كيف تصبح مسلم؟

Islam is somehow unique among the world's religions in the ease with which new members may join its ranks. Only a simple, sincere declaration of faith is required to become a Muslim. However, you should not rush into that decision until you are absolutely positive that’s what you really believe in. Feel free to study the Scripture (Qur’an), attend preaching and lectures (one doesn’t have to be a Muslim to do that), and approach an Imam with any questions you may have. Devoting yourself to a life guided by Islamic principles is one of the most important (if not the most important) acts you'll ever make.

Make sure you know what it means to be a Muslim and how to act like one. The first and foremost rule of being a Muslim is believing in the one and only Allah. Allah is the only God, the only Creator and the Almighty. He is the only one you should be doing your good deeds for and the only who shall be worshipped. There should be nothing stood beside His place. Allah's messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the messenger and the last Prophet who came down to Earth, and there will never be any prophets after him. Islam considers itself to be the natural way of all creation. That is, Islam is the original, perfect state of being. So, when a person "converts" to Islam, he/she is actually reverting to their own original nature.

In Islam, you form a personal and direct relationship with God by worshipping Him alone, without the need of intermediaries. You should know that accepting Islam destroys all sins which come before it. As a new convert, your record is clean; it's similar to a literal rebirth. One should try as much as possible to keep their records clean and strive to do as many good deeds as possible. Still, if you do commit some sin after you’ve converted, please remember that you can always repent to God who forgives the sins of those who repent to Him sincerely.  There are no intermediaries or created beings to make confessions to.

Please note that you’re not required to change your name to an Arab one (as long as you name has a good meaning, it’s perfectly Muslim), break up with you non-Muslim relatives (maintaining family ties if very important in Islam), or wear traditional clothes of some ethnic group you do not belong to; however, Islam does have a dress code that places an emphasis on modesty, which all Muslims are required to follow.

Now, when you're absolutely sure you want to become a Muslim and fully submit to the will of Allah, all you need to do is recite the Shahada, a short oral declaration of faith. Be aware that once you have said the Shahada, you are committed to following Islam for life. The words of the Shahada are "Ash-hadu anla elaha illa-Allah wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadur rasul-Allah", which translates to "I testify that there is no other god but Allah, and I testify that Muhammad is Allah's messenger." By saying the Shahada, you become a Muslim.

Witnesses are not strictly required to become a Muslim, for God knows all things, so a Shahada said alone, with conviction, will make you a Muslim in God's eyes. However, to become recognized by the Muslim community, you generally must make your Shahada in front of witnesses — two Muslims or an Imam who is authorized to certify your declaration of faith. Imams can also issue a conversion certificate which you may need when applying for your Pilgrimage Visa to Saudi Arabia in order to attend Macca.

So, if you want to convert to Islam at one of the RAMU “Umma” mosques,

— It’s preferable to have an ID on you.

— Feel free to invite people you want to share that moment with, regardless of their faith. Anyone you’d like to be present, can attend.

— If you don’t have any Muslim friend to become your witnesses, we’ll invite the staff of the mosque to be your witnesses.

— For every New Muslim, RAMU “Umma” issues a certificate signed and sealed by the imam, and signed by the New Muslim and both witnesses.