In a horrifying incident at Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, terrorists reportedly asked several people to recite the Kalma, an Islamic declaration of faith, to prove their Muslim identity. Those unable to recite it were shot, making the Kalma a matter of life and death. One survivor, a professor from Assam University, was spared after correctly reciting it.

So, what is the Kalma and why is it so significant in Islam?

The Kalma (or Kalima) is a fundamental declaration of Islamic faith affirming belief in the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad. It is the core of a Muslim's belief system and is recited regularly to reinforce devotion to God and the Prophet.

There are six Kalmas, each with a distinct purpose:

• Tayyib (Purity) – Declares the oneness of Allah.

• Shahadat (Testimony) – A formal statement of faith.

• Tamjeed (Glorification) – Praises Allah's greatness.

• Tawheed (Unity) – Emphasizes Allah's sole authority.

• Astaghfar (Repentance) – A prayer for forgiveness.

• Radde Kufr (Rejecting Disbelief) – Denounces polytheism and affirms submission to Allah.

These Kalmas are not only recitations but reflections of a Muslim's values and submission to the divine. Their significance lies in shaping Islamic identity, ethics, and daily life. In the tragic context of the Pahalgam attack, the Kalma became a brutal litmus test for survival—revealing both the power of faith and the cruelty of extremism.