Becoming a Muslim
How Does Someone Become a Muslim?
The word "Muslim" means one who submits to God, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic background.
Simply by saying with conviction the shahada (declaration of faith): “La ilaha illa Allah, Muhammadur rasoolu Allah,” one converts to Islam and becomes a Muslim.
This saying means “There is no true god but God (Allah) and Muhammad is the Messenger (Prophet) of God”.
Once a person says the Testimony of Faith (Shahada) with conviction and understanding its meaning, then he/she has become a Muslim.
The first part, “There is no true deity but God,” means that none has the right to be worshipped but God alone, and that God has neither partner nor son. The second part means that Muhammad was a true Prophet sent by God to humankind.
Islam and Muslims
The Arabic word ‘Islam’ means ‘submission’, and is derived from a word meaning ‘peace’. The religion of Islam teaches that in order to achieve true peace of mind and contentment of heart, one must submit to God and live according to His Divinely revealed Law.
Islam is not a new religion because ‘submission to the will of God’, i.e. Islam, has always been the only acceptable path to God. For this reason, its same eternal message was revealed throughout the ages to all of God’s prophets and messengers, which has always been that there is only One True God and He alone is to be worshipped.
These prophets start with Adam and include amongst others, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, John the Baptist, and Jesus, and complete with Muhammad, peace be upon them all.
God says in the Holy Quran:
“We did not send before you (O Muhammad) any messenger but We revealed to him: ‘none has the right to be worshipped except I, therefore worship Me.’” (Quran 21:25)
Benefits of Converting to Islam
There are many benefits of converting to Islam. Some of them are:
• One forms a personal and direct relationship with God by worshipping Him alone, without the need of intermediaries. One feels this personal relationship and is aware that God knows everything and is there to assist him/her.
• A person realizes the true purpose of his or her life, which is to recognize God and follow His commandments.
• A person is provided with a guidance, often also described as the light, which guides him/her through life. The religion of Islam has answers to all situations, and one will always know the right steps to take in all aspects of life.
• One finds true contentment, tranquility, and inner peace.
• Upon converting to Islam, all of one’s previous sins are forgiven, and one starts a new life of piety and righteousness. And as a Muslim, when one makes a mistake thereafter, he/she can always repent to God who forgives the sins of those who repent to Him sincerely. There are no intermediaries or created beings to make confessions to.
• The greatest benefit is that a Muslim is promised by God the reward of eternal Paradise (Heaven). Those who are blessed with Paradise, will live eternally in bliss without any sort of sickness, pain or sadness. God will be pleased with them and they will be pleased with Him. Even the lowest in rank among the dwellers of Paradise will have ten times the like of this world, and they will have whatever they desire. In fact, in Paradise there are pleasures that no eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard, and no mind has ever thought of. It will be a very real life, not spiritual only, but physical as well.
To be a Muslim, one should also:
- Believe that the Holy Quran is the literal word of God, revealed by God.
- Believe that the Judgment Day (Resurrection Day) is true and will occur.
- Believe in the prophets that God sent and the books He revealed, and in His angels.
- Accept Islam as his/her religion.
- Not worship anything nor anyone except God.
It is that easy!
The conversion can be done alone, but it is much better to do it with the help of others in the mosque so that they may help you in pronouncing it right and to provide you with important pieces of information and advice that is especially prepared for new converts, to help them get started with their newfound faith.
You are Not Alone
If you have followed the guidance above and converted to Islam by yourself, then rest assured that you are not alone, rather the same faith is shared by 2 billion people.
We congratulate you on your decision and welcome you to Islam.
Should you wish, you may contact us so that we can provide you with useful resources and advice, suitable for you as a new Muslim.
Regular activities for new Muslims:
Study circles in English - English Halaqa (Study circle) is available with tea and refreshments afterwards. Contact us for more details.
Hajj and Umrah trips - The Islamic Foundation of Ireland helps with the organisation of Hajj trips. For details, please see Hajj and Umrah section of the website or contact the office.
Arabic Courses - Beginners and intermediate Arabic classes for non-Arabic speaking people from both the Muslim community and the larger community are organised from time to time by the Islamic Foundation. Contact us for more details.
Islamic Lectures, Islamic Courses, Summer Camps etc - These activities are advertised well in advance. If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please contact us.
In addition to the IFI Library, you can also download a selection of books and publications.