Lā ilāha illa-llāh

When is Lā ilāha illa-llāh recited?

Lā ilāha illa-llāh, meaning "There is no god but Allah.", is cited in Sahih Muslim 32. The core statement of tawḥīd; a widely-practised remembrance. The extended wording in Sahih al-Bukhari 6403 adds "waḥdahu lā sharīka lah..." and carries the 100-times-a-day virtue. A suggested count is 100 repetitions per sitting, counted on any tasbih or a plain hand count.

What is the source for Lā ilāha illa-llāh?

The primary source is Sahih Muslim, reference 32. This dhikr is reviewed under Sibha's editorial policy before publication.

Review status: sourced, pending scholarly review. Last checked 2025-01-01. See editorial policy.

What does Lā ilāha illa-llāh mean?

This declaration is the foundation of Islamic monotheism (tawhid) and the first pillar of Islam. It is composed of a negation (lā ilāha, there is no deity) followed by an exception (illallāh, except Allah), a grammatical structure that first clears the heart of all false objects of worship before affirming the one true Ilah. Ilah means a being that is worshipped, depended upon, and submitted to in love, fear, and hope. The phrase negates the right of anything besides Allah to be worshipped, obeyed absolutely, or relied upon ultimately, while affirming that Allah alone possesses this right. It is the essence of the message of every prophet sent by Allah (Qur'an 21:25).

When should I recite Lā ilāha illa-llāh?

Lā ilāha illa-llāh is recited on 4 distinct occasions in the Sunnah, listed below, ranging from fixed moments after prayer to general daily remembrance. Each occasion is sourced from an authentic hadith rather than custom.

• As the shahādah, the declaration of faith required to enter Islam.
• In the tashahhud during every unit of the final sitting in salah (Sahih Muslim 402).
• Encouraged to be the last words before death (Sunan Abi Dawud 3116): "Whoever's last words are Lā ilāha illallāh will enter Paradise."
• As frequent daily dhikr, since Jāmiʿ at-Tirmidhi 3383 records: "The best dhikr is Lā ilāha illallāh."

What is the virtue of Lā ilāha illa-llāh?

Sahih al-Bukhari 128 and Sahih Muslim 32: whoever testifies that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His messenger, sincerely from the heart, Allah will forbid the Fire for him.

How many times should I say Lā ilāha illa-llāh?

No fixed obligatory count. Encouraged as frequent dhikr throughout the day, and specifically recommended before death and in the tashahhud during every prayer.

What are common misconceptions about Lā ilāha illa-llāh?

2 misunderstandings come up most often about Lā ilāha illa-llāh, mostly about when it applies or how it differs from similar phrases. Correcting them helps the dhikr keep its intended meaning rather than becoming a habit said on autopilot.

• Merely uttering the phrase without belief or practice does not suffice. Classical scholars across the four schools agree the shahādah requires sincere belief, sincerity (ikhlāṣ), and conformity of deeds.
• It should not be treated as a filler phrase. It is the core statement of Islamic creed and deserves reverence in speech.

Which other adhkar are related to Lā ilāha illa-llāh?

4 other short adhkar in the library pair naturally with Lā ilāha illa-llāh as part of a daily routine, each with its own source and suggested count.

• SubḥānAllāhGlory be to Allah.
• AlḥamdulillāhAll praise is due to Allah.
• Allāhu AkbarAllah is the Greatest.
• AstaghfirullāhI seek forgiveness from Allah.