Question
Kindly provide the source of the seven Kalimahs commonly taught to children. Are they derived from the Qur’an and Hadith? How were they compiled in their present systematic format, and why are there seven Kalimahs?
Answer
These “kalimahs” (sentences/statements) were extracted from the Quran and Hadith by our senior ‘Ulama in the sub-continent. The purpose was to create ease for the masses in learning the basics of belief. Some of these are exact wordings of the Hadith, and others seem to be derived therefrom.
By reading and believing in these “sentences” one’s ‘Aqidah (belief) is protected. It is therefore taught at the elementary level in the Madrasahs. The translations should be memorized too.
In other parts of the world too, the scholars formulated other such statements/sentences/kalimahs so the ‘Aqidah of their masses is cemented.
Why are they called kalimahs?
“Kalimah” can be translated as: “a word” and even as: “a beneficial sentence”. This second meaning was probably considered when they were termed as such.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best,
Answered by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar