testimony in Arabic: شهادة (shahāda) – meaning, pronunciation, examples

How to use it

In Arabic, 'shahāda' (شَهَادَةٌ) is the direct equivalent for testimony, especially in legal contexts. It can also mean a certificate or a degree, so context is key. The root ش ه د (sh-h-d) relates to witnessing or testifying.

Example sentences

قدم الشاهد شهادة مفصلة في المحكمة.

qaddama ash-shāhid shahādatan mufaṣṣalatan fī al-maḥkama.

The witness gave detailed testimony in court.
تعتبر شهادة الخبراء مهمة في القضية.

tuʿtabar shahādat al-khubarāʾ muhimmatan fī al-qaḍiyya.

The experts' testimony is considered important in the case.
طلب المدعي العام شهادة إضافية من المتهم.

ṭalaba al-muddaʿī al-ʿāmm shahādatan iḍāfiyatan min al-muttaham.

The prosecutor requested additional testimony from the accused.

Examples from real texts

Sentences taken from published bilingual texts (subtitles, documents). They show the word in context and are not reviewed one by one.

And those who stand by their testimony

« والذين هم بشهادتهم » وفي قراءة بالجمع « قائمون » يقيمونها ولا يكتمونها.

Even so, their testimony did not agree.

ولا بهذا كانت شهادتهم تتفق.

It will turn out as a testimony for you.

فيؤول ذلك لكم شهادة.

And it shall turn to you for a testimony.

فيؤول ذلك لكم شهادة.

For by this, the elders obtained testimony.

فانه في هذه شهد للقدماء.

Government Testimony to Congresses and Parliaments:

الإفادات المقدمة من الحكومة إلى مجالس الكونغرس والبرلمانات

"You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

لا تشهد على قريبك شهادة زور.

Statement or testimony of the person providing information.

2 - عند إفادة أو شهادة الشخص المقدم للمعلومات.

"Neither shall you give false testimony against your neighbor.

ولا تشهد على قريبك شهادة زور.

For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony didn't agree with each other.

لان كثيرين شهدوا عليه زورا ولم تتفق شهاداتهم.

His conviction was based on the testimony of his alleged accomplice, Garushyantz, who changed his testimony several times.

فإدانته تستند إلى شهادة شريكه المزعوم، المدعو غاروشيانتز الذي اختلفت أقواله عدة مرات.

Demetrius has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.

ديمتريوس مشهود له من الجميع ومن الحق نفسه ونحن ايضا نشهد وانتم تعلمون ان شهادتنا هي صادقة

Questions and answers

Is 'shahāda' only used in legal settings?

No, while it's very common in legal contexts, 'shahāda' can also refer to academic degrees (like a Bachelor's or Master's degree) or any formal statement of fact.

What is the verb form related to 'testimony'?

The verb is 'shahida' (شَهِدَ), meaning 'to witness' or 'to testify'.