Question
How to become a Muslim and how to take shahadah?
Bottom Line
Just say it with heart: “Ash-hadu alla ilaha illa-Allah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan Rasul-Allah.” You’re now part of the ummah. Welcome home.
Quick Answer
No witnesses, courts, or paperwork are required. Allah knows your heart. Becoming Muslim is simple: pronounce the shahadah with belief and conviction. Registration may help practically (like for Hajj), but it’s not a condition. What matters most is sincerity, not ceremony.
Key Takeaways
- Islam is entered by saying the shahadah with conviction.
- No certificate, scholar, or court is required.
- Faith must be in the heart, not just on the tongue.
Detailed Answer
Clearing Misconceptions About Conversion
Some think conversion requires scholars, courts, or certificates. Islam recognizes the sincerity of the heart above all formalities.
Is Becoming a Muslim Difficult?
It’s simple and direct. Registration with authorities may help with legal and practical matters like Hajj or Umrah, but it is not a condition to become Muslim.
How to Enter Islam
The role of intention and conviction is key. To enter Islam, testify:
Ash-hadu alla ilaha illa-Allah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan Rasul-Allah
“I bear witness there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
Phonetic breakdown:
Ash-hadu an laa ilaaha ill-Allah
Wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan Rasool-Allah
Meaning of the Shahadah
The first part affirms Tawheed: Allah is One, the only One worthy of worship. The second part affirms that Muhammad ﷺ is the final Messenger of Allah, to be followed and obeyed.
The Qur’an says:
“Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam.” Qur’an 3:19
“Whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted from him.” Qur’an 3:85
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Islam is built upon five: the testimony that there is no deity but Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger, establishing prayer, giving zakah, fasting Ramadan, and Hajj.” Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 8, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 16
Life After Shahadah
Becoming Muslim is a new beginning. Rejecting false beliefs and embracing righteousness.
Worship in Islam
Worship means submission and obedience to Allah. It comes in two forms:
Visible Worship (Five Pillars)
- Declare the Shahadah
- Pray Salah five times daily (except when excused, e.g., menstruation)
- Fast in Ramadan each year (except for illness, travel, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menstruation)
- Give zakah once a year if eligible (only if wealth reaches nisab and held for one lunar year)
- Perform Hajj once in a lifetime (only if physically and financially able)
Invisible Worship (Core Beliefs)
- Believe in Allah – Allah is the only God worthy of worship.
- Believe in angels – Angels are Allah’s creations who carry out His commands.
- Believe in prophets – Prophets were chosen to guide mankind with Allah’s message.
- Believe in the revealed books – Scriptures like the Qur’an were revealed as guidance.
- Believe in the Last Day – Everyone will be resurrected and judged by Allah.
- Believe in divine destiny – All good and bad is decreed by Allah’s wisdom.
What’s Next for a New Muslim
Simply declare faith. Taking a full bath (ghusl) is optional. Begin learning prayer and the basics of Islam. Live by Islamic principles: love for the sake of Allah, reject falsehood. Surround yourself with a supportive Muslim community.
What This Means for You
Becoming Muslim is not a long process or a legal hurdle. If your heart believes, just say the shahadah. That’s your entry into the family of Islam. Certificates or witnesses may help later with paperwork, but your Islam starts the moment you declare it.
We conclude with a humble prayer to Allah that He may cleanse the hearts and souls of those who are genuine seekers of truth, and may He bless the community of believers.
And Allah knows best.
References
Primary Sources
Qur’an
- Surah Aal ‘Imran 3:19: Islam is the true religion.
- Surah Aal ‘Imran 3:85: No religion other than Islam is accepted.
Hadith
- Sahih al-Bukhari 8, Book of Faith, Hadith 37: Islam is built on five pillars.
- Sahih Muslim 16, Book of Faith, Hadith 19: Islam is built on five pillars.
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