5 Simple Steps to Become a Muslim

Becoming a Muslim can be both exciting and challenging. If you’re feeling drawn to understand Islam better, you might have questions about your identity, community, and beliefs. This article will help you understand the key steps to becoming a Muslim, from learning core beliefs to dealing practically with local communities. Embracing Islam is more than just following rituals—it’s about starting a meaningful journey that changes how you see the world and build relationships. Join us as we explore how to become a Muslim and discover the reasons and rewards of embracing Islam.

Understand the Word Islam and Muslim

In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 19, Allah states, “Indeed, the religion that is acceptable and pleasing to Allah is only Islam.” The word “Islam” means to surrender and submit oneself to the One God. Therefore, a Muslim is a person who has wholly submitted themselves to the One God and obeyed His commands. In other words, Islam means obedience and submission, and the followers of islam are called Muslims

There are 5 simple steps to embrace Islam. By reading these simple steps you will understand how do you become a Muslim? These steps include taking Shahada verbally, submitting it by heart, renouncing the previous beliefs, performing ritual bath and learning about Islam.

1. Submitting the Core Beliefs of Islam

If a person sincerely believes in the oneness of Allah and acknowledges Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the true and final Messenger of Allah. Furthermore, he believes His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, The Day of Judgement, Predestination and resurrection after death. Believing these conditions of Shahadah by heart, he lays down the foundation of Islam and take first step to become a Muslim.

2. Taking Shahadah

Then verbally affirms these core beliefs i.e. by saying Shahadah and Iman e Mufassal:

اَشْهَدُ اَنْ لَّآ اِلٰهَ اِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَہٗ لَاشَرِيْكَ لَہٗ وَاَشْهَدُ اَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهٗ وَرَسُولُہٗ

 اٰمَنْتُ بِاللہِ وَمَلٰئِکَتِہٖ وَ کُتُبِہٖ وَرُسُلِہٖ وَالْیَوْمِ الْاٰخِرِ وَالْقَدْرِ خَیْرِہٖ وَشَرِّہٖ مِنَ اللہِ تَعَالٰی وَالْبَعْثِ بَعْدَالْمَوْتِ

Now the person is considered a Muslim according to Islamic law. According to scholar every Muslim should do Tajdeed e Iman (renewal of faith by taking Shahadah) daily. Because it is condition for entering into Jannah. So everyone should understand how to take a Shahada?

3. Renounce the Previous Religion

To become a Muslim one must renounce his previous religion and all its false beliefs from which he has converted to Islam. For example, if someone who is converting from Christian to Muslim, he should express his disassociation from Christianity and declare that “I accepted Islam, Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) was raised alive to the heavens and will be brought down alive near the end of times.”

4. Perform Ghusl

Furthermore, if the person is in a state of ritual impurity, he must perform a ritual bath (ghusl). Even if he is not in such a state, it is recommended for him to perform ghusl.

5. Learn about the Teachings of Islam

After accepting faith, it is essential for the new Muslim to explore the five pillars of Islam and other teachings of Islam. This knowledge will help him establish a better relationship with Allah and with other people. In doing so, he can become not only a good Muslim but also a good human being.

Who was the First Person to Accept Islam?

Khadijah, the wife of Rasulullah, (may Allah be pleased with her) was the first lady, and also the first person to accept Islam. She was also the first person to hear revealed verses of Quran directly from the Messenger of Allah. She was the first person to learn how to pray salah from the Messenger of Allah.

Reasons to Become a Muslim

Comprehensive and Acceptable Religion

Islam is a universal religion; it is complete and comprehensive, encompassing all aspects of life. Therefore, you should embrace Islam, as it is the path to salvation and success. If, despite understanding this, you persist in stubbornness and seek any religion other than Islam, it will certainly be wrong, misleading, and fabricated. Such a religion will not be accepted, and those who choose disbelief and rejection will face punishment for it. In the Hereafter, they will find themselves in a state of loss. Allah says in Quran

And whoever desires a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted from them, and in the Hereafter, they will be among the losers. [Ale- Imran: 85]

Religious Freedom for All

Islam truly teaches tolerance, peace, and respect for humanity. Its message is universal and comprehensive, and its teachings are for all human beings. There is no concept of compulsion or force in Islam because the religion values inner conviction and heartfelt belief, and one cannot force belief upon someone’s heart.

Hazrat Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that Hazrat Husayn Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) had embraced Islam, but his two sons were Christians. One day, he approached the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and said, “It is very difficult for me that my sons are Christians. If you allow, I will compel them to embrace Islam.” In response, Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 256 was revealed, in which Allah commands:

“There is no compulsion in religion; the right path has become distinct from wrong. So whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah has certainly grasped the most trustworthy handhold, which never breaks. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.” [Al-Baqarah: 256]

This verse clearly illustrates the religious freedom in Islam, as it grants every person the freedom to choose their religion without coercion.

Blessings for Muslims

Islam does not support divisions among Muslims. Even a slave who sincerely accepts Islam and follows the commands of Allah can have their mistakes forgiven by Allah. After embracing Islam, a Muslim is expected to be safe from the harm of another Muslim’s hands and tongue. Thus, all Muslims are brothers, and because of this bond, it is not permissible to mock, insult, betray, or lie to one another. In this way, everyone can understand how to become a better Muslim and become like mirrors for each other, reflecting honesty and integrity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, embracing Islam is a profound and transformative journey that begins with the declaration of faith, known as the Shahada. It involves not only a commitment to belief in one God and the Prophet Muhammad but also a dedication to understanding and practicing the teachings of the Quran. Alongside this spiritual path, engaging with a supportive community can provide invaluable guidance and encouragement. As you explore your faith further, remember that every individual’s journey is unique and should be approached with patience and sincerity. Take that first step today by seeking knowledge about how to become a Muslim and connecting with local Muslim communities or online resources to deepen your understanding of Islam.