Islam, as a faith, provides its followers with a rich spiritual framework to connect with Allah (God) through prayers, supplications, and core teachings. The Six Kalmas (or Six Declarations of Faith) hold a pivotal place in this spiritual journey, acting as concise summaries of essential beliefs in Islam. The 6th Kalma, known as Radd-e-Kufr (Repudiation of Disbelief), stands out for its deep commitment to rejecting disbelief and reaffirming monotheism.
This article explores the 6th Kalma in depth, providing its text, translation, meaning, historical context, and the reasons for its importance in a Muslim’s life. Additionally, we’ll address common questions surrounding the Six Kalmas in Islam.
What Are the Six Kalmas in Islam?
The Six Kalmas are brief Islamic phrases or declarations encapsulating the core elements of faith and belief. Each Kalma has its own unique message and significance:
- First Kalma (Kalma Tayyibah): The declaration of monotheism and Muhammad’s prophethood.
- Second Kalma (Kalma Shahadah): Testimony of faith in Allah and His Messenger.
- Third Kalma (Kalma Tamjeed): Praise and glorification of Allah.
- Fourth Kalma (Kalma Tauheed): Affirmation of Allah’s unity and rejection of polytheism.
- Fifth Kalma (Kalma Astaghfar): Seeking forgiveness from Allah.
- Sixth Kalma (Kalma Radd-e-Kufr): Rejection of disbelief and reaffirmation of faith.
The 6th Kalma, in particular, reinforces the importance of abandoning any form of disbelief and maintaining devotion to Allah.
The Text of the 6th Kalma
Arabic Text
اللّٰهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ أَنْ أُشْرِكَ بِكَ شَيْئًا وَأَنَا أَعْلَمُ بِهِ وَأَسْتَغْفِرُكَ لِمَا لَا أَعْلَمُ بِهِ تُبْتُ عَنْهُ وَتَبَرَّأْتُ مِنَ الْكُفْرِ وَالشِّرْكِ وَالْكِذْبِ وَالْغِيبَةِ وَالْبِدْعَةِ وَالنَّمِيمَةِ وَالْفَوَاحِشِ وَالْبُهْتَانِ وَالْمَعَاصِي كُلِّهَا وَأَسْلَمْتُ وَأَقُولُ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ.
Transliteration
Allahumma inni a’udhu bika min an ushrika bika shay’an wa ana a’lamu bihi, wa astaghfiruka limā lā a’lamu bihi. Tubtu anhu wa tabarra’tu min al-kufri wa ash-shirki wa al-kadhibi wa al-ghibati wa al-bid’ati wa an-namimati wa al-fawahishi wa al-buhtani wa al-ma’asi kulliha. Wa aslamtu wa aqulu la ilaha illa Allahu Muhammadur Rasulullah.
English Translation
“O Allah! I seek refuge in You from associating anything with You knowingly, and I seek Your forgiveness for what I do not know. I repent from it and declare myself free from disbelief, polytheism, falsehood, backbiting, innovations, slander, immorality, accusations, and all sins. I have surrendered to You, and I declare: There is no deity but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger.”
Meaning and Explanation of the 6th Kalma
The 6th Kalma reflects the believer’s deep connection to Allah through repentance, rejection of disbelief, and reaffirmation of monotheism. Its meaning can be broken down into several parts:
1. Seeking Refuge from Shirk (Polytheism)
The Kalma begins with a plea to Allah for protection from knowingly committing shirk (associating partners with Allah). Shirk is considered the gravest sin in Islam, as it contradicts the central tenet of Tawheed (the oneness of Allah).
2. Seeking Forgiveness for Unintentional Sins
The believer acknowledges human imperfection and seeks forgiveness for sins committed unintentionally or unknowingly. This shows humility and a sincere desire to avoid wrongdoing.
3. Repudiation of Disbelief and Sins
The Kalma explicitly mentions rejecting disbelief (kufr) and other sins like backbiting, slander, immorality, and false accusations. These acts not only harm the individual but also disrupt the social harmony of the Muslim community.
4. Declaration of Faith
The concluding part of the Kalma reaffirms the core Islamic belief in La ilaha illallah (“There is no deity but Allah”) and Muhammad’s prophethood. This declaration is central to a Muslim’s faith and life.
