The Kalimah (Arabic: "the word"), in the Islamic context, translates to "the word of Islam." The Kalimah is found on many Islamic coins.
Affirmation of the Kalimah is the first of the five pillars of Islam; belief in the meaning of the Kalimah is the primary distinction of what defines a Muslim. Recitation of the Shahada (based on the Kalimah) is the Islamic declaration of faith, also known as the Kalema-tut-shahadat.
The first phrase, La-ilaha-ill-al-lah, is the foundation stone of Islam; the meaning is "there is no god but Allah." This phrase is referred to as the Tawheed, and is an expression of the belief in a monotheistic faith.
The second phrase, Muhammad-ur–rasul-al-lah, fulfills the requirement that there should be someone to guide in the name of Allah. The phrase translates as "Muhammad is Allah 's Rasul, Nabi, the Messenger, Apostle." This is the acceptance of Muhammad as "Nabuvat" (a prophet or messenger of God).
Shi 'a Muslims believe that Muhammad declared Ali bin Abu Talib as his successor at a place called Ghadir-al-Khumm (Hadith of the pond of Khumm), which was required for the continuation of His guidance. Hence, the Shi 'a kalimah includes the third phrase Ali-un-vali-ul-lah ("Ali is Muhammad 's delegate/chosen/caretaker"). The addition of this verse is opposed by non-Shi 'a groups.