How To Become A Muslim: A Complete Guide
Islam – The Fastest Growing Religion
Islam is the fastest-growing religion, attracting new followers from various religions all over the world. Many embrace it due to personal conviction, marriage, or increased exposure to Islamic teachings. These factors inspire people to consider adopting the religion, often finding peace and purpose in its message.
Who is a Muslim?
Becoming a Muslim is a simple act with a deep meaning—it begins by declaring belief in one God, Allah, who created the entire universe, and acknowledging Muhammad, peace be upon him, as the final messenger on earth. Muslims are united as members of one global family or Ummah, connecting all Muslims around the world and those who have ever existed.
First Thing to Do
The first step to become a Muslim is declaring the Shahada (ٱلشَّهَادَةُ) with sincerity, which is a simple statement recited in Arabic lines affirming the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad. This declaration is often made before an Imam or witnesses and signifies that the person has sincerely entered the fold of Islam. Taking a bath as a symbolic act to wash away the past further completes this profound moment.
”Ashadu Anlla Ilaaha IalaAllahu , Wa Ashadu Inna Muhammadan Rasulullah .”
- In Arabic:
أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله وأشهد أن محمدا رسول الله
Translation:
“I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I also bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.”
Circumcision
For males, it is recommended to circumcise, which can be done at a local mosque or a nearby clinic. The procedure is performed in a sterile environment by qualified experts and remains a personal decision for the person to make.
Perform Islamic obligations
Islam requires Muslims to fulfill obligations, divided into Fard al-Ayn (individual obligations) and Fard al-Kifaya (community obligations). Praying and fasting during Ramadan are essential for every Muslim as personal duties, while acts like funeral prayers for a deceased community member fall on the community as a whole. If no one performs such duties, the fault lies with the entire community.
Six Articles of Faith
1: Allah
God, the creator of the universe, is the only being worthy of worship in Islam, embodying ultimate power and perfection.
2: Angels
Angels are unquestioning servants of God’s divine will, carrying out His commands with complete obedience.
3: His Scripture
The Quran, revealed to Muhammad by angel Gabriel, is the final and complete reflection of God’s perfect will. Unlike Christian and Jewish scriptures, it is a holy book preserved by Allah with its content unchanged over time.
4: His Messengers
God sent Prophets like Jesus, Abraham, and many others to preach His word and guide humanity on earth.
5: The Day of Judgement
God will eventually raise all to life for judgment at a time known only to Him, where deeds will be weighed and justice served.
6: Fate
God has ordained all things, and nothing occurs without His will and pre-knowledge, guiding every aspect of creation with wisdom.
Core Principles of Islam
1: Monotheism
A Muslim believes in the oneness of Allah, affirming there is no god except the one true God who alone deserves worship.
2: Prophethood
A Muslim believes in prophethood, recognizing Muhammad as the final messenger of Allah. They also honor earlier prophets like Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and many others, who were sent to guide humanity.
3: Revelation
Allah revealed the Quran as the holy book of Islam, delivered to Muhammad as a source of guidance for humanity. It is considered the literal word of Allah and the ultimate source of authority for all Muslims.
Five Pillars of Islam
Every Muslim is expected to fulfill the five pillars of Islam, which are fundamental acts of worship and religious obligations. These pillars must be learnt and practiced to truly become a devoted follower of Islam.
1: Shahada
The Shahada is the first pillar of Islam and a declaration of faith stating, “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.” By saying it with sincerity, a person affirms their belief in the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad. It is the foundation of being a Muslim and connects individuals to the core principles of Islam.
2: Salah
Every Muslim is required to pray five times a day at set times, always facing Mecca. Salah can be performed anywhere, including mosques, with men and women praying separately—in front, behind, or in separate rooms—following a specific method.
Wudu or Ghusl (Purification)
Before prayer, a state of ritual purity is required through Wudu (ablution), involving washing key body parts like hands, mouth, nose, face, forearms, head, ears, and feet. For major ritual impurity from intimacy or menstruation, Ghusl (a full ritual bath) is essential before starting Salah.
Find a clean and quiet place
To pray, find a clean area free from distractions, preferably in a mosque for congregation or a suitable private space if that’s not possible.
Facing the Qibla
For Salah, stand facing the Qibla, which is the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Use a compass or a Qibla-finding app to locate the correct direction.
Intention
Before praying, make an intention in your heart for the specific prayer you will perform, like intending to pray Fajr at dawn with two units for the sake of Allah.
Takbiratul Ihram
Start Salah by raising your hands to the level of your shoulders or ears, while saying Allahu Akbar, meaning Allah is the greatest, marking the beginning of Salah.
Recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha and Additional Verses
In Salah, recite Surah Al-Fatiha, the first chapter of the Quran, followed by additional verses or chapters, either silently or aloud depending on the prayer.
Ruk’ah
Say Allahu Akbar and bow at the waist, placing your hands on your knees. In this position, pause briefly while glorifying Allah.
Standing Up from Ruk’ah
Rise from the bowing position while saying Sami’Allahu liman hamidah (Allah hears those who praise Him), and then say Rabbana wa lakal hamd (Our Lord, all praise is for You).
Sujood
Say Allahu Akbar and move into prostration, placing your forehead, nose, hands, knees, and toes firmly on the ground. This position is repeated twice in each unit of prayer.
Tashahhud and Salaam
After the second prostration, sit up and recite the Tashahhud, a supplication and acknowledgment of Allah’s presence. At the end of the prayer, turn your head to the right and say Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah (Peace and mercy of Allah), then repeat the greeting by turning to the left.
Prayer Units
Each Salah has a specific number of units (Farz, or Mandatory prayers): Fajr has two, Dhuhr and Asr have four, Maghrib has three, and Isha has four. To properly perform Salah, learn the actions, steps, recitations, and supplications from a knowledgeable Muslim, imam, or mentor, using resources like books and online tutorials as a guide.
3: Zakat: The Obligation of Giving
Zakat is an obligatory act of worship for Muslims, requiring those above the subsistence level to pay 2.5% of their annual savings to support the poor and those in need. It is an important pillar of faith, as mentioned in the Qur’an, and is considered a form of worship that pleases God and purifies wealth, while the remaining 97.5% is retained. Unlike spontaneous charity (Sadaqah), Zakat follows specific criteria and serves as a wealth tax to ensure welfare.
Understanding Zakat Eligibility:
Zakat is obligatory for individuals whose wealth exceeds the Nisab threshold, which is the minimum amount to be liable. This amount is determined by the value of gold or silver, converted into the equivalent local currency. It is important to check the current threshold applicable in your region before calculating your Zakat.
Calculate your Zakat
Zakat is calculated as 2.5% of your eligible wealth, which includes cash, savings, gold, silver, and business assets. It applies to all forms of wealth held for a lunar year or more.
Determine the Zakat recipients
Zakat should be given to specific categories of eligible recipients, as mentioned in the Quran, Surah At-Tawbah, verse 60. These include the poor, needy, and other deserving groups.
The poor and needy
Zakat is given to those who lack basic needs or do not have enough to meet their daily necessities.
The destitute
Zakat supports those burdened by debts that prevent them from fulfilling their basic need
Zakat administrators
Zakat can be given to individuals entrusted with the collection and distribution of it.
The newly converted to Islam
Zakat can assist new Muslims or those with their hearts inclined to Islam, providing support to individuals in need.
Freeing slaves
Zakat can be used for the emancipation of slaves and captives, aiding their freedom.
Those in debt
Zakat can support individuals burdened by debts and unable to repay them.
In the cause of Allah
Zakat can fund charitable projects, promote welfare, and assist in supporting the spread of Islam.
Pay Zakat
To pay Zakat, identify eligible recipients or give through charitable organizations via cash or bank transfers. Unlike voluntary charity (Sadaqah), Zakat is an Islamic obligation tied to your earnings and brings spiritual rewards for helping others.Seek guidance from scholars or experts in Islamic finance to ensure compliance with regional practices.
4: Sawm
A Muslim observes fasting during Ramadan from first light until sunset, abstaining from food, drink, sex, and smoking as an act of ritual purification. It helps understand the hungry and encourages giving money to the poor while avoiding alcohol (khamr) and drugs forever.
5: Hajj
Hajj is the sacred pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and is required once in a lifetime for those who are physically and financially capable.
Conclusion How to become a Muslim
Embarking on the spiritual journey to become a Muslim begins with belief in God (Allah) as the Creator of the universe and Muhammad as the final messenger. By sincerely reciting the Shahada before witnesses or an Imam, you affirm your commitment to the core principles of Islam, including Monotheism (Tawhid), Prophethood (Risalah), and the Revelation of the Quran. Understanding the five pillars—faith, prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage—provides a foundation for practicing Islam and connecting with the Muslim community.
To deepen your knowledge, consider joining Our Courses, offering step-by-step guidance and access to inspiring stories of individuals who embraced Islam. With an affordable monthly fee and a free trial, these resources make it simple and easy to learn and engage with fellow Muslims. You’ll find support through relatable examples and the shared experiences of others, ensuring you’re never alone on this path to faith and fulfillment.