The Significance of the 6th Kalma
1. Strengthening Faith
The 6th Kalma reinforces the believer’s devotion to Allah and strengthens their faith by emphasizing monotheism and avoiding disbelief.
2. A Tool for Repentance
The Kalma serves as a reminder of the importance of repentance. It encourages believers to seek Allah’s forgiveness regularly and remain conscious of their actions.
3. Moral and Ethical Guidance
By condemning sins like falsehood, backbiting, and immorality, the 6th Kalma provides a moral framework for Muslims. It urges them to uphold integrity, honesty, and kindness in their interactions with others.
4. A Reminder of Allah’s Mercy
The Kalma highlights Allah’s infinite mercy and readiness to forgive those who sincerely repent. This fosters hope and encourages believers to turn to Allah, no matter how grave their sins.
Historical Context
The Six Kalmas are not directly sourced from the Quran or Hadith but are compilations drawn from various Islamic texts to encapsulate core beliefs. They were introduced as a teaching tool to help Muslims memorize and internalize fundamental principles of Islam.
While the exact origins of the 6th Kalma are unclear, its content aligns closely with Quranic teachings and prophetic traditions. For instance:
- The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the oneness of Allah and the gravity of shirk.
- Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) frequently encouraged repentance and seeking Allah’s forgiveness.
Practical Applications of the 6th Kalma
1. Daily Prayers and Supplications
Muslims can incorporate the 6th Kalma into their daily prayers or use it as a personal supplication during moments of reflection and repentance.
2. Teaching Tool for Children
The Six Kalmas are often taught to children as part of their Islamic education. Memorizing the 6th Kalma helps instill important values early on.
3. A Guide for Self-Improvement
By regularly reciting and reflecting on the 6th Kalma, believers can identify areas for personal growth and strive to align their lives with Islamic teachings.
The 6th Kalma in Relation to the Quran and Hadith
While the exact text of the 6th Kalma is not directly found in the Quran, its themes are deeply rooted in Quranic verses and prophetic traditions:
Quranic Verses on Monotheism
- “And worship Allah and associate nothing with Him…” (Quran 4:36)
- “Say, ‘He is Allah, [who is] One.'” (Quran 112:1)
Hadith on Repentance
- Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Every son of Adam sins, and the best of those who sin are those who repent.” (Tirmidhi)
Challenges and Misconceptions
Misconception: The Six Kalmas are Mandatory for All Muslims
Some believe that reciting the Six Kalmas is a compulsory act of worship. However, while beneficial, the Kalmas are not an obligatory ritual in Islam but rather a helpful educational tool.
Misconception: The Kalmas Are Limited to Certain Cultures
The Six Kalmas are widely used in South Asian Muslim communities but are less emphasized in other regions. This cultural difference does not diminish their value but highlights the diversity of Islamic practices.
Conclusion
The 6th Kalma, Radd-e-Kufr, serves as a powerful reminder of a Muslim’s commitment to Allah and rejection of disbelief. By reciting it, believers reaffirm their faith, seek Allah’s forgiveness, and strive for moral excellence.
Incorporating the 6th Kalma into daily life allows Muslims to stay connected to their Creator and maintain a strong sense of spiritual and ethical integrity.
FAQs
1. What is the purpose of the 6th Kalma in Islam?
The 6th Kalma reinforces monotheism, rejects disbelief, and encourages repentance, serving as a reminder of core Islamic principles.
2. Is reciting the 6th Kalma mandatory?
No, reciting the 6th Kalma is not mandatory but is highly beneficial for strengthening faith and seeking forgiveness.
3. Can children learn the 6th Kalma?
Yes, children are often taught the Six Kalmas as part of their Islamic education to help them understand key beliefs.
4. Are the Six Kalmas directly from the Quran?
The Kalmas are not direct Quranic verses but are derived from Islamic teachings and serve as summaries of core beliefs.
5. How can I incorporate the 6th Kalma into my daily life?
You can recite it during prayers, moments of reflection, or as part of your daily supplications.
6. What sins does the 6th Kalma specifically mention?
The 6th Kalma repudiates disbelief, polytheism, backbiting, slander, immorality, falsehood, and all forms of sin.
