la ilaha illallah

la ilaha illallah
The Structure of Shahada Forces Walaa’ and Baraa’:

When you say "La ilaha," you are doing baraa’ — rejecting all forms of shirk (associating partners with Allah), all false religions, and all loyalties to them.

When you say "illa Allah," you are doing walaa’ — loving and committing yourself fully to Allah alone, submitting to His Deen, and aligning your heart with His commands.

Allah says in the Qur'an:

> "You will not find a people who believe in Allah and the Last Day loving those who oppose Allah and His Messenger..." (Surah Al-Mujadilah 58:22).

Walaa' is not just physical support, it’s deep love, friendship, and alignment of the heart.

Baraa' is not just distancing, it is also hatred for kufr, disbelief in their false systems, and refusing to imitate or support them."Shahada: Loyalty and Disavowal" Thus, the Shahada by its very nature demands from the believer:

Absolute disavowal (baraa') from anything besides Allah,

And total loyalty (walaa') to Allah, His Messenger, and the believers.

This is why the early scholars said:

> "The foundation of the religion is love for Allah and hatred for His enemies."
(Tafsir of Surah Al-Mumtahina 60:4).