How to become a Muslim, A guide and advice for new Muslims

This little guide is for anyone wishing to become a Muslim. What a joy to know that you’ve finally found the way, the truth. I’m sure you’ve already realized Islam’s simplicity, common sense, and logic: a Creator and creatures. In Islam, there is no intermediary between Allah and His creatures. The connection is simple and direct. Here are a few humble tips to help you, Insha Allah.

What do we gain by becoming Muslims?

• We feel a personal relationship and direct contact with God without going through any intermediary, and this relationship with the Creator. We are aware that God knows everything and is there to help us.
• We realize what we were created to do: recognize God and follow His commandments, thus entering into harmony with the universe and becoming at peace with ourselves.
• Once converted to Islam, our sins are forgiven, and we begin a new life of piety and righteousness. Also, as a Muslim, when we make a mistake later on, we can always repent to God, who forgives the sins of those who sincerely repent to Him. And here again, there’s no need to confess to an intermediary.
• It’s a way of life based on simple, logical concepts. There’s nothing far-fetched about Islam. Everything in Islam is synonymous with “common sense.” In Islam, there are answers to every situation, and you’ll always know the right steps to take in every aspect of life.
• Salvation from hell, against which all the prophets warned.
• The most significant benefit of converting to Islam is that God promises Muslims eternal Paradise. And those to whom God grants this immense retribution will live in eternal happiness, never interrupted by sickness, pain, or sadness. God will be pleased with them, and they will be pleased with Him. Even those occupying the lowest position in Paradise will obtain ten times the equivalent of this world and have everything they desire. There are things in Paradise that no eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard, and no mind has ever conceived. And life there will be real, both physical and spiritual.
• We live by noble values such as human equality, tolerance, justice, mercy, forgiveness, and solidarity.
• We finally rediscover an authentic message from God, not created or constantly modified by man.
• We finally experience inner peace and understand what happiness is.

I want to become a Muslim, but…

“There is no god but God.” It’s a simple statement that should make conversion to Islam straightforward. There is only one God and one true religion—nothing could be simpler. However, every time a person realizes the truth and wants to become a Muslim, Satan introduces the word “but.” “I want to be a Muslim… BUT… But I’m not ready. But I don’t speak Arabic. But I don’t want to change my name.” God has warned us against Satan and his wiles, reminding us to stay vigilant against the excuses that can deter us from following the path of truth.

Here are some of the myths that prevent people from converting to Islam.

I want to be a Muslim, but I don’t want to change my name.

A person who embraces Islam does not necessarily have to change his or her name. The Prophet Muhammad(ﷺ), may God’s mercy and blessings be upon him, taught that everyone is entitled to a good name, one that has meaning or character. For most people, this is not an issue; however, if you discover that your name has a negative meaning or is associated with sinners or tyrants, it is advisable to change it to something more positive. If a person’s name represents an idol or signifies servitude to anything or anyone other than God, then it must be changed. Remember, though, that Islam is meant to be easy. If officially changing your name would cause difficulty, distress, or harm, using the new name informally among friends and family would suffice.

I want to be a Muslim, but I don’t speak Arabic.

Islam is a religion revealed to all the peoples of the world and will remain until the end of time. Contrary to popular belief, it is not exclusive to Arabs or Arabic speakers. 4 out of 5 Muslims are not Arabs.

A person can become a Muslim without knowing any Arabic; not knowing the language does not affect their ability to be a good Muslim. However, the Quran will always be in Arabic, and daily prayers must be recited in Arabic to continue the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad(ﷺ). Thus, while learning Arabic is not necessary for conversion, a person will inevitably pick up a few words here and there.

If a person cannot learn the few words of Arabic needed for prayers, whether due to a language barrier or an inability to pronounce Arabic, they should do their best. However, if they cannot do so, this obligation no longer applies, as God does not burden a person beyond their capacity. God has made reciting the Quran easy, so one must try their best before giving up.

I’m interested in becoming a Muslim, but I’m aware that there are certain sins I might not be able to avoid.

If a person sincerely believes that there is no god but Allah, he should embrace Islam without delay, even if he anticipates continuing to commit sins. When someone is accustomed to a life without structured moral principles, Islam’s rules and prohibitions might initially seem daunting. For instance, Muslims abstain from alcohol and pork, pray five times a day, and Muslim women wear headscarves covering their hair and chests. Observing these practices might lead some to think they could never give up drinking or manage to pray so frequently.

However, once a person accepts Allah’s oneness and starts developing a relationship with Him, these rules become less daunting and more of a pathway to spiritual growth. This transformation is a gradual process in which the individual, joyous about their newfound connection with God, strives to please Him through their actions.

