La ilaha illallah: Meaning and Virtue

Explanation

The word of tawhid, or tahlil, is the phrase “La ilaha illallah,” the very essence of Islam. In its chapter on tahlil, the source book explains that saying this blessed phrase, and especially reciting it with sincerity (ikhlas), is a means to great reward, and it brings together the hadiths about its virtue.

When and How to Recite

At any time; especially after the prayers and in the morning and evening, a hundred or a thousand times as one is able.

Virtue

According to the narration of Anas, Allah the Exalted says: If any one of you, woman or man, says “La ilaha illallah Muhammadun Rasulullah” and then comes straight to Me, they will be saved from the calamities of this world and the punishments of the Hereafter (Muslim).

For the one who says “La ilaha illallah Muhammadun Rasulullah” between the five daily prayers, the seven gates of Hell are closed and the eight gates of Paradise are opened (narrated by ‘Abd al-Rahman ibn ‘Awf, Muslim).

Allah will resurrect the believer who keeps up this dhikr a hundred times a day with a face shining like the full moon (Daylami). To the one who says it a thousand times with complete belief and sincerity, Allah grants whatever they wish and shows them no hardship (Muwatta).

According to Imam al-Qastallani, Allah opens the doors of provision and eases the affairs of the one who recites the word of tawhid a thousand times in the morning. The source book says “La ilaha illallah is the key to Paradise” and relates that the Prophet ﷺ said: “Say the word of tawhid often.”