Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Question: I want to become Musim. How do I embrace Islam?
Answer: Assalamu alaikum (peace be upon you),
I pray this finds you in the best of health and spirits.
Allah Most High says, “Whoever Allah wants to guide, He expands their heart to submission (islam).” [Qur’an, 6.125]
A Muslim is anyone who believes in One God (Allah); believes in the Prophet Muhammad as the Messenger of God; and accepts the guidance that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) came with as true.
To enter Islam, one simply says the “testification of faith,” which is to say:
“I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him).”
That is all it takes.
Some Advice for a New Muslim
As a Muslim, your focus should be on seeking the love and pleasure of Allah through upholding good in all aspects of your life. The embodiment of all that is beloved and pleasing to Allah is the Beloved Messenger of Allah (peace & blessings be upon him & his folk), whose life and example are truly amazing.
The key to learning and living the example of the Prophet—the way to make one’s actions beloved to Allah, and to bring good to one’s life–is to seek sound, balanced, reliable knowledge; to practice it with consistency; to keep good company; and to strive to busy yourself with good in life.
I would recommend the excellent work, Being Muslim by Dr. Asad Tarsin (see here), and the excellent related course by Ustadh Amjad Tarsin, which is offered completely free. This book and course explain Muslim beliefs and practice in a clear, reliable, and practical manner.
Strive to perform the five daily prayers (namaz/salat), consistently. Learn, step by step, how to pray—but also focus, from the beginning—on turning your heart in love, longing, and reverence to your Lord, Allah. Allah Most High commands, “Establish prayer for My remembrance.” [Qur’an, 20.14] Pray—and act—out of thankfulness to Allah for the gift of life, faith, guidance, and good. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, when asked about his lengthy worship at night, “Should I not be a truly thankful servant?”
I would encourage you to find a local community of Muslims—at your local mosque or Islamic centre, for example. Seek local scholars whose character and conduct reminds you of the beautiful character of the Messenger of Allah (peace & blessings be upon him).
I would encourage you to read some Qur’an each day, even in translation. Strive to read about the beautiful life and radiant example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), who embodied beauty, love, mercy, virtue, and excellence at the highest possible level of human perfection.
Finally, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Truly, this religion is ease. No one makes religion difficult except that it overwhelms them.” Thus, commit to seeking Allah in life—through striving to make choices that are pleasing to Him—but do so in a steady, gradual, and sustainable manner.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. We’re at your service. You will, God willing, find many answers and resources of benefit at SeekersHub Global.
May Allah grant you success and facilitation, in life and religion.
wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani