How To Convert To Islam

Sitting quietly by yourself, make your intention, either silently or out loud, to convert to Islam to please God alone, not for personal gain or to please other people.

Read out loud this statement in Arabic: “Ash-shadu an laa ill-laaha illa-lah.” This means in English: “I testify there is no God but God.”

Read aloud this statement: “Wa ash-shadu anna Muhammadun-a rasuulu-lah.” This means “And I testify that Muhammad is the prophet of God.”

Repeat Steps 3 and 4. These two statements are known as the shahadah, or testament of faith, and they comprise the first pillar of Islam.

Take a shower or bath, completely immersing your hair and body. With this washing, you are shedding all of the sins you may have committed before becoming Muslim.

Accept God’s mercy in forgiving all your past sins. It’s part of the gift of becoming Muslim.

Use this time to pray for others. God says the prayer of a new convert is likely to be accepted.

Begin to practice the other pillars of Islam as soon as you are ready. Most immediately, this means offering the five daily prayers.

Some converts like to start using an Arabic name in addition to or instead of their given name. Changing your name, however, is not required.

When you are ready, begin to tell your friends, family, and co-workers that you have embraced Islam. Be patient with them if they express alarm or hostility. Don’t forget that there was a time when you, too, knew little about Islam.

Gradually incorporate other aspects of Islam into your life, whether that means dressing more modestly, reading the Quran, or visiting the mosque. While you may be tempted to completely change your lifestyle right away, realize that making slow, deliberate changes will serve you better in the long run.