The journey into these practices varies greatly among individuals—it could take days, weeks, months, or even years. Everyone progresses at their own pace in Islam, and no single path is superior.

It’s important to remember that God forgives all sins. Through God’s mercy, a believer can enter Paradise despite their sins. In contrast, a non-believer, who either worships other gods or denies God’s existence, faces eternal damnation.

Therefore, it is far better to be a Muslim who sins and seeks forgiveness than to avoid embracing Islam out of fear of sinning.

I want to become a Muslim, but I’m afraid of how others will react.

Nothing in this world should prevent a person from converting to Islam. If someone fears the reaction of family, friends, and colleagues and isn’t ready to inform them of their conversion, they can initially practice Islam in secret and reveal it when they feel prepared. Over time, as their faith strengthens and their self-confidence grows, they will be better equipped to handle the situation. Often, new Muslims feel so liberated and joyful after converting that they are eager to share their new faith with the world.

It’s wise to gradually prepare your friends and family for the changes you plan to make. Begin by discussing your belief in God and your general interest in religion, showing openness towards various faiths. When someone starts practicing Islam, the changes in their demeanor, such as increased respectfulness and a more serene attitude, become noticeable.

Islam is a way of life, making it challenging to conceal for an extended period. It’s important to understand that reactions to your conversion will vary. Some might celebrate your decision, while others may initially feel upset or disappointed. However, many will accept your new path over time, particularly when they observe positive changes in you. Remain steadfast and confident in God’s love, knowing that your actions and words could inspire others to explore Islam. Trust in God, learn your faith well and let your transformation reflect the spirit of Islam.

You don’t need to know any Muslims to convert to Islam. Many discover its beauty through books, TV programs, or the local community, even without personal interactions with Muslims. Converting to Islam involves simply making the declaration of faith: “I attest that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad(ﷺ) is His Messenger.” You can declare the shahada anywhere; it doesn’t need to be in a mosque or front of witnesses, though doing so can connect you with a supportive community.

If you decide to recite the shahada alone, consider reaching out to Muslims afterward through a local mosque, Islamic center, or university Muslim student association. If you’re comfortable, introduce yourself to Muslims in your area. Even if there are no Muslims nearby, remember that you are part of a global community of over a billion Muslims.

I want to become a Muslim, but I don’t want to be circumcised.

The Prophet Muhammad(ﷺ) stated that every child is born in a state of Fitrah, which means innate purity and a natural understanding of God. The Prophet’s teachings, or hadiths, specify that five conditions are consistently associated with Fitrah throughout a person’s life:

This practice was endorsed by all of God’s prophets, who encouraged it among their followers.

Most Muslim scholars agree that circumcision is obligatory under normal conditions. However, if there is a valid reason to believe it could cause unreasonable harm, it is no longer obligatory. If a man cannot be circumcised due to concerns about potential harm or significant distress, he is not required to undergo the procedure. Furthermore, circumcision should not be considered a barrier to converting to Islam. In other words, it is not a prerequisite for a man to become a Muslim, nor does it prevent him from leading others in prayer.

I want to become a Muslim, but I’m white.

Islam was revealed to all peoples of the world, not to any specific race or group. It offers a complete way of life based on the teachings of the Quran and the hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad(ﷺ). Although the Quran was revealed in Arabic and the Prophet was an Arab, this does not mean that all Muslims are Arabs or that all Arabs are Muslims. The vast majority of the world’s 1.4 billion Muslims are not Arabs.

Therefore, you do not need to belong to any particular race to become a Muslim. In his last sermon, the Prophet Muhammad(ﷺ) reiterated this truth:

I want to become a Muslim, but I don’t know much about Islam.

You don’t have to know Islam inside out to become a Muslim. It’s enough to understand the meaning of the creed and the six pillars of faith. Once a person has converted to Islam, they can then take their time to study it in more detail. There’s no point in rushing into it and being completely overwhelmed. It’s better to go slowly but steadily at your own pace. A Muslim never stops learning; it’s a process that continues until death.

I want to become a Muslim, but I feel I’ve committed too many sins.

When a person pronounces the attestation of faith (shahada), he becomes as pure as a newborn. All past sins, no matter how serious, are erased. They are freed from all their sins and face a new life, a new beginning.

No one is ever forced to accept the truth of Islam. But if your heart tells you that there is only one God worthy of worship, don’t hesitate.

How to convert to Islam

Becoming a Muslim is simple and easy. All one has to do is recite a phrase called the attestation of faith (shahada). The shahada is pronounced as follows:

“I attest that ‘La ilaha illa Allah, Muhammad rasul Allah.'”

