The Third Shahada is the testimony of the Wilaya (authority) of Imam Ali (PBUH) after the two testimonies, expressed with the phrase "I bear witness that Ali is the Wali of Allah" or "I bear witness that Ali is the Hujjah of Allah" in the Adhan (Islamic call to prayer).
One of the differences between Shia and Sunni Islam is the manner of Adhan (call to prayer) and Iqama (second call to prayer). Since acts in Islam are only valid if based on reason and proof, and any unsubstantiated act is considered an innovation (bid'ah) and forbidden, both sects accuse each other of introducing innovations into the Adhan. Therefore, this matter needs to be studied carefully, and its truth must be clearly presented.
The legislation of the Adhan and its timing have been topics of various opinions. The differences stem from the narrations found in the Hadith collections of both Sunni and Shia traditions.
The importance of the Adhan is evident from the verse: “When you call to prayer, they take it as a mockery and a game. This is because they are a people who do not understand.” (Surah Al-Ma'idah: 58)
The Third Shahada means the third testimony, which is the declaration of belief in the leadership and authority (Wilaya) of Ali ibn Abi Talib after the two testimonies (Shahada: testimony to the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad).
The two testimonies (Shahada) are commonly expressed in different situations:
When one converts to Islam by reciting the Shahada.
In the Tashahhud during obligatory and recommended prayers.
In the Adhan and Iqama, before the obligatory prayers.
All Muslims, including Shia, believe that saying "There is no god but Allah" and "Muhammad is the messenger of Allah" is sufficient for entering Islam, and these two phrases are also part of the Adhan, Iqama, and the Tashahhud in prayer.
Third Shahada: History and Background The introduction of the Third Shahada in the Adhan is widely believed to have occurred officially during the Safavid period. However, there is evidence that it was said sporadically in certain areas even before that time. For instance, Ibn Battuta in the 8th century mentioned the recitation of "Ashhadu anna Aliyyan Waliyyullah" (I bear witness that Ali is the Wali of Allah) in the Adhan of the Shia of Qatif. The position of Sheikh Saduq regarding narrations allowing the Third Shahada also indicates that groups during that time recited it in the Adhan.
Some scholars, like Abdul-Mahsin Sarawi, trace the origin of the Third Shahada to the Umayyad period, viewing it as a reaction from Shia Muslims against those who cursed Imam Ali from pulpits.
Narrations Regarding the Legitimacy of the Third Shahada One narration from Imam Ja'far Sadiq (AS) says: When Allah created the Throne, He inscribed upon it: "There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and Ali is the Commander of the Faithful." Similarly, He inscribed this on other creations like the water, the chair (Kursi), and the moon.
In the Sunni Hadith, there are also reports that affirm this view. For example, Abu Hamra narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "When I was taken to the heavens, on the Throne, it was written: There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and I have supported him with Ali."
Difference Between Sunni and Shia Adhan Regarding the Third Shahada, or "Ashhadu anna Aliyyan Waliyyullah" (I bear witness that Ali is the Wali of Allah), there are two views:
Some consider it a recommended act (Mustahabb), similar to Qunoot in prayer.
Others consider it a recommended act but not an integral part of the Adhan itself.
Shia Muslims, after bearing witness to the prophethood of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), testify to the Wilayah (leadership) of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS). It is essential to clarify a few points here:
All Shia Muslims agree that the Third Shahada is not part of the Adhan, and thus, when counting the components of the Adhan, they do not include it. They only count the 18 parts of the Adhan: four Takbirs, two testimonies of the oneness of God, two testimonies of the prophethood of Muhammad, two calls to prayer, two calls to success, two calls to the best of deeds, two Takbirs, and two declarations of the oneness of God.
If someone includes the Third Shahada as part of the Adhan, it is considered an unlawful act and a sin.
The recitation of the Third Shahada in the Adhan without intending it to be an integral part is permissible or recommended, based on the belief that Imam Ali (AS) is the Wali of Allah according to the Qur'an and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) (Surah Al-Ma'idah, Ayahs 55-56). Imam Sadiq (AS) also stated: Whenever you bear witness to the prophethood of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), testify to the leadership of Ali (AS) as well.
