings found within the Quran and Hadith literature. Recited by Muslims, they provide a simple yet comprehensive understanding of the basic principles of Islam.

Origin and Composition of the Six Kalimas

The Six Kalimas originated from the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and are considered essential for the religious education of children and adherents alike. While the content is rooted in Quranic principles, the specific formulations of the Six Kalimas are not directly quoted from the Quran. Instead, they are compilations that serve to encapsulate the key tenets of Islamic faith in a way that is easy for both believers and non-believers to understand and memorize.

Content of the Six Kalimas

The Six Kalimas consist of six distinct yet interconnected statements:

Kalma Tayyab: Laa ilaaha illal Lahoo Mohammadur Rasool Ullah Shahada: Ashahado An Laa ilaaha illal Laho Wahdahoo Laa Shareeka Lahoo Wa Ash Hado Anna Mohammadan Abdo Hoo Wa Rasoolohoo. Tamjeed: Subhanallahe Wal Hamdulillahe Wa Laa ilaha illal Laho Wallahooakbar. Wala Haola Wala Quwwata illa billahil AliYil Azeem. Tawheed: Laa ilaha illal Lahoo Wahdahoo Laa Shareekalahoo Lahul Mulko Walahul Hamdo Yuhee Wa Yumeeto Wa Hoa Haiy Yul La Yamooto Abadan Abada Zul Jalali Wal ikraam Beyadihil Khair. Wa hoa Ala Kulli Shai In Qadeer. Istighfar: Astaghfirullah Rabbi Min Kullay Zambin Aznabtuho Amadan Ao Khat An Sirran Ao Alaniatan Wa Atoobo ilaihe Minaz Zambil Lazee Aalamo Wa Minaz Zambil Lazee La Aalamo innaka Anta Allamul Ghuyoobi Wa Sattaarul Oyobi Wa Ghaffaruz Zunoobi Wala Haola Wala Quwwata illa billahil AliYil Azeem. Radde Kufr: Allah Humma inni Aaoozubika Min An Oshrika Beka Shai Aown Wa Anaa Aalamo Behi Wa Astaghfiroka Lima laa Aalamo Behi Tubtu Anho Wa Tabarrato Minal Kufri Washshirki Wal Kizbi Wal Jheebati Wal Bidaati Wan Nameemati Wal Fawahishi Wal Bohtani Wal Maasi Kulliha Wa Aslamtoo Wa Aamantoo Wa Aqoolo Laa ilaaha illal Lahoo Mohammadur Rasool Ullah.

These statements are compiled together to provide a structured and comprehensive understanding of the basic fundamentals of Islamic beliefs. While they are not found together in a single, continuous passage in the Quran, each of the key phrases and concepts found within the Six Kalimas can be individually traced back to various Quranic verses and Hadiths.

Origins in Quranic and Hadith Literature

The Six Kalimas are primarily taken from Hadith literature rather than the Quran. The first Kalma, for example, includes the statement ‘Mohammadur Rasool Ullah,’ which is found in the Quran (Surah 48, verse 29). Similarly, the last Kalma (Radde Kufr) includes the phrase ‘Laa ilaaha illal Lahoo Mohammadur Rasool Ullah,’ which is also found in Surah 48, verse 29. Other Kalimas contain core Quranic principles, such as Tawheed (Oneness of God) and Shahada (Testimony of Faith).

Conclusion and Personal Reflection

While the Six Kalimas are not directly from the Quran, they encapsulate the fundamental teachings and beliefs of Islam. They serve as a tool for education and self-reflection for Muslims and are found in various books of knowledge, including Sahih Al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Abu Dawud, and Tirmidhi. The compilation of these statements is a testament to the importance of these principles in the practice and teaching of Islam.

It is crucial for Muslims to understand that the Six Kalimas are not mentioned together in the Quran. While they contain essential religious statements, they are compiled from various Quranic verses and Hadiths. Misunderstandings can arise if these statements are taken out of context or if it is believed that they are a cohesive and complete set in the Quran. The Quran emphasizes the importance of monotheism and the connection between God and His Messenger, which are key themes found within the Six Kalimas.

Beyond the Six Kalimas, the Quran unequivocally teaches against associating others with Allah. In Surah Al-Munafiqun (4:12), Allah warns about those who falsely claim Tawheed. Similarly, in Surah Al-I'imran (3:18), Allah declares His attribute of being the Supreme and the Wise. These verses serve as a reminder that actions and statements that deviate from Tawheed, such as the concepts present in the Six Kalimas, should be approached with careful reverence and understanding.

As a conclusion, the Six Kalimas are an essential part of Islamic education, providing a concise and comprehensive set of affirmations of faith. However, it is important to recognize that they are derived from various sources within the Quran and Hadith, and not a single coherent passage in the Quran. Understanding their origins in both Quranic and Hadith literature is key to their proper interpretation and practice.