To convert to Islam and become a Muslim you must sincerely believe in the oneness of God and believe Muhammad is the Prophet Of God. The process is completely free and does not need any formal ceremony. So to convert you recite the declaration of faith called the shahadah
The words of the shahadah in Arabic are“Ash-hadu Alla ilaaha illa-Allaah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan-ar-rasool ullaah”.
shahadah in English “I bear witness that there is no God worthy to be worshiped but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah”
Becoming a Muslim requires no formal Mosque ceremonies or paper work; it centers entirely on a sincere personal testimony of faith called the Shahada.
When a person is convinced that Islam is the true religion of God he or she should not delay their conversion as we are given a limited life span and we do not know when that lifespan will end.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through exactly how to embrace Islam at home, understand the core beliefs, and start your journey with a completely clean slate today.
If you want to explore converting or have questions about Islam, please email us. We are here to discuss your path and find the best solution for you.
Can I Convert to Islam Alone at Home?
If there are no local Masjids and you are not able to contact an Islamic website then Yes.
Since most people have phone or internet access, visiting a Masjid or utilizing online resources is highly recommended.
With internet and phone access readily available, taking this step online or in person is easier than ever.
We have proudly supported sisters and brothers on their conversion journey and living as Muslims since 2000. If you feel hesitant or shy, rest assured that we are here to guide you with patience and understanding.
If you are anxious about family reactions or timing, you can read our New Muslims 7-Day Diary My First Week as a Muslim: A New Muslims 7-Day Diary to see how others navigated their first week.
Why is it best to convert with an Islamic website or at the Masjid?
During the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him) those wishing to convert to Islam would go to the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him and give their pledge of allegiance to Prophet Muhammad for Islam. The Prophet peace be upon him even put conditions before accepting their pledges.
Then Prophet would shake the hands of the men who gave their pledge and accepted the conditions. In case of women he took their pledge by word because in Islam as it is not allowed to shake hands with the non mehrems of the opposite sex.
Jarir bin Abdullah said :
I gave the pledge of allegiance to Allah’s Apostle for the following:
1. offer prayers perfectly
2. pay the Zakat (obligatory charity)
3. and be sincere and true to every Muslim.
(Bukhari Book Number: 2, Hadith Number: 54)
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Today most people have access to the internet, email or a phone, so they should try to say their Shahadah with an Islamic website or go to a Masjid (Mosque) .
In our experience of over 25 years we believe it is better to do your conversion with an Islamic website such as ours by email, online or via phone or by going to a Masjid (Mosque).
Question: How long does it take to convert to Islam?
Answer: It just takes a few minutes.
Who can convert to Islam and when should I convert?
Question: Can anyone become Muslim, does it matter what age or colour I am, do I need my parents permission to become Muslim?
Answer: These questions are often asked. Islam is for the whole of humanity and Islam unites together people of different colours, languages, races. and nationalities into one brotherhood/sisterhood. So when you convert you are part of a nation of more than 1.6 billion sisters and brothers. There are many Millions of White Muslims, African Muslim, Asian Muslims, Arab Muslims Chinese Muslims. Every country has Muslims of it’s native race.
Islam is for the whole of humanity and Islam unites together people of different colours, languages, races. and nationalities into one brotherhood.
Allah says: “Indeed the Believers (believers in Islam)are but brothers.” [Quran 4 9:10]
When a person is convinced that Islam is the true religion of God he or she should not delay their conversion as we are given a limited life span and we do not know when that lifespan will end.
Common Misconceptions About Converting
Question: I had a wild past, i became pregnant out of wedlock, I committed adultery, I have a tattoo
Answer: Yes of course you can become Muslim. No matter what sins you have committed or how wild your past was. You can still become a Muslim. Islam erases all sins committed prior to becoming a Muslim.
Prophet (may the peace and blessings and mercy of Allah be upon him) said, Islam annuls what came before it. (narrated by Muslim in his Sahih, no. 121).
