How to Enter Islam

What is the way to enter Islam?

Entering Islam is achieved through the following steps:

First: Inner Belief (Faith of the Heart)

A person must firmly believe in their heart in the following:

  • That Allah is One, without any partner. He is the Creator and Sustainer, and He alone is worthy of worship.
  • That Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is the servant and Messenger of Allah, whom Allah sent with guidance and the true religion.
  • Belief in the message of Islam as a whole, which includes belief in:
    the angels, the revealed books, the messengers, the Last Day, and divine decree (both good and bad).

Second: Pronouncing the Two Testimonies of Faith (Shahada)

After having inner belief, the person entering Islam pronounces the two testimonies of faith:

“I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”

It is recommended to say it in Arabic, but if it is said in one’s own language with understanding of its meaning, the person’s Islam is valid.

Its meaning is:

That there is no true god worthy of worship except Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He), and that Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is the servant and Messenger of Allah, who conveyed the message from Allah Almighty.

Third: Ritual Bath (Recommended after Accepting Islam)

It is recommended for the new Muslim to perform a complete ritual bath (ghusl) as a form of purification and a fresh beginning.

Important Matters:

  • The new Muslim should know that all previous sins are forgiven upon entering Islam.
  • The new Muslim should also know that they have become a brother or sister to all Muslims across the world. Muslims are all brothers and sisters, even if they differ in color, race, or ethnicity.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“The example of the believers in their mutual love, mercy, and compassion is like that of a single body; when one part of it suffers, the rest of the body responds with sleeplessness and fever.”

(Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim)

After Entering Islam, the Muslim Gradually Begins to:

  • Learn the basics of purification and ablution (wudu).
  • Establish and maintain the prayer, which is the greatest pillar of Islam after the two testimonies of faith.
  • Then learn and practice the remaining pillars of Islam according to one’s ability and knowledge, in accordance with Islamic legislation, such as zakah (charity), fasting, and pilgrimage (Hajj).

All praise is due to Allah for the blessing of Islam.