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Islam and Muslims
The Arabic word ‘Islam’ means ‘submission’, and isderived from a word meaning ‘peace’. As such, the religion of Islam teachesthat in order to achieve true peace of mind and surety of heart, one mustsubmit to God and live according to His Divinely revealed Law.
Islam is not a new religion because ‘submissionto the will of God’, i.e. Islam, has always been the only acceptable religionin the sight of God. For this reason, Islam is the true ‘natural religion’,and it is the same eternal message revealed through the ages to all of God’sprophets and messengers. The main message of all the prophets has always beenthat there is only One True God and He alone is to be worshipped. Theseprophets start with Adam and include Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, Johnthe Baptist, and Jesus, peace be upon them all. God says in the Holy Quran:
“We did notsend before you (O Muhammad) any messenger but We revealed to him: ‘none hasthe right to be worshipped except I, therefore worship Me.’” (Quran 21:25)
However,the true message of these prophets was either lost or got corrupted over time.Even the most recent books, the Torah and the Gospel were adulterated and hencethey lost their credibility to guide the people to the right path. Therefore600 years after Jesus, God revived the lost message of previous prophets bysending the Prophet Muhammad with His final revelation, the Holy Quran, to allof mankind. Since the Prophet Muhammad was the final prophet, God Himself haspromised to preserve His last revealed words so that it is a source of guidancefor all humanity till the Last Day. It is now imperative for everyone tobelieve and follow this final message from God. God Almighty says in theQuran:
“We have notsent you (O Muhammad) but to all mankind as a giver of good news and as awarner, but most people do not know.” (Quran 34:28)
“Whoeverseeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in theHereafter he will be one of the losers.” (Quran 3:85)
The word “Muslim” means one who submits to thewill of God, regardless of his/her race, nationality or ethnic background.Hence, any person who is ready to submit to the will of God is eligible tobecome a Muslim.
Benefits of Converting to Islam
There are many benefits of converting to Islam.Some of them are:
• Oneforms a personal and direct relationship with God by worshipping Him alone,without the need of intermediaries. One feels this personal relationship andis aware that God knows everything and is there to assist him/her.
• Aperson realizes the true purpose of his or her life, which is to recognize Godand follow His commandments.
• Aperson is provided with a light, which guides him/her through life. Thereligion of Islam has answers to all situations, and one will always know theright steps to take in all aspects of life.
• Onefinds true happiness, tranquility, and inner peace.
• Uponconverting to Islam, all of one’s previous sins are forgiven, and one starts anew life of piety and righteousness. And as a Muslim, when one makes a mistakethereafter, he/she can always repent to God who forgives the sins of those whorepent to Him sincerely. There are no intermediaries or created beings to makeconfessions to.
• Oneachieves salvation from Hellfire, which all prophets have warned against.
• Thegreatest benefit is that a Muslim is promised by God the reward of eternalParadise (Heaven). Those who are blessed with Paradise, will live eternally inbliss without any sort of sickness, pain or sadness. God will be pleased withthem and they will be pleased with Him. Even the lowest in rank among thedwellers of Paradise will have ten times the like of this world, and they willhave whatever they desire. In fact, in Paradise there are pleasures that noeye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard, and no mind has ever thought of. Itwill be a very real life, not spiritual only, but physical as well.
To know more about some of the benefits in convertingto Islam, you may read this article “TheBenefits of Converting to Islam (3 parts)”.
How to Convert to Islam - The Testimony of Faith (Shahada)
Becoming a Muslim is a simple and easy process.All that a person has to do is to say a sentence called the Testimony of Faith(Shahada), which is pronounced as:
I testify “La ilaha illa Allah, Muhammadrasoolu Allah.”
These Arabic words mean, “There is no true god (deity)but God (Allah), and Muhammad is the Messenger (Prophet) of God.” Once aperson says the Testimony of Faith (Shahada) with conviction andunderstanding its meaning, then he/she has become a Muslim.
The first part, “There is no true deity butGod,” means that none has the right to be worshipped but God alone, and that Godhas neither partner nor son. The second part means that Muhammad was a trueProphet sent by God to humankind.
To be a Muslim, one should also:
- Believe thatthe Holy Quran is the literal word of God, revealed by Him.
- Believe thatthe Judgment Day (Resurrection Day) is true and will come.
- Believe inthe prophets that God sent and the books He revealed, and in His angels.
- Accept Islamas his/her religion.
- Not worship anythingnor anyone except God.
