First Kalima Tayyab (Pehla Kalma): Arabic, Transliteration, English and Urdu Meaning
The 1st kalima, known as Kalima Tayyab or Pehla Kalma, is one of the six kalimas of Islam. On this page you will find its complete Arabic text on the AYA WISE card, an easy transliteration, and its full meaning in English and Urdu, explained simply for children and beginners.
Transliteration
Laaa ilaaha illallaah, Muhammadur Rasoolullaah.
English Meaning
There is no god but Allah; Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.
Urdu Meaning
اللہ کے سوا کوئی معبود نہیں، محمد ﷺ اللہ کے رسول ہیں۔
What Kalima Tayyab Teaches Us
Kalima Tayyab is the pure word, the very first statement of Islam. In two short parts it carries the whole message of faith: first, that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah, and second, that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the Messenger of Allah. Every other teaching of Islam grows out of these two truths.
This is the kalima a person says to enter Islam, and it is the kalima parents whisper first into a child’s learning journey. Because it is short, it is the perfect starting point for young children, and its meaning should be explained with love: Allah is our Creator, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) showed us how to live.
Learn the Kalimas with a Teacher
Reading a kalima is a good start, but correct pronunciation comes from listening to a teacher and reciting back. In AYA WISE one-to-one online classes, qualified male and female teachers teach all six kalimas with tajweed basics and simple meanings, at timings that suit families in the USA, UK, Canada and worldwide.
Explore All 6 Kalimas
Back to the complete guide: 6 Kalimas in Islam with translation.
- Second Kalima: Shahadah (Testimony)
- Third Kalima: Tamjeed (Glorification)
- Fourth Kalima: Tauheed (Unity)
- Fifth Kalima: Astaghfar (Penitence)
- Sixth Kalima: Radd-e-Kufr (Rejection of Disbelief)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 1st kalima called?
The 1st kalima is called Kalima Tayyab, which means the pure word. In Urdu it is known as Pehla Kalma.
What does Kalima Tayyab mean?
It means: There is no god but Allah; Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. It is the basic declaration of Islamic faith.
At what age should a child learn the first kalima?
Most children can start learning the first kalima at four or five years old. Short daily repetition with a parent or teacher works best.