How to step onto the path of Islam
Islam is a religion with more than a billion followers and continues to grow over time, making it the fastest-growing religion in the world [1]. What makes Islam unique and different from other religions is that converting to it is easy, simply by verbally declaring one's faith. However, this declaration cannot be made instantly without understanding and dedicating oneself to the principles of the religion, which is the most crucial part.
Embracing Islam means cleansing oneself of past sins. A new Muslim is pure, just like a newborn baby. Muslims should strive their utmost to remain pure at all times by performing good deeds as commanded by Allah (Ibadah).
Please remember that Islam does not support killing. Killing is a grave sin in most of the world's major religions. These kinds of extremist behaviors are not recommended.
In Islam, there are dress codes that emphasize modesty and humility, which every Muslim should follow.
Make sure you truly understand what it means to be a Muslim. The first and foremost practice of being a Muslim is believing that Allah is the one and only God. He is the sole creator and supreme power. Allah alone is worthy of worship and dedication, with nothing to compare to Him. His final messenger, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), was the last prophet sent to humanity; no other prophets will be sent. Islam is the religion that follows the laws of nature and is closest to the Creator's way. Therefore, anyone who accepts Islam is returning to the original way of nature.
Islam considers anyone who holds these beliefs to be a Muslim, no matter where they live in the world. For example, Islam considers Jesus a Muslim, even though he lived hundreds of years before Islam appeared in history.
Allah is the name for God in Islam, and He is the same God as the God of Christians and Jews (the God of Abraham). Therefore, Muslims respect the prophets of Christianity and Judaism (including Jesus, Moses, Elijah, and others) and also consider the Bible and Torah to be inspired by God.
2. Read the scriptures. The Quran is the primary source of Islamic teachings. It is believed to be the uncorrupted word of God and serves to complete and support the scriptures of Christians and Jews that came before it [2]. Another important religious book in Islam is the Hadith, which is a collection of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. The Hadith is a fundamental component of Islamic law [3]. Reading these scriptures and teachings gives Muslims knowledge and understanding of the history and various rules of the religion.
3. Speak with an Imam. An Imam is a religious leader who performs various ceremonies in the mosque. Imams are chosen based on their knowledge of the Quran and their good conduct. An Imam can advise you on whether you are ready to dedicate yourself to Islam. The advice above refers to an Imam in the Sunni denomination, which is the most widely followed. An Imam in the Shia denomination has a different role.
4. Declare your faith (Shahadah). If you are truly certain that you want to be a Muslim, you must say the Shahadah. This is a short declaration of faith to verbally announce your submission to the will of Allah. Saying the Shahadah means you will follow the path of Islam for the rest of your life. The Shahadah is the phrase: "La ilaha illallah, Muhammadun rasulullah," which translates to "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger" [5]. After declaring your faith, you are a full Muslim.
The first part of the Shahadah ("La ilaha illallah"), which means "there is no god but Allah," doesn't just refer to other gods you might have worshipped. It also refers to worldly things, like wealth or power, that might take the place of Allah [6].
The second part of the Shahadah ("Muhammadun rasulullah") is an acceptance that the teachings of Prophet Muhammad are a message from God. Muslims must live their lives according to the example of Prophet Muhammad as revealed in the Quran. Saying the Shahadah is a vow to accept these principles.
The Shahadah must be said with sincerity and a full understanding of the commitment. You cannot become a Muslim by simply saying the words of the Shahadah without knowing what they mean, because the words must represent a true belief from the heart.
Muslims must not lie, steal, drink alcohol, use drugs, have premarital sex, or commit sins of this nature.
5. Officially join the Muslim community by having Muslim brothers and sisters witness your declaration of faith. In reality, a witness is not required to become a Muslim. God is all-knowing, so saying the Shahadah alone with understanding is enough to be a Muslim in the eyes of Allah. However, to be officially recognized by a mosque, it is usually done by saying the Shahadah in front of two Muslim witnesses and an Imam at a mosque to confirm your faith.
6. Cleanse your body. After becoming a Muslim, it is appropriate to take a bath as a purification. This act is symbolic of leaving the past behind and emerging from darkness into light.
No sin is beyond purification. After saying the Shahadah, past sins are purified, and a new life begins. From this point, a new Muslim must strive to elevate their spirit by performing good deeds.