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Shahada

The Shahādah (The Profession of Faith) is the most fundamental expression of Islamic belief. It is the Arabic declaration of faith in the oneness of God (Allah, the Almighty) and in Muhammad ﷺ as His Messenger. For someone reverting to Islam, the Shahādah must be recited aloud, correctly, and with full intention. It should be spoken with a clear understanding of its meaning and a sincere conviction in the heart. Below is a two-column table featuring the Shahādah.
The first column contains a part of the Shahādah to practice, and the second column explains its meaning. Click on each Shahādah statement part to hear its audio version.

Importantly, it is not mandatory to recite the Shahādah in front of other Muslims—it is ultimately a matter between the individual and Allah. However, if possible, it is encouraged to say it in front of other Muslims and in a mosque (Masjid) for the following reasons:

Community Recognition
Saying the Shahādah in the masjid helps you become recognized as a Muslim by the local community, which can foster a sense of belonging and connection.

Shared Joy
By declaring your faith in front of others, you allow fellow Muslims to share in your happiness and welcome you with open hearts, creating a supportive and uplifting atmosphere.

Immediate Support and Guidance
New Muslims can be welcomed, supported, and guided by the local community, including imams or knowledgeable individuals who can help with the basics of prayer, purification, and daily Islamic practices.

Witnesses for Legal or Religious Purposes
Having witnesses to the Shahādah can be helpful for documentation or for future religious needs—such as marriage in an Islamic context or obtaining a certificate of conversion.

Strengthening Commitment
Reciting the Shahādah in a formal, respectful setting like a masjid can create a memorable and spiritually powerful moment that strengthens the individual’s sense of commitment and purpose.

Connection to the House of Allah
Beginning one's journey into Islam in a masjid establishes a direct and emotional connection to the house of Allah, fostering a lifelong bond with the place of worship and the habit of attending it.

Opportunity for Du‘ā (Supplication)
The moment of saying the Shahādah is spiritually significant. Those present can make du‘ā (prayers) for the new Muslim, asking Allah for guidance, strength, and ease on their new path.

Is Ghusl Mandatory Before Making Shahādah?
Ghusl is a ritual bath in Islam that involves washing the entire body to cleanse it of impurities. While some scholars recommend performing Ghusl before taking the Shahādah when converting to Islam, it is not universally considered an obligatory requirement. The primary requirement for becoming a Muslim is sincerely reciting the Shahādah, with the intention of embracing the faith of Islam. Ghusl may be advised in some contexts, but it is not a strict condition for the validity of the Shahādah.

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Salah

Salah (Salat) is the second of the Five Pillars of Islam. It refers to the ritual prayer that is obligatory for Muslims to perform five times each day. These five daily prayers are: Fajr (before dawn)

Begins: At true dawn (first light on the horizon)
Ends: At sunrise (when the sun begins to appear)

Dhuhr (afternoon)

Begins: After the sun passes its zenith (midday)
Ends: When the shadow of an object equals its length (excluding the noon shadow)

Asr (late afternoon)

Begins: When the shadow of an object is equal to (or twice, per Hanafi) its length
Ends: At sunset (when the sun disappears below the horizon)

Maghrib (after sunset)

Begins: Immediately after sunset
Ends: When the red twilight disappears

Isha (night)

Begins: When the red twilight disappears (full darkness)
Ends:
- The Preferred Time: It ends at Islamic midnight, which is the midpoint between sunset and dawn.
- The Extended Emergency Time: It is not permissible to delay the Isha prayer past midnight without a valid excuse. However, if someone has a legitimate reason—such as being asleep or forgetting—they may still perform the Isha prayer after midnight, up until the Fajr prayer.

Muslims perform these prayers while facing the Kaaba in Mecca. While prayer in a mosque is encouraged, a Muslim can perform Salah anywhere, provided the space is clean and suitable for prayer. Important As a new Muslim, it is essential to learn how to properly recite Al-Fatiha, as it forms the foundation of Salah (prayer) and is required for your prayer to be valid. Mastering the correct pronunciation and understanding its meaning will bring you closer to Allah and ensure that your prayers are performed in accordance with Islamic teachings. I’ve designed an easy and interactive way for new Muslims to memorize Al-Fatiha and other short surahs of the Quran. Simply click 'Practice Reading Quran' from the main menu and enjoy learning in an engaging method. Also, if you're a new Muslim and are unable to recite Al-Fatiha from memory, I’ve created an image of Al-Fatiha and the phrases to say during Salah in transliteration form (read in English to sound like Arabic). You can load it on your mobile device and refer to it until you've memorized and understood it. The link to the Salah card can be found under the 'Practice Reading Quran' menu. The video below is a great resource to help you master your Salah.

Zakat

Zakat (The giving of the mandatory alms) is the third of the five Pillars of Islam. Zakat is a mandatory charitable donation that applies to all adult Muslims who meet the Nisab (the minimum amount that a Muslim must have before being obliged to zakat) threshold. The Zakat money will be given mainly to needy people.

There is more to learn about Zakat and Muslims need to consult a Zakat-knowledgeable imam or shaikh.

Sawm

Sawm (fasting during the month of Ramadan) is the fourth of the Five Pillars of Islam. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a time when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. During this period, they abstain from eating and drinking during daylight hours. Exceptions are made for certain Muslims with legitimate reasons not to fast, such as those who are sick, elderly, traveling, or pregnant.

Hajj

The pilgrimage, known as Hajj, is the fifth Pillar of Islam. All Muslims who are physically and financially able are required to perform the pilgrimage to Mecca and its surrounding holy sites at least once in their lifetime. Hajj becomes obligatory when a Muslim meets all the required conditions: being an adult, being physically healthy enough to perform the pilgrimage, and having the financial means to cover the cost of travel and stay in Mecca. For more information about Hajj, consult your local masjid Imam or an Islamic scholar in your area. The pilgrimage takes place in the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar, known as Dhul-Hijjah. Hajj and its rites were first ordained by Allah during the time of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who, along with his son Ismail (Ishmael), was commanded by Allah to build the Kaaba in Mecca. When Prophet Ibrahim completed the structure of the Kaaba, Allah commanded him to call the people to Hajj. Ibrahim expressed concern, saying, “O Allah! How shall my voice reach all of those people?” Allah assured him that his duty was to give the call, and it was up to Allah to ensure it reached the people. Prophet Ibrahim then climbed Mount Arafat and proclaimed in his loudest voice: “O People! Verily Allah has prescribed Hajj upon you, so perform Hajj.” This divine command is echoed in the Qur’an:

Allah says in the Quran 2:127 (Interpretation of the Meaning)

And [mention] when Ibrahim and Ismail raised the foundations of the House [saying], 'Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing.'

And in another surah, Allah tells us that He commanded Ibrahim to call the people to perform Hajj:

Allah says in the Quran 22:26-27 (Interpretation of the Meaning)

And [mention, O Muhammad], when We designated for Abraham the site of the House, [saying], 'Do not associate anything with Me and purify My House for those who perform Tawaf and those who stand [in prayer] and those who bow and prostrate.'
And proclaim to the people the Hajj [pilgrimage]; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass.

Also, Allah says:

Allah says in the Quran 3:96-97 (Interpretation of the Meaning)

Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Bakka Full of blessing and of guidance for all kinds of beings
In it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it shall be safe. And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House - for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves - then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.