The Meaning of the Testimony That There Is No God but Allah.

Question:
What is the meaning of the testimony that there is no god but Allah? Is it sufficient for entering Islam, or are there deeds that must be performed for the one who says it to be considered a Muslim? And what is the difference between a Muslim and a believer?

Answer:
Answer: The testimony, the testimony that there is no god but Allah, means acknowledgment, affirmation, and utterance. It is acknowledgment and affirmation with the heart, and utterance with the tongue, that no one deserves worship except Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He). It is sufficient for entering Islam, but only if one knows its meaning and acts in accordance with its implications. It is sufficient in that case. However, if one does not act in accordance with its implications, does not pray, does not fast, and says, "There is no god but Allah," but does not pray, does not fast, and does not fulfill the pillars of Islam, then this person is not a Muslim. He is ruled to be an apostate.