How to Convert to Islam — Your Complete Guide
By Elvin Bešić
Spiritual guidance for those seeking Islam
If you're here because you're curious, or because your heart won't stop asking, or because you're terrified of what friends or family will think — this guide is for you.
Maybe you're worried about how your family will react. Maybe you wonder if you'll have to give up your culture or become someone you're not or maybe you feel overwhelmed.
Take a breath. Islam is simple. God does not ask you to be perfect before you come to Him. Becoming Muslim starts with one sincere step: declaring that you believe in the one true God, and that Muhammad ﷺ is His final Messenger. That's it. From there, you learn and grow at your own pace.
The Core Belief
Islam rests on two foundational truths:
One God (Allah)
The Creator of everything, without partners, equals, or rivals.
Muhammad ﷺ as the Messenger of God
The final Prophet who delivered God's last revelation, the Qur'an.
If you believe these two truths in your heart, you are ready to take the step.
How to Say the Shahada
The Shahada is the declaration that makes you Muslim. It's the foundation of Islamic faith, much like how wearing hijab is a beautiful expression of that faith for Muslim women. Once you understand how to say the Shahada, you'll have everything you need to convert to Islam today.
Arabic
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللهِ
Pronunciation
Ashhadu an lā ilāha illā Allāh, wa ashhadu anna Muḥammadan Rasūlu Allāh.
Meaning
"I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah."
🎧 Audio Pronunciation Guide
Listen to the correct pronunciation to help you say the Shahada properly:
Click play to hear the proper pronunciation
How to do it:
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1
Say these words aloud with sincerity and conviction.
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You can say it alone — it still counts.
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If possible, go to a mosque and declare it there so you gain community support (but this is not required).
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You can say it in English if you don't know Arabic yet. God knows your intention.
✨ From the moment you say the Shahada sincerely, you are Muslim.
Common Questions of New Muslims
Life After Becoming a Muslim
The moment you declare your Shahada, you are Muslim. But then reality hits: "What do I do now? Where do I even start?" Many new Muslims feel a mix of joy and anxiety. That's normal. Islam is a journey of learning, not a one-time test you must ace on day one. Here's how to take your first steps without drowning in information:
🤲 Learn prayer slowly
Prayer is the backbone of Islam. Don't panic if you don't know Arabic yet. You can start by learning the movements and saying short phrases, even in English at first. God accepts your effort. Over time, you'll learn more.
📖 Read the Qur'an a little each day
Pick a clear translation and start with short passages. Don't worry if you don't understand everything. The Qur'an will make more sense as you grow.
🤝 Find support
Seek out a mosque, if you can, or join online groups for converts. It's easier when you have people who understand what you're going through.
👣 Take it step by step
You don't need to change everything overnight — diet, clothes, language. Focus on prayer and belief first. Other things will come naturally with time.
Remember: Islam is not about being perfect. It's about sincerely trying, repenting when you fall short, and continuing the journey. Every small step you take counts with God.
Don't Wait Until You're "Ready"
Stop lying to yourself. "I'll convert when I'm ready" is just procrastination dressed up as wisdom. Guess what? You'll never feel fully ready. Nobody ever does.
Islam doesn't ask for perfection before you enter — it asks for sincerity. That's it. If you already believe in one God and that Muhammad ﷺ is His Messenger, then you're already Muslim in your heart. The Shahada just makes it real.
Every day you delay is a day you're living outside what you already know is true. Every day you wait is a day you risk dying with the truth still locked in your chest.
So cut the excuses. You don't need to have Arabic, prayer, or your family situation figured out first. You just need to be honest with God and take the step. Growth comes after.
👉 If you believe now, then now is the time.
Recommended Resources
Qur'an Translations:
- ✓ Saheeh International (clear, simple)
- ✓ Abdul Haleem (modern, readable English)
Books for Beginners:
- ✓ The New Muslim Guide – Dr. Fahd Salem Bahammam
- ✓ My First Ramadan (practical and light)
Websites:
- ✓ IslamHouse.com – free beginner-friendly PDFs
- ✓ Yaqeen Institute – articles addressing doubts and deeper questions
Apps:
- ✓ Quran.com – easy access to Qur'an with translation
- ✓ Muslim Pro – prayer times, Qur'an, and Islamic basics
Long-Term Growth
Islam is a journey, not a one-day transformation. After your Shahada:
Aim to build consistency in prayer.
Explore the Five Pillars gradually (prayer, charity, fasting, pilgrimage).
Work on your character: honesty, kindness, patience.
Keep learning — but avoid overwhelming yourself.
Remember: Islam is about continuous improvement, not perfection overnight.
Conclusion
Converting to Islam is simple: believe in one God, accept Muhammad ﷺ as His Messenger, and declare it through the Shahada. From that moment, you are Muslim.
The path ahead is about steady growth, building prayer, reading the Qur'an, and surrounding yourself with supportive people. Take it one step at a time — Allah looks at your sincerity, not your speed.
May Allah guide and strengthen everyone who sincerely seeks Him.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you're ready to convert to Islam, don't wait. Say the Shahada now with sincerity, and begin your journey as a Muslim today.