A complete, compassionate guide to embracing Islam (also called reverting to Islam). Learn the steps, what to expect, and find support for your spiritual journey.
"And whoever submits his face to Allah while he is a doer of good - then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold. And to Allah will be the outcome of all matters."- Quran 31:22
Muslims often use the term "revert" rather than "convert" because Islamic belief holds that every human is born in a natural state of submission to God (fitrah). When someone embraces Islam, they are returning to this original, pure state.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Every child is born upon fitrah (natural disposition), but his parents make him a Jew or a Christian or a Magian." Whether you use "convert" or "revert," what matters is your sincere intention to worship Allah alone.
Understand and sincerely believe in the declaration of faith
The Shahada is: 'Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasulullah' (I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah)
Declare your faith sincerely with conviction in your heart
You can say it alone or with witnesses. The sincerity in your heart is what matters most to Allah
Take a full body ritual bath to symbolize spiritual purification
This is recommended but not mandatory for the conversion to be valid. It represents your new beginning
Start learning about Islamic beliefs, practices, and the five pillars
Take your time - Islam is a lifelong journey of learning and growth. Start with prayer, basic beliefs, and gradually build your knowledge
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ ٱللَّٰهِ
Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasulullah
"I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah"
That's it! Sincerely saying these words with belief in your heart makes you a Muslim. No ceremony, no special location, no witnesses required - though you may choose to say it at a mosque with a community for support and to obtain a certificate if needed.
Shahada (faith), Salah (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting), Hajj (pilgrimage)
Prayer is the foundation of Islamic practice, performed five times daily
Connect with local mosques and Muslim communities for guidance and friendship
No, changing your name is not required. Many converts keep their original names. You may choose to adopt an Islamic name, but it's entirely optional and a personal choice.
This is a personal decision. Some new Muslims inform their families immediately, while others wait until they feel more confident in their practice. Pray for guidance and do what feels right for your situation.
Learning to pray takes time. Start by learning the basics gradually - many new Muslims begin with just one or two prayers a day while they're learning. Allah knows your sincerity and effort.
Absolutely! Seeking knowledge is encouraged in Islam. Ask scholars, read authentic sources, and use resources like Allah Speak to get answers to your questions. Never feel embarrassed to ask.
Everyone makes mistakes - even lifelong Muslims. Islam teaches that Allah is Most Merciful and accepts sincere repentance. What matters is your intention and effort to improve.
Islam is a lifelong journey. You don't need to change everything overnight. Start with the essentials and gradually build your practice.
Connect with supportive Muslims who understand the challenges of being a new convert. Local mosques often have new Muslim programs and support groups.
Stick to the Quran, authentic hadith, and qualified scholars. Be careful of cultural practices that may not align with Islamic teachings.
When you accept Islam, all your previous sins are forgiven. You start with a clean slate. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Islam wipes out what came before it."
Islam is ultimately about your personal connection with your Creator. Don't let cultural expectations or others' judgments overwhelm you.
Use Allah Speak to learn about Islam, ask questions, find guidance, and connect with the teachings of the Quran. Our app provides personalized support for new Muslims and seekers.