An Explanation of the Treatise: The Meaning of the Statement of Tawhid (La ilaha illAllah)
16A The objective of the statement La ilaha illAllah is not saying it with the tongue only without understanding it; it is essential that you learn the meaning of La ilaha illAllah as for you saying it without knowing its meaning, that you do not affirm a thing you are ignorant of? Thus, it is essential that you know it's meaning until you affirm it and you affirm with your heart what your tongue articulates of it; so it is binding that you learn the meaning of La ilaha illAllah as for mere articulation of the tongue without understanding its meaning, then this will not benefit at all