I want to become Muslim now

If you sincerely believe that there is no deity worthy of worship besides Allah and that Muhammad (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) is His messenger, you can pronounce the shahada now, wherever you are: no mosque, no witness and no formality is necessary, and Islam erases all that precedes it (Sahih Muslim 121). First read its meaning, pronounce it with conviction, then follow the first steps: invocation, recommended full ablution, and learning the prayer.

Becoming Muslim now: before pronouncing the shahada

Simply check that your heart admits these points: Allah is the unique Creator, without associate, alone worthy of worship; Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His messenger and the last of the prophets (Quran 47:19); the Quran is Allah's word.

You do not need to know everything or understand everything: the sincere conviction of these bases suffices, and the rest is learned.

If that is your case, you are ready now.

Pronouncing the shahada

Choose a calm moment. Pronounce, aloud or quietly:

أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لا إِلٰهَ إِلّا اللّهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللّهِ

Transliteration: Ash-hadou an la ilaha illa-Llah, wa ash-hadou anna Mouhammadan rassoulou-Llah.

Meaning: "I testify that there is no deity worthy of worship besides Allah, and I testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah."

If you have just pronounced it sincerely: congratulations, you are Muslim, and all your former sins are erased (Sahih Muslim 121). Nothing else is required of you this minute.

Becoming a Muslim: within the following hour

• Invoke Allah in your language: "O Allah, You guided me, forgive me, strengthen me and teach me" or any sincere word.
• Make a full ablution (recommended): the scholars recommend it to the new Muslim, as a sign of purification of the past life.
• Keep this moment to yourself if you wish: conversion is valid without any announcement.

Becoming a Muslim: your seven next days

• Day 1: the shahada is done; reread its meaning, invoke, and let the heart settle.
• Days 2 and 3: learn the minor ablutions (wudu).
• Days 4 and 5: memorize the Fatiha with its translation.
• Days 6 and 7: read a step-by-step prayer guide and attempt your first prayer, even hesitant.
• Following week: the five prayers at your pace, then reading the translated Quran and discovering the life of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

Becoming a Muslim: you are not alone

Millions of people have crossed this door before you, and entire communities exist to accompany new Muslims: mosques, associations, experienced converts. When you wish, read the complete path, and write to us via the site's contact form if a question blocks your way: we answer, and we direct you to trusted people near you.