These words in Arabic mean, “There is no true god (divinity) except God (Allah), and Muhammad(ﷺ) is His messenger (prophet).” Once a person has sincerely pronounced this attestation of faith (shahada), fully believing in it and understanding its meaning, they become a Muslim.

The first part, “There is no true divinity except God,” means that no one has the right to be worshipped except God and that God has no associates or sons. The second part means that Muhammad(ﷺ) was a true prophet sent by God to all mankind.

To be a Muslim, a person must also:

• Believe that the Quran is the literal word of God, revealed by Him.
• Believe that the Day of Judgment (or Day of Resurrection) is real and will come without a shadow of a doubt.
• Believe in the Prophets God has sent, the Books He has revealed, and His angels.
• Accept Islam as their religion.
• Worship no one or anything but God.

Some advice for new Muslims

1) Go at your own pace and apply what you learn as you go. For example, for sisters, if you’re not ready to wear the hijab, that’s no reason to drop everything. Ask God to give you the strength to do it. God knows what’s in your heart and your reasons. No one but Him can judge you. Don’t compare yourself to other new Muslims. Everyone is different, and everyone will find it more or less difficult to put something into practice.

2) Don’t hesitate to ask the Muslims around you for help. Many Muslims don’t realize that new Muslims are like newborns and need to learn the basics of Islam. For many, you “probably” already know everything about Islam. Others won’t approach you for fear of bothering you. That doesn’t mean they don’t think about you or want to help. If they don’t make the first move, ask questions. They must help you, and Muslims love to assist their brothers and sisters.

3) Don’t hesitate to go to the mosque. No one will harm you. Some people might look at you sideways, but don’t waste your time on them. Most converts say they were worried about going to the mosque for the first time. Now, they often feel “silly” for being scared for nothing. You’ll meet your brothers and sisters in Islam by going to the mosque. Don’t hesitate, go for it!

4) Try to mix with those you want to be like. As the saying goes, “Birds of a feather flock together.” The reverse also works. You’re more likely to be good when you’re with good people. If you know someone you’d like to emulate, spend time with them. They’ll be happy to help you follow God’s way.

5) Distinguish between Islam and those who call themselves Muslims without truly obeying God. You may see Muslim women who don’t wear the hijab or Muslims who drink alcohol, slander, lie, or steal. Many “Muslims” are Muslims by “heritage.” Islam is not inherited; it’s a choice. If you don’t study Islam, you can’t know what it is. Unfortunately, many “native” Muslims don’t fully understand their faith. For some, being Muslim boils down to “not eating pork.” May Allah help them see things more clearly.

6) In your research, don’t hesitate to ask for sources of particular assertions so as not to follow personal opinions blindly. Muslims base their beliefs on two things: the Quran and the Sunnah (tradition) of the Prophet Muhammad(ﷺ). When someone asserts something (and if they’re not a teacher in a Quranic school), ask for sources. If something seems off, ask other brothers and sisters for explanations. They’ll be happy to help.

7) Be patient with yourself. It’s normal that you can’t become a perfect Muslim overnight. The Prophet Muhammad(ﷺ) said that those who “know” are those who apply what they learn. Someone may know more about Islam than you, but if they don’t apply it, their knowledge is useless. Go slowly but surely.

8) Be patient with your parents. Due to the media portrayal of Islam in the West, many associate Islam with violence, oppression, misogyny, etc. Your parents probably see Islam this way. Don’t try to prove you’re right about everything. Give them time to adjust. Let them see that Islam makes you better every day. If you follow the Quran and Sunnah, your actions will speak for themselves. They’ll see clearly, Insha Allah.

9) Pay attention to the difference between Islam and cultures (Moroccan, Algerian, Afghan, Turkish, etc.). Many Muslims still fail to distinguish between pure Islam and the cultural practices of their countries. Always ask for proof (Quranic verses, hadith, fatwa) to verify that a practice is truly Islamic.

10) If something you’re told sounds questionable, ask around. Nothing in Islam goes against common sense. If you encounter something that seems nonsensical, it might not be part of Islam and could be related to a specific culture. Be cautious about the books you read, as many books on Islam in the occident are written by non-Muslims, often orientalists. Ask for recommendations to build a reliable Islamic library at home.

11) Be patient. Remember that only God knows the future. Put your trust in God. When you get what you want, thank God. When you don’t, still thank God because you don’t know His plans. Often, what seems like a misfortune can lead to greater happiness. We can’t know this in advance and often complain needlessly.

12) Be patient and fair in all situations. God will reward you for your perseverance and righteousness.