As soon as you become a Muslim all your previous sins are forgiven and you start a blank state. Or a complete clean record.
At the time of the Prophet peace be upon him there were several non Muslims who used to fornicate, drink alcohol and gamble. But when they heard the message of Islam and realized it was the truth they left those bad habits and converted to Islam and became Muslim.
Ibn Abbaas narrated that some of the people of shirk (polytheism) killed and did a lot of killing, and they committed adultery and they did that a great deal, then they came to Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and said, “What you say and what you are calling for is good. If only you could tell us that there is any expiation for what we have done.” Then Allah revealed the words :
Say: “O Ibaadi (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah, verily, Allah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful.
And turn in repentance and in obedience with true Faith (Islamic Monotheism) to your Lord and submit to Him (in Islam) before the torment comes upon you, (and) then you will not be helped.
And follow the best of that which is sent down to you from your Lord (i.e. this Quran, do what it orders you to do and keep away from what it forbids), before the torment comes on you suddenly while you perceive not!
Lest a person should say: “Alas, my grief that I was undutiful to Allah (i.e. I have not done what Allah has ordered me to do), and I was indeed among those who mocked [at the truth! i.e. Laa ilaaha illAllaah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), the Quran, and Muhammad and at the faithful believers]
Or (lest) he should say: “If only Allah had guided me, I should indeed have been among the Muttaqoon (the pious).”
Or (lest) he should say when he sees the torment: If only I had another chance (to return to the world), then I should indeed be among the Muhsinoon (good‑doers).
Yes! Verily, there came to you My Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and you denied them, and were proud and were among the disbelievers.”
[Quran Surah al-Zumar 39:53-59]
Amr ibn al-Aas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: When Allah put Islam in my heart, I came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and said: Give me your right hand so that I may swear allegiance to you. He held out his hand and I withdrew my hand. He said, What is the matter, Oh Amr? I said, I want to stipulate a condition. He said, What do you want to stipulate? I said, That I will be forgiven. He said, Do you not know that Islam destroys that which came before it? (reported by Muslim)
Question: Should I delay my conversion?
Answer: If someone advises you to delay your conversion to Islam. This is incorrect. If you believe Islam is the truth then you should not delay your conversion to Islam.
If you are a child you can still convert to Islam without your parents permission.
If you fear they may harm you in anyway, you can become Muslim in secret and tell them when you are ready.
When one truly believes that Islam is the true religion of God and that “there is no god worthy to be worshiped but Allah and Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.” Then he or she should declare the Shahadah right away. He or she should not hesitate.
We are given a certain lifespan. We do not know when that life span will end. It may end this very minute even. Therefore a person should say the Shahadah and then work on becoming the best Muslim he or she can be.
Some of you will find some aspects of Islam difficult at first.
For instance some new Muslim sisters find it difficult to wear Hijab at first.
However with time they have grown in their faith and are now wearing the full Islamic dress and encouraging others.
What Happens If You Sin After Converting to Islam?
We are all human beings and prone to doing mistakes. Allah (God) is the most forgiving and Allah loves a Muslim who turns to Allah in sincere repentance if he or she commits a sin. This shows that the person believes in Allah and believes Allah’s is very forgiving.
By sincere repentance it means that you are sincerely sorry for the sin you committed and you have a sincere intention not to commit that sin again. You may fall into the same sin again and you have to again make sincere repentance. You can simply say Oh Allah please forgive me.
The biggest and unforgivable sin is Shirk.
In short, shirk is associating partners with Allah. It can include disbelieve in Allah and doing thinks that can take a person out of Islam.
Therefore the one who believes in Allah correctly and does not do anything that invalidates his or her Shahadah is better than the person who commits shirk even if they are committing other sins. So a Muslim should not fall into despair.
Once a convert sister said she was thinking of leaving Islam because she was not a good Muslim as she had committed a major.
I asked her if she believed Islam is the true religion of God. She said YES. I said by you leaving Islam the truth will still remain the same.
What is the point in going into something else which you know is false and denying the truth.
A sinful Muslim will either be forgiven or spend some time in hell before entering paradise (jannah).
Jannah has several levels and a Muslim will enter the level he or she deserves.
We should aim high and work hard so we can pass with the best results and get the best jannah.
But if a person dies upon shirk they will remain in hellfire forever.
Benefits of converting to Islam
Converting to Islam means you are believing and worshiping God instead of things or beings that God has created.
You also have a direct relationship with God and can start to discover your purpose of life in this world.
Any past sins or mistakes you may have done before converting to Islam will be forgiven and you will start with a clean record.
The greatest reward is that a Muslim is promised eternal paradise (heaven).
We are all human beings and prone to doing mistakes. Allah (God) is the most forgiving and Allah loves a Muslim who turns to Allah in sincere repentance if he or she commits a sin. This shows that the person believes in God and believes in a God who is very forgiving.
By sincere repentance it means that you are sincerely sorry for the sin you committed and you have a sincere intention not to commit that sin again. You may fall into the same sin again then you have to again make sincere repentance.
Want to understand the pillars of your testimony deeper? Read our Guide to the 7 Conditions of Shahada.”
The Invalidators of Islam
Islamic scholars have mentioned that there are a number of invalidators that can take one out of the fold of Islam. So we must keep ourselves safe from them
The ten most critical invalidators
Common Questions and Misconceptions About Converting
Answer: Yes. You do not need to visit a mosque. You can convert from home by reciting the declaration of faith (Shahada) with an Islamic website such as ours.
Answer: To convert, you recite the Shahada (the declaration of faith): “Ash-hadu alla ilaaha illa-Allah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasool-ullah.” This means, “I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.”
Answer : No. We are given a certain lifespan. We do not know when that life span will end. It may end this very minute even. Therefore a person should say the Shahadah right away and then work on becoming the best Muslim he or she can be.
Answer : No. You do not need anyone’s permission to convert no matter what your age is.
Answer: Yes. You are allowed to keep your conversion secret and practice your faith in private if you fear for your safety.
Afraid of parents finding out you are a Muslim
How to deal with family or friends negative reactions towards you conversion to Islam
How to tell parents that you have converted to Islam
Answer : Yes. You can convert during their menses but you start praying after your menses. You can use this time to concentrate on learning how to pray.
Answer: yes.
Answer : No. You do not have to know Arabic.
You do not even need to be able to pronounce the words correctly as we will help you pronounce them.
No. Circumcision is not a requirement for converting to Islam. However, it is one of the orders for Muslim males to do so you should do this as soon as possible after converting.
Answer: When you sincerely convert to Islam, all of your past sins are completely wiped away and forgiven. You begin your journey with a completely clean slate.
Answer: No. New Muslims do not need to change their legal name unless their current name has a meaning that directly contradicts Islamic beliefs or has a bad meaning. How does a convert change his or her name if he or she wishes?
Answer: No. Islamically there is no need to do a course before converting.
Answer: Immediately after reciting the Shahada, it is highly recommended to take a full shower or bath (called Ghusl). After that, your primary focus should be learning the basics of the five daily prayers (Salah).
Answer: Yes. if you feel your family will harm you then do not tell them
Islam means
submission and surrender of a persons will to the will of Allah peacefully (i.e we do it without protest, we do not say no I do not want to do this and only want to do what i want). The one who does this (Islam) is called a Muslim.
What Allah has told us do we should try to do to the best of our ability and what Allah has told us not to do we should make a strong effort to avoid.
Your First Steps After Becoming a Muslim
Performing Your First Ghusl (Purification Shower)
After you have converted to Islam the next step is to do a few Purifications
How to Begin Learning the 5 Daily Compulsory Prayers
We have developed for you easy step by step prayer guides
“Once you have taken your testimony, the path forward is simple. Follow our New Muslims guide to learn exactly what to prioritize first without burning out.”
You are not Alone
We have been helping brothers and sisters to convert to Islam for over 25 years and live as Muslims . We are Specialized in this field