Itis that easy! To hear the Testimony (Shahada), click here or click on“Live Help” for immediate assistance by chat.
The conversion can be done alone, but it is muchbetter to do it with the help of one of our advisors through the “Live Help”,so we may help you in pronouncing it right and to provide you with importantpieces of information and advice that is especially prepared for new converts,to help them get started with their newfound faith.
Alternatively, we can call you over the phone tohelp you with the conversion process. In this case, please leave us your phonenumber and the suitable time to call through our Contact Us form.
You are Not Alone
If you have followed the guidance above andconverted to Islam by yourself, then rest assured that you are not alone, ratherthe same faith is shared by 1.7 billion people. We highly recommend that youinform us now through the Contact Us form or through the “Live Help”, so that we canprovide you with useful resources and advice, suitable for you as a new Muslim.
We congratulate you on your decision, welcomeyou to Islam, and will try our best to help you in any way we can! :)
Some Common Misconceptions
Some people may postpone their conversion toIslam, though they believe it to be the true religion of God, due to somemisconceptions. They may think that things like changing their name, knowingsome Arabic, informing others of their conversion, knowing some Muslims, or nothaving committed many sins, are conditions for conversion – however the realityis that none of these are valid excuses for delaying the conversion.
If you would like to learn more about these andother similar misconceptions, please read the article, “Iwant to be a Muslim but... Myths about Converting to Islam (3 parts)”.
For Those Not Yet Convinced
Islam claims to be the true way to God. Whatmakes one religion valid over other ideologies is the proofs it offers for itstruthfulness. Hence, one needs to look at these proofs, weigh them and takean informed decision. One needs to be sincere in one’s endeavour and above allseek the help of the Almighty to guide him/her to the right path.
If a person is still not convinced of thetruthfulness of Islam, then he/she can further look at the proofs Islamoffers. Islam offers overwhelming proofs of its truthfulness and is the onlyreligion that completely appeals to common sense.
Some of the proofs Islam offers are: thescientific proofs in the Quran, the miracles performed by the Prophet Muhammadand the prophesies of his coming in previous scriptures, the foretold eventsmentioned in the Quran that later came to pass, the unmet challenge of theQuran to bring even a chapter like it, and the divine wisdom in the laws andteachings of Islam that cover all aspects of life. To learn more about theproofs of Islam, please check the articles under this section, “Evidence Islamis Truth”.
If you would like to learn more about Islam andits fundamental beliefs and practices, then please refer to the article “What isIslam? (4 parts)”.
Our everlasting life in the Hereafter depends onwhat faith we choose to follow in this transient life, hence let us give thisstruggle the priority it deserves.
FAQs
How to Convert to Islam and Become a Muslim? ›
You have to believe that there is only one God, Allah, who created the entire universe, and that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is his final messenger on earth. If you recite this, with total sincerity, in front of two witnesses, you have become a Muslim. It really is as simple as that.
How can I convert myself into Muslim? ›For conversion to Islam, one needs to visit a mosque in the locality and take Shahada in the presence of a Maulvi and two major witnesses. Once the Shahada is performed, the Maulvi will issue a conversion certificate on the letterhead of the mosque, which is called a Shahada certificate.
How long does it take to convert to Muslim? ›Converting to Islam is basically the acknowledgment that the prophet Muhammad is the messenger of Allah and Allah is the one God. But Flower says his research is showing that it takes converts from six to 12 months between discovering Islam and that final step.
Can you do Shahada alone? ›You can take your shahada anywhere with any Muslim man or woman. You need two adult Muslim witnesses to be present. This can be in someone's home or workplace, in a garden, on the beach or on a mountain.
Do I have to change my name after converting to Islam? ›There's nothing in the Quran to suggest that converts to Islam must change their names at all. In fact, more than a few scholars and religious leaders believe that new Muslims should specifically avoid the practice.
What to say when you convert to Islam? ›haː. dah] ( listen), "the testimony"), also transliterated as Shahadah, is an Islamic oath, one of the Five Pillars of Islam and part of the Adhan. It reads: "I bear witness that there is no god but God, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of God."
Why do people convert to Islam? ›Individuals are motivated to convert for many reasons: some relate to personal transformation and identity, others to external social and political factors. Theological explanations are often given, and many converts consider themselves destined or called by God to turn to Islam.
Do you need witnesses to take shahada? ›Shahadas must be conducted with two Muslim witnesses present.
How many times do you say shahada? ›Facts about the Shahada
The Shahadah is recited in the Athan (call to prayer). Muslims recite the Shahadah once or twice in their Salah, which they are obliged to do during five different times of the day.
- Sign up for Classes at a Masjid/Mosque.
- Read the Books Provided in Your New Muslim Packet.
- Get a Mentor and/or Tutor.
- Attend Activities & Events at Your Masjid/Mosque.
- Ask Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala for Help.
- Make an Effort Every Day.
What happens at shahada? ›
Shahadah, profession of faith, is the first pillar of Islam. Muslims bear witness to the oneness of God by reciting the creed "There is no God but God and Muhammad is the Messenger of God." This simple yet profound statement expresses a Muslim's complete acceptance of and total commitment to Islam.
What's your Arabic name? ›Learn Arabic - How to Say "What is your name" in Arabic? - YouTube
What can Muslims not eat? ›Halal food requires that Allah's name is invoked at the time the animal is killed. Lamb, beef, goat and chicken, for example, are halal as long as a Muslim kills them and offers a prayer. Fish and eggs are also halal. All products from pork, carrion and blood are forbidden (haram), as are all types of alcohol.
Can Muslims drink alcohol? ›Although alcohol is considered haram (prohibited or sinful) by the majority of Muslims, a significant minority drinks, and those who do often outdrink their Western counterparts. Among drinkers, Chad and a number of other Muslim-majority countries top the global ranking for alcohol consumption.
How many people are leaving Islam? ›Citing a 2017 Pew Research survey, The Wall Street Journals Daniel Pipes stated that roughly a hundred thousand people in the United States may be leaving Islam annually, and even if new ones join Islam in similar numbers, still it is those who leave Islam who would ultimately influence the Islamic faith more than any ...
Who is the fastest growing religion in the world? ›Studies in the 21st century suggest that, in terms of percentage and worldwide spread, Islam is the fastest-growing major religion in the world.
Why do people convert to Islam? ›Individuals are motivated to convert for many reasons: some relate to personal transformation and identity, others to external social and political factors. Theological explanations are often given, and many converts consider themselves destined or called by God to turn to Islam.
How do you give a Shahada? ›How to Give Shahada in 10 Minutes (Part 1 of 8) - YouTube
How do I pray to Allah? ›Place your head, knees and hands on the floor. While "sujood" (prostration) make sure that your forehead and nose touch the ground. This is the position called "sajdah." When you are positioned fully, say Subhanna Rabbiyal A'laa (Glorious is my Lord, the most High) three times.
How many people are leaving Islam? ›Citing a 2017 Pew Research survey, The Wall Street Journals Daniel Pipes stated that roughly a hundred thousand people in the United States may be leaving Islam annually, and even if new ones join Islam in similar numbers, still it is those who leave Islam who would ultimately influence the Islamic faith more than any ...
What do you say when you convert to Islam? ›
haː. dah] ( listen), "the testimony"), also transliterated as Shahadah, is an Islamic oath, one of the Five Pillars of Islam and part of the Adhan. It reads: "I bear witness that there is no god but God, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of God."
Who is the fastest growing religion in the world? ›Studies in the 21st century suggest that, in terms of percentage and worldwide spread, Islam is the fastest-growing major religion in the world.
Do you have to go to mosque to take shahada? ›You can take shahada anywhere and at any time! This can be at home, at work, in a garden, beach or of course a mosque! Prophet Muhammad, ﷺ* said 'The whole earth has been made a mosque for me. '
How do you say shahada in English? ›Translation: “There is no God but God (Allah – i.e. there is none worthy of worship but Allah), and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.” It is the most sacred statement in Islam, and must be recited with full understanding and mindfulness of it's meaning.
What do you say after Wudu? ›The Dua after wudu is the shahada. Ash-hadu 'an laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu wa 'ash-hadu 'anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa Rasooluhu.
What is meant by Inshallah? ›Definition of inshallah
: if Allah wills : God willing.
- We praise Him as He has praised Himself. ...
- Praise Him as our beloved Messenger ﷺ praised Him. ...
- Praise Him with words used by the companions (radiy Allāhū 'anhum) and the pious predecessors.
- Praise Him with one's own words emanating from the heart, so long as it does not contradict sound beliefs.
The prayer itself can be done in as little as five minutes, and can be performed solo or with a group. It involves rakats — a sequence of movements and postures such as standing, bowing, kneeling and touching the ground with the forehead while reciting specific verses from the Quran.