<P> Recitation of the shahādah is the most common statement of faith for Muslims . In Sunni Islam , it is counted as the first of the Five Pillars of Islam , while the Shi'i Twelvers and Isma'ilis also have the shahada as among their pillars of faith . It is whispered by the father into the ear of a newborn child , and it is whispered into the ear of a dying person . The five canonical daily prayers each include a recitation of the shahada . Recitation of the shahada in front of witnesses is also the first and only formal step in conversion to Islam . This occasion often attracts more than the two required witnesses and sometimes includes a party - like celebration to welcome the convert into their new faith . In accordance with the central importance played by the notion of intention ( Arabic : نیّة ‎ ‎ , niyyah ) in Islamic doctrine , the recitation of the shahada must reflect understanding of its import and heartfelt sincerity . Intention is what differentiates acts of devotion from mundane acts and a simple reading of the shahada from invoking it as a ritual activity . </P>
<P> Recitation of the shahādah is the most common statement of faith for Muslims . In Sunni Islam , it is counted as the first of the Five Pillars of Islam , while the Shi'i Twelvers and Isma'ilis also have the shahada as among their pillars of faith . It is whispered by the father into the ear of a newborn child , and it is whispered into the ear of a dying person . The five canonical daily prayers each include a recitation of the shahada . Recitation of the shahada in front of witnesses is also the first and only formal step in conversion to Islam . This occasion often attracts more than the two required witnesses and sometimes includes a party - like celebration to welcome the convert into their new faith . In accordance with the central importance played by the notion of intention ( Arabic : نیّة ‎ ‎ , niyyah ) in Islamic doctrine , the recitation of the shahada must reflect understanding of its import and heartfelt sincerity . Intention is what differentiates acts of devotion from mundane acts and a simple reading of the shahada from invoking it as a ritual activity . </P>
what is the first pillar of islam called
what is the first pillar of islam called
shahādah
shahādah