Entering Islam (The Shahada)
Suggest editThe Testimony of Faith
A person enters Islam by sincerely declaring the shahada (testimony of faith): 'Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan Rasulullah' (I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah). This declaration, made with understanding and conviction, is all that is required to become a Muslim.
Conditions of the Shahada
Scholars identify seven conditions for the shahada to be valid and accepted: Knowledge (Ilm): Understanding what it means. Certainty (Yaqin): Having no doubt about it. Acceptance (Qabul): Accepting all its implications. Submission (Inqiyad): Acting upon what it requires. Truthfulness (Sidq): Meaning it sincerely, not just verbally. Sincerity (Ikhlas): Saying it purely for Allah. Love (Mahabbah): Loving what it requires and its people.
After Accepting Islam
Upon accepting Islam: all previous sins are forgiven completely. The Prophet said: 'Islam erases what came before it' (Sahih Muslim 121). The new Muslim is encouraged to perform ghusl (full bath), learn the basics of prayer, and begin studying the fundamentals of faith. Community support and education are essential during this transition.
Practical Steps
New Muslims should: find a supportive Muslim community, learn how to pray (the most urgent obligation), begin reading the Quran in translation, study the basics of tawhid and the pillars of Islam, and take the process of learning gradually. The Prophet advised: 'Make things easy and do not make them difficult' (Sahih al-Bukhari 69).