Q: We humbly request your assistance in the correct procedure of making someone take the shahadah and embrace Islam. Please provide us with guidelines and the step by step procedure we should follow. Alhamdulillah, through the will of Allah Ta’ala there are many females who come to us to accept Islam, however we have only a short time to spend with them on the day of their conversion and thereafter encourage them to attend classes twice a week. What exactly must be told to them on that first day and which injunctions of Shari’ah be taught? Would you please kindly recommend what literature be given or used as a basis for teaching.
A: First instruct the person who intends embracing Islam (who we will hereafter refer to as ‘revert’) to have a shower by washing the hands, mouth and nose, and then pouring water over the entire body. This is the basic ghusl for a revert and is not compulsory but mustahabb. Instruct the revert to wear clean clothes as well. All this will be done prior to the time of conversion.
When the person arrives at the appointed time, then begin by explaining the meaning of the Kalimah to the revert. State that Muslims must believe in One God who has no partner, no son, no father, no wife, and nothing is comparable unto Him. Then we believe that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the last and final Messenger of God to this world, after whom there will be no new Messenger or Prophet. Also explain that for God we say “ALLAH”, which is Arabic for ‘God’.
Thereafter read the kalimah and let the revert read after you. Break it up and read slowly so that the revert will be able to follow and pronounce the words correctly. Do this thrice or more, as per the need. After reading the kalimah now give the person the translation, as follows:”There is none worthy of Worship But Allah; Muhammad is The Messenger of Allah”
Tell the revert that this kalimah (article of Faith) should be recited as much as possible and he or she must believe thoroughly in its meaning as explained above.
Thereafter the revert must be put into a weekly class or even twice a week where the person will learn wudhu, salaah, and basics of how to read Quran such as Noorani Qaaidah and/or Yassarnal-Quran
Finally, the revert should also be encouraged to attend ta’leem at least once a week, for by association with other Muslims their iemaan will be strengthened. This is the basic follow up program. These last two points are vital for the preservation of iemaan and for them to remain steadfast on Deen
Allah Ta’ala reward you for serving Deen and for guiding people towards Islam – Aameen
Mufti Siraj Desai