How Do I Become a Muslim?

Becoming a Muslim requires no special ceremony, because it is a personal commitment. It is enough for one to believe and declare: “I bear witness that there is no deity but God, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger” (Ashhadu an la ilaha illa’llah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa Rasuluh). This declaration of faith should be made before two or more Muslim witnesses in order that one who makes it may be known as a Muslim, but the absence of such witnesses must not cause one to delay becoming a Muslim.

After becoming a Muslim, one should perform the major ablution (ghusl), begin to acquire knowledge about Islam’s principles and beliefs, as well as how to conduct one’s life, and how to perform the lesser ablution (wudu’) and pray. After this, the new Muslim must do his or her best to learn other individual responsibilities. One of the best ways to do this is to seek out the company of Muslims who actively practice their faith and can explain its underlying principles and ultimate goals.