For someone exploring Islam
You believe Islam is true. What now?
You may have been learning about Islam for a long time, or you may have reached this point more recently.
If you now believe Islam is true and are asking, “How do I become Muslim?”, this page is here to guide you through the next step calmly and clearly.
You do not need to know everything about Islam before you begin.
You do not have to become “ready enough” first
Many people worry that there are things they must arrange or fix before they can become Muslim. Do not let these worries create barriers that are not required for entering Islam.
You can still have questions. Becoming Muslim does not mean you already understand every Islamic teaching. A person may sincerely believe Islam is true while still having much to learn and while knowing that some changes in life may be difficult.
Before you say the Shahadah
The declaration through which a person enters Islam is called the Shahadah.
Before saying it, understand the two truths you are affirming:
- There is no one worthy of worship except Allah. Allah alone is worthy of worship. He has no partners in worship.
- Muhammad ﷺ is the Messenger of Allah. You believe that Muhammad ﷺ truly was sent by Allah and that he is Allah's last and final Messenger. No messenger will come after Muhammad ﷺ.
This is not an examination. You do not need to know every detail of Islam before you can sincerely affirm these foundations.
Take your Shahadah
Read the meaning first. Then read the Arabic transliteration slowly. The Arabic does not have to sound perfect.
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللهِ
Ashhadu an lā ilāha illa Allāh, wa ashhadu anna Muḥammadan rasūlu Allāh.
I bear witness that there is no one worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.
If you understand and sincerely believe what you are testifying, and you are physically able to speak, say the Shahadah aloud sincerely.
You do not need an Imam to lead you through it. You do not need witnesses, a masjid, a public announcement or a certificate in order to become Muslim.
If you are alone, you do not have to wait for another Muslim to be present.
Do not let imperfect Arabic stop you. Say the words as best you can while knowing what they mean. Arabic pronunciation can improve with time.
What if I cannot tell people yet?
Your circumstances may make it difficult or unsafe to announce your Islam immediately. You are not required to turn your Shahadah into a public event.
When it is safe and practical, connecting with trustworthy Muslims can give you companionship, help with learning and support as you begin. But posting online, attending a masjid or obtaining a certificate is not what makes you Muslim.
Alhamdulillah — welcome to Islam
Alhamdulillah.
If you have sincerely taken the Shahadah, this is the beginning of your life as a Muslim.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that Islam wipes away the sins that came before it.
Islam wipes away what came before it.
Sahih Muslim 121
You do not have to learn everything today.
What do I do right now?
Your first hours as a Muslim should not become a wall of rules. Begin with what helps you worship Allah and keep learning.
Purification is connected to salah. Shahadah comes first; ghusl is not something you had to complete before becoming Muslim.
Muslims have five obligatory prayers each day. Find out when the next one is so you know what is coming.
If you have time before the next prayer, begin learning the basic prayer steps and Al-Fatihah without expecting instant mastery.
See Prayer Times — When Muslims Pray →
Begin learning How to Pray — Step by Step →
Open the Prayer Memorization Guide →
Your first day as a Muslim
You can begin building your new life one piece at a time.
You do not have to do everything today
You do not need Arabic fluency. You do not need a new name simply because you became Muslim. You do not need instant mastery of prayer or Qur'an.
You may also have difficult habits, relationships, financial matters, family circumstances or other parts of life that need attention as you learn more about Islam.
Enter Islam first. Then begin learning and changing your life for Allah step by step.
Islam is now part of your whole life, but you do not need to learn your whole religion today.
Begin your New To Islam journey
New To Islam was designed for what comes next.
You are not expected to already know how to pray, understand Arabic, recognize every Islamic word or know what Muslims around you may have learned growing up. We will begin at the beginning.
Begin Lesson 1 — The Shahadah: What You Just Said ↑