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Learn How to Pronounce La ilaha illallah | YouPronounce.it

How to Pronounce La ilaha illallah

Quick Answer: In Arabic, the phrase La ilaha illallah is written as لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ and pronounced [laː ʔiˈlaːha ʔil.la‿ɫˈɫaːh].
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)

Meaning and Context

The phrase "La ilaha illallah" (لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ) is the foundational declaration of absolute monotheism in Islam, constituting the first and most essential half of the Shahada, the Islamic testimony of faith. Its translation, "There is no god but Allah," serves as the theological bedrock of the religion, unequivocally rejecting polytheism and affirming the singular, unique, and incomparable nature of the Divine. Recited during the five daily prayers, embedded within the Adhan (call to prayer), and repeated as a core form of dhikr (remembrance of God), this phrase is the central pillar upon which a Muslim's belief and practice are built. Its utterance with sincere conviction and understanding is the primary entry into the Islamic faith, making it the most significant and frequently spoken phrase in a Muslim's spiritual life. The profound meaning of "La ilaha illallah" extends beyond mere verbal affirmation; it encompasses a complete acknowledgment of Allah's exclusive right to worship (Tawhid al-Uluhiyyah) and demands the submission of one's heart and actions to His will, forming the essence of Islamic creed and practice.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The standard and universally accepted transliteration from Arabic is "La ilaha illallah." Common variations and errors in spelling often arise from attempts to phonetically render the Arabic sounds into the Latin alphabet. Frequent misspellings include "La ilaha illalah," which incorrectly replaces the final "h" with an "l," and "La ilaha illala," which drops the final "h" sound entirely. Other common typos are "La ilaha ilallah" (dropping one 'l'), "La ilaha illa Allah" (separating "illa" and "Allah," which is grammatically understood but merges in the standard phrase), and "La elaha ella Allah." The phrase is also sometimes abbreviated in writing or digital communication as "Lailahaillallah" or "La ilaha illa llah," though these are informal. It is crucial to note that while "Allah" is the proper name for God in Arabic and in Islamic discourse, some non-Arabic translations may render the phrase as "There is no god but God," though "Allah" is the precise and theologically significant term used in the original declaration.

Example Sentences

The new convert whispered "La ilaha illallah" with a full heart, formally entering the fold of Islam.

During his morning dhikr, he quietly repeated "La ilaha illallah" one hundred times, focusing his mind on the oneness of his Creator.

The melodious call to prayer echoed across the neighborhood, its opening lines proclaiming "La ilaha illallah" to summon the faithful.

A central theme of the Friday sermon was explaining the deep implications of "La ilaha illallah," which requires rejecting all false objects of worship.

When asked about the core of her belief, she simply stated, "It is all contained in the phrase, 'La ilaha illallah.

'" Islamic scholars emphasize that sincere belief in "La ilaha illallah" must be reflected in one's actions and ethical conduct.

Parents teach their children the meaning of "La ilaha illallah" from a very young age, ensuring it becomes the anchor of their identity.

Related Pronunciations



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