With the pronunciation of this testimony, or "Shahada", with sincere belief and
conviction, one enters the fold of Islam. Upon entering the fold of Islam purely
for the Pleasure of God, all of one's previous sins are forgiven, and one starts a
new life of piety and righteousness. The Messenger of God (pbuh) said to a
person whose desire was to accept Islam that that God would forgive all his past
sins: "Do you not know that accepting Islam, forgives all sins which come before
it?" [Muslim]
God states: "The only religion in the sight of God is Islam." [3:19] In another
verse of the Qur'an, God states: "If anyone desires a religion other than Islam,
never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter, he will be in the ranks of
those who have lost." [3:85]
In another saying, Muhammad, the Messenger of God, said: "Whoever testifies
that there in none worthy of being worshipped but God, Who has no partner, and
that Muhammad is His slave and Prophet, and that Jesus is the Slave of God, His
Prophet, and His word [1] which He bestowed in Mary and a spirit created from
Him; and that Paradise [Heaven] is true, and that the Hellfire is true, God will
eventually admit him into Paradise, according to his deeds." [ Al-Bukhari]
The Declaration of the Testimony [Shahadah]
The testimony can be declared by saying the following statement with conviction
and understanding its meaning:
" Ashhadu anna Laa ilaaha illaa Allah, wa anna Muhammadan rasulu
Allah."
The translation of which is:
"I testify that there is no true god [deity] but God [Allah], and
Muhammad is the Messenger and servant of God."
The first part of the testimony consists of the most important truth that God
revealed to mankind: that there is nothing divine or worthy of worship except
Almighty God.
God states in the Qur'an:
"We did not send the Messenger before you without revealing to him: 'none has
the right to be worshipped except I, therefore worship Me.'" [ 21:25]
I want to become a Muslim
If you become convinced that Islam is the right way of life, and you have decided
to embrace Islam then:
Important note:
It is recommended for this very special occasion to wash the whole of your body
with the intention of embracing Islam. Please bring some ID (passport, driving-licence etc..) with you for verification purpose.
Upon you arrival to the mosque, the Imam on duty usually asks you some
questions to assure your full conviction and he will also brief you certain
fundamental principles of Islam.
It is important to note that their is no compulsion in religion which means no one can force you to change your religion or to make you convert to Islam. This must be your own independent decision.
