How to Convert to Islam?
The one that converts to Islam embraces the folds of this faith because they chose to
voluntarily submit and surrender to the Will of God, in exchange for the ultimate acquisition
of peace and contentment in this life and in the hereafter.
The one that is converting accepts the Islamic belief that, in order to achieve true peace
of mind and surety of heart, one must submit to the Ultimate Creator, the One True God,
and live according to His Divinely revealed Laws.
The one that converts comes to the understanding that no one is worthy of his worship and veneration
except the One True Creator, the Creator of this World and everything in it.
He realizes that the only true purpose of his life to find God, build a relationship
with Him, and follow His commandments.
The one that is converting comes to the realization that God the Almighty would not leave him
or her in the darkness without showing them and guiding them regarding the manner in which
He wants them to live.
To this end, He (God) chose Messengers and Prophets throughout history to send to different
nations at different times to communicate His Message to humanity, to demonstrate how
one should live, and to teach mankind about Himself.
In addition, these prophets came with glad tidings, stating that whoever Worships the
One God without any partners and lives a righteous life while obeying God’s commands will enter
Paradise eternally; and whoever worships anyone other than Allah and does not follow God’s
commandments will enter the hellfire eternally.
Islam is not a new religion, but rather embodies the eternal act of submitting to the will
of God.
It is, indeed, the only acceptable religion in the sight of God.
Islam is the true natural religion and offers the same message revealed through the ages
to all of God’s Prophets and Messengers.
The one that is converting realizes that Islam will change his or her life for the better
and that Islam will provide the light to guide them in their life as well as grant them true
salvation from the eternal hellfire.
The one that searches for his purpose in life, as well as for his Creator, and is sincere
and curious to learn the truth, that person will eventually be guided to the Truth by
the Will of God, and by His Mercy, Love, and Justice.
God guides those whom He wills and those whom He pleases.
My dear brother or sister, if you have the desire to be a Muslim and have a strong conviction
and belief that Islam is the true religion of God, then you are ready to embrace the
folds of Islam.
In Islam, every action begins with one’s intention, so one starts by setting the intention
in their heart to embrace Islam for the sake of God alone.
It’s highly recommended that you first take a bath or shower to symbolically purify and
cleanse yourself of your past life and your past sins.
It’s also recommended that you wear good clothes on the day of conversion.
Unlike other religions, the act of converting to Islam does not involve any rituals, ceremonials,
nor baptisms.
All one has to do is declare the testimony of faith, which is known as the Shahada in
Arabic, or the declaration of faith in English, which is the first of five pillars of Islam.
These two statements encapsulate all of the beliefs of Islam:
أشهدأن لا إله إلا الله وأشهد أن محمدا عبده ورسوله
‘I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness
that Muhammad is his servant and messenger’
One can simply state this phrase in privacy by himself, or can do so in public with witnesses,
especially those who could help them pronounce the wording in Arabic accurately.
The testimony of faith is recommended and often done publicly, in a Mosque or gathering.
One testifies, acknowledges, and expresses that he/she is fully convinced, with no doubt,
that there is no deity worthy of worship and veneration other than Allah.
Allah is the unique name of God.
One acknowledges that there is Only One God who is the Sustainer, the Creator, who is
in control of all matters and all things, who has no partners, no children, nor associates.
He is the Most-High, Most-Merciful, All-Knowing, All-Wise, All-Seeing, All-Hearing, He is the
First, He is the Last.
One also testifies and acknowledges that Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him is the last
and final messenger of God, who was sent to relay the same general message as the prophets
before him.
He is the best example and role model for humanity, a slave and worshipper of Allah
and should not be wrongly worshipped like past Prophets--who were only human messengers
of God, and not God himself.
After one completes his testimony of faith, that individual is now officially Muslim.
As a new convert, one does not need to be burdened by his or her past sins committed
before their acceptance, as all of their past sins would be absolved, and they would start
with a clean slate--as free of sin as a newborn child.
Not only that, but all of their past sins would be converted to good deeds.
One should attempt to the best of his ability to keep his slate clean as much as possible
and do as many good deeds as he or she can.
The new convert should make a lot of supplications to God, asking him to continue to guide him/her
to the straight path and lead him/her to Paradise and everything else they desire—in this
world and beyond.
After the conversion process comes the time to start gradually learning more about Islam
and practicing it by performing the five mandatory ritualized prayers that Muslims perform daily.
A new convert should not try to learn all aspects of the faith at once, as they may
end up feeling overwhelmed.
Instead, one should continue to learn and grow his faith over an extended time period.
It's highly recommended that the convert finds a local Mosque or local Islamic community
and attend their gatherings, seek Muslim support, and make new friends.
One should also start to give charity and fast in the month of Ramadan, both of which
are mandatory upon every Muslim.
For people still unsure as to whether or not they should convert to Islam, they can pray
to God without specifically naming him; just pray out and say, ‘Oh you who created me,
please guide me to the truth!’
Also, continue to research and look further at the overwhelming evidence and proofs that
Islam offers to affirm its existence and validity.
Do not procrastinate, and do not take this matter of faith lightly, as you are not guaranteed
tomorrow!
Your test-- your life, can end at any moment.
Realize, my dear brother or sister, that you did come to this video by random or chance.
You were guided here by your Creator.
May your journey to the answer, and
to the truth, be pleasant and successful.