How does one become Muslim? Becoming Muslim is not a complicated matter. One who wants to become Muslim does not have to get baptized or go through any complicated matters. There are many misconceptions when it comes to ’how one becomes Muslim’. However, the process is very simple.

If one has a true and sincere desire to be a Muslim [he must firmly believe that Islam is the true religion ordained by Allah (SWT) [God] for all human-beings], then he should pronounce the shahada, the testimony of faith. The Shahada can be declared as follows “Ash-Hadu Anla Elaha Illa-Allah Wa Ash-hadu Anna Muhammadar Rasul-Allah” [translation: “I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah”]. Basically, this testimony means that there is no god other than Allah {Glory be to Him}; He alone deserves to be worshipped, and He alone is the only true God. The second part of the shahada means that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the messenger of Allah (SWT); a guidance to all mankind. However, it would not be enough to just utter this testimony without actually believing it by heart; firmly and unwavering. If one is sincere to this testimony and utters it -- he becomes a Muslim.

Once someone becomes a Muslim, he or she should gradually implement these things into his life:

*Five daily prayers

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:"The First of one's works that he shall be called to account for on the Day of Judgment is the prayer. If he performed it well, he will be prosperous. otherwise, he will be a loser"             

* Fasting in the month of Ramadan [Until Sunset]

* Giving money in charity to the poor [there are others that may fall into this category] (at least 2.5% of your surplus wealth per year [the husband and father is responsible to pay for his wife and daughter])

* Pilgrimage to Mecca once in your life (if you are healthy and can afford to)

A Muslim should implement Islam into their whole life. Islam is not just a religion- it is a complete way of life. Islam teaches one to love and be loyal to his Muslim brothers and sisters, to abstain from lying, to be forgiving (Qur‘an: "...[those] who restrain from anger and pardon {all} men- for Allah loves those who do good. (3:134) , to avoid cursing, to be modest, to be just (Qur‘an: "Be just, that is nearer to piety; and fear Allah."[5:8] ),to fulfill promises, to be compassionate, to be sincere, to spread peace, to be patient (Qur‘an:“And Allah loves the patient."( 3:146) ) , and to even have a sense of humor ( The prophet (peace be upon him) used to joke around with his companions when it was appropriate, without going to extremes. Similarly, when he was serious, he did not go to extremes of harshness and strictness.). These are very few examples of the many aspects Islam talks about. However, it is important to mention this saying of the prophet: “Seeking ‘Ilm (knowledge) is incumbent on every Muslim.”

    One must always strive to seek knowledge - this includes learning about Islam [Qur’anic teachings, teachings of the prophet, the prophet’s life, etc..] and applying it to one’s life. Yes, becoming Muslim is easy -- when one becomes Muslim he enters the straight path of Islam. However, in order to stay on it, he/she must do good works, abstain from wrong acts (apply Islam into their everyday lives). Therefore, even though it is simple to become Muslim; the task is not over after that is done. One must strive to be a true believer [Mu’imin]; one who believes in his heart and shows his belief through actions.