La Ilaha Illallah Meaning: What Does It Stand For?
Introduction
One of the most fundamental and significant phrases in Islam is “La Ilaha Illallah”. This Arabic phrase holds deep religious and spiritual meaning for Muslims around the world. It is often recited in prayers, declarations of faith, and Islamic teachings. But what does it mean, and why is it important?
What Does “La Ilaha Illallah” Mean?
The phrase “La Ilaha Illallah” (لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ) translates to “There is no god but Allah” in English. It is the foundation of Tawhid (Islamic monotheism) and is the first part of the Shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith.
For example:
- A new Muslim converts and says: “Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan rasulullah” (I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger).
- Muslims frequently recite this phrase in prayers and daily life as a reminder of their faith.
Importance of “La Ilaha Illallah”
- Core belief of Islam – It affirms the oneness of God, which is the most fundamental aspect of the Islamic faith.
- Part of the Shahada – It is the first pillar of Islam and the statement that someone recites to become a Muslim.
- Spiritual significance – Saying this phrase is considered an act of devotion and submission to God.
- Guiding principle – It serves as a reminder for Muslims to live their lives according to Islamic teachings.
“La Ilaha Illallah” in Different Languages
Below is a table showing how “La Ilaha Illallah” is written or expressed in different languages:
| Language | Translation / Equivalent |
|---|---|
| English | There is no god but Allah |
| Spanish | No hay dios sino Alá |
| French | Il n’y a de dieu qu’Allah |
| German | Es gibt keinen Gott außer Allah |
| Italian | Non c’è dio all’infuori di Allah |
| Portuguese | Não há deus senão Alá |
| Dutch | Er is geen god behalve Allah |
| Russian | Нет бога кроме Аллаха |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 除了安拉没有神 (Chúle Ānlā méiyǒu shén) |
| Japanese | アッラーの他に神はなし (Arrā no hoka ni kami wa nashi) |
| Korean | 알라 외에 신은 없다 (Alla oe-e sin-eun eobsda) |
| Arabic | لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ |
| Hindi | अल्लाह के सिवा कोई ईश्वर नहीं |
| Turkish | Allah’tan başka ilah yoktur |
| Greek | Δεν υπάρχει θεός εκτός από τον Αλλάχ |
| Polish | Nie ma boga oprócz Allaha |
| Swedish | Det finns ingen gud utom Allah |
| Thai | ไม่มีพระเจ้าอื่นใดนอกจากอัลลอฮ์ |
| Hebrew | אין אלוהים מלבד אללה |
| Finnish | Ei ole muuta jumalaa kuin Allah |
| Vietnamese | Không có thần linh nào ngoài Allah |
| Hungarian | Nincs más isten, csak Allah |
| Czech | Není boha kromě Alláha |
| Romanian | Nu există alt Dumnezeu în afară de Allah |
| Malay | Tiada tuhan melainkan Allah |
Wikipedia Reference
For more details, check the Wikipedia page on Shahada, which explains “La Ilaha Illallah” and its significance in Islam.
Conclusion
“La Ilaha Illallah” is a powerful declaration of faith that emphasizes the oneness of Allah, which is central to Islamic belief. It is more than just a phrase—it represents a way of life and a commitment to worshiping Allah alone. Understanding its meaning and significance provides deeper insight into Islamic teachings and spirituality.