What does it mean to be Muslim?
“Islam” is an Arabic word which means “submission”. It comes from a root word which means “peace”. Islam teaches us that to achieve true contentment and peace, we have to submit to God alone. The Arabic word for God is “Allah” and word “Muslim” means “the one who submits to the will of Allah”.
Islam is not a new faith. It is the same message revealed to all of Allah’s Prophets, including Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Mohammad (peace be upon them all). The main message of all the Prophets has always been that there is only One God and He alone is to be worshipped.
“We did not send before you (O Muhammad) any messenger but We revealed to him: ‘none has the right to be worshipped except Me, therefore worship Me alone”. (The Noble Qur’an 21:25)
Islam is for the whole of humanity. Islam unites together people of different colours, languages, races, and nationalities into one brotherhood.
Allah says: “Indeed the Believers are but a single Brotherhood: So make peace with your brethren.”.” (The Noble Qur’an 49:10)
So, any human being can become Muslim. You do not need anyone’s permission. You can be any colour, race, age, and speak any language. Everyone is welcome!
Why should I become Muslim?
Find my Purpose
Converting to Islam gives you the means of finding fulfillment and purpose. The very reason that Allah created us is to worship Him. Islam teaches us how to worship Allah and get closer to Him. It gives us achievable goals and a way of life that is unlike any other.
Achieve Inner Peace
In a world of massive materialism, many people are left unsatisfied and spiritually empty. This life is full of choices and what we believe is one of the most important as our mutual goal as human beings is to find fulfillment. Many people have found solace and peace through Islam. It is the true path to fulfillment. Islam presents a model of guidance and a road to true happiness and satisfaction.
“Those who have faith and whose hearts find peace in the remembrance of God- truly it is in the remembrance of God that hearts find peace.” (The Noble Qur’an 13:28)
Direct Relationship with Allah
By accepting Islam, one forms a personal and direct relationship with Allah. This close friendship with Allah will lead one to face the challenges and trials of this life with guidance and ease. The knowledge that Allah is our constant and sincere companion is a great comfort and relief. To know that all that happens in this life is from Allah and He is in control of all things is not only a great gift but a great solace as well, because we know that Allah loves us and there is good in everything even if we cannot understand it at the time.
“Unquestionably, God’s friends have nothing to fear, nor shall they grieve.” (The Noble Quran 10:62)
Islam Erases all Past Sins
No matter what sins you have committed or how wild your past has been, you can still embrace Islam and become a Muslim. Islam erases all sins from before you became a Muslim. The Prophet Muhammad (may the peace be upon him) said, ‘Islam annuls what came before it.’ and ‘Do you not know that Islam destroys that which came before it?’” (Hadith narrated by Muslim). As soon as you become a Muslim, Allah forgives all of you previous sins and you begin again with a blank state.
Say, “O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” (The Noble Quran 39:53)
Eternal Happiness with Allah
Allah promises that true Believers will be in Paradise (Heaven) where there will be no sickness, pain, seperation, or sadness, only eternal bliss. In Paradise, there are pleasures that no one has ever experienced before and no one could ever imagine.
Every soul will taste death and you will be paid in full only on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever is kept away from the Hellfire and admitted to Paradise will have triumphed. The present world is only an illusory pleasure. (The Quran 3:185)
I want to become Muslims, but…
I am a child, how do I become Muslim?
If you are a child, you can still become Muslim. It is honourable to know who you are at a young age and accept Islam. This journey will be most beneficial as you grow and experience this life. If you believe your parents will not agree, you do not need your parent’s permission to become a Muslim. If you fear they may harm you or chastise you, you can become Muslim in secret and tell them when you are ready and it is safe for you.
There aren’t any Muslims or Mosques around where I live
This is not an obstacle in anyone becoming a Muslim. You do not have to go to a Mosque or Islamic center or know any Muslims in order to be a Muslim. You can say the declaration of faith (called the Shahadah) to yourself and from then onwards you are a Muslim!
I have tattoos, can I still become Muslim?
Tattoos are not allowed in Islam but they DO NOT prevent a person becoming Muslim. You should become Muslims and later you can have the tattoos removed if you can afford it. If you can not afford it then do not worry, there is no sin on you for what you did before becoming Muslim, you are still a Muslim. You will still be accepted and loved by Allah!
I want to become Muslim! How do I do it?
When one truly believes that Islam is the true religion of God and that “there is no god worthy to be worshiped but Allah and that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.” Then they should declare the Shahadah right away. They should not hesitate.
Saying these simple words, with conviction, enters one into the religion of Islam. This statement is known as the Testimony of Faith or the Shahadah in Arabic.
In Arabic:
“Ashhadu An La Ilaha IllAllah, Wa Ashhadu Anna Muhammad Rasulu Allah.”
English meaning:
“I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except God, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of God.”
Congratulations! Peace be with you! You have entered into Islam and you are now a Muslim. You are entering into a Faith that is most rewarding. Your journey towards enlightenment and peace begins now. Please follow these links, explore this site, and see where to start and how to make this a most fulfilling journey.
If you have any questions or need more information, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be glad to help!
Asalamu’alaikum, peace be with you!
