With more than a billion adherents that continues to grow, according to some assessments, Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. What makes it unique among other religions is that it is easy for new converts, Islam only asks for a sincere and simple declaration of faith to become a Muslim. But the declaration is not light, devoting yourself to living your life by the teachings of Islam is one of the most important (if not the most important) deeds you do in life.
Accepting Islam means eliminating all sins that have been committed before, as a convert you have a clean record, like being born from your mother's womb, and then as much as possible keep this record clean and always try to do good deeds.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Becoming a Muslim
Step 1. Make sure you know what it means to be a Muslim
Islam is called the religion of human nature. That is, Islam believes that humans are born in a pure and perfect state, and Islam is a way of life that is in accordance with this natural fitrah. So, when a person "converts" to Islam, he actually returns to his natural nature as a human being.
- Islam regards anyone who follows this fitrah way of life as a Muslim, regardless of when or where he is. For example, Islam believes that Jesus was a Muslim, even though Jesus lived hundreds of years before the foundation of Islamic history.
- Allah, the title of God in Islam, refers to the same God worshiped by Christians and Jews (or the God "Prophet Abraham"). Therefore, Muslims recognize the Prophets in Christianity and Judaism (including Jesus, Moses, Elias, etc.) and recognize the Bible and the Torah as holy books, before they were changed by humans.
Step 2. Read the holy book of Muslims
The Qur'an is a book that contains Islamic teachings, is believed to be pure words or revelations of God and is a complement to previous Christian and Jewish books. Another source of teaching that is no less important is the Hadith, which record the words and actions of the Prophet Muhammad. Hadith forms the basis for much of Islamic law. Reading these texts and scriptures will give you insight into the historical stories, laws, and lessons that shape the Islamic faith.
Step 3. Talk to a Priest
The Imam is the Islamic religious leader who guides the people inside and outside the mosque. An Imam is chosen based on his character and knowledge of the Qur'an and Hadith. A good Imam will provide guidance and advice regarding your readiness to embrace Islam.
Note that the above explanation only applies to Imams in the teachings of Sunni Islam. In Shia Islam, the role of the Imam is somewhat different
Step 4. Saying the Creed
If you really believe that you want to become a Muslim, all you have to do is say the Shahada, which is a verbal declaration of faith. The creed is " La ilaha illallah, Muhammadun Rasulullah " It means "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah." By saying the Shahada, you have become a Muslim.
- The first part of the Shahada ("La ilaha illallah") refers not only to the God of other religions, but also to worldly things that can replace Allah in one's heart, for example wealth and power.
- The second part of the Shahada ("Muhammadun Rasulullah") is the acknowledgment that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. Muslims are required to live by Muhammad's teachings as written in the Qur'an, and the Creed is a promise to follow these teachings.
- In order to bind someone to Islam, the Shahada must be recited with sincerity and deep understanding. You can't become a Muslim just by saying those words, spoken words are a reflection of the faith that is in the heart.
Step 5. To become an official believer in an Islamic society, you must say the Shahada in the presence of witnesses
Witness is not the main requirement to become a Muslim. Allah is All-Knowing, even if you recite the Shahada alone with faith, you will become a Muslim before Allah. However, to be officially recognized by the mosque and the Islamic community, you must say the Shahada in the presence of witnesses. Eligible witnesses are two Muslims or an Imam (Islamic religious leader) who has the authority to ratify your new faith.
Step 6. Clean yourself
As soon as you become a Muslim, you have to take a bath as a form of purification. It is a symbol that symbolizes cleansing from past sins and the transition from darkness to light.
There is no sin too great that cannot be purified. After saying the Shahada, all your past sins are forgiven. Your new life is centered on trying to increase your Islam by doing good deeds
Part 2 of 3: Living by Islamic Teachings
Step 1. Pray to God
If you are not sure how to pray as a Muslim, the easiest way is to go to the mosque for the five daily prayers. Prayer is a calming activity that should be enjoyed. Don't be in a hurry when you pray. Hasty prayers should be avoided if you want to get the maximum benefit.
- Remember, prayer is a form of direct spiritual connection between you and the Creator who moves your heart and who created the universe. So prayer should be able to bring calm, happiness, and peace. These feelings will come and increase over time. Don't say your prayers loudly and exaggeratedly to attract people's attention, pray simply and humbly. Your goal in praying is to form a habit and make it a pleasurable activity.
- Pray to Allah for success in life in this world and the hereafter. But you have to remember two things: First, you have to do the effort that Allah asks you to do. Praying for success alone will not be enough, you have to do the things necessary to achieve it. Second, have faith in Allah's provisions. Material success may change, but God is eternal. Continue to devote yourself in the way of Allah whether successful or not.
Step 2. Carry out the obligations in Islam (Fardhu)
Islam commands Muslims to carry out certain obligations. This obligation is called "Fardhu." There are two types of Fardhu: Fardu Ain and Fardhu Kifayah. Fardhu Ain is an individual obligation, things that a Muslim must do if he is able, such as praying five times a day and fasting in the month of Ramadan. Fardhu Kifayah is an obligation that must be carried out by some Muslims, meaning that things that must be carried out by society as a whole, do not need to be done by every individual. For example, if a Muslim dies, several Muslims in the community are obliged to perform the funeral prayer. The funeral prayer does not need to be performed by every individual Muslim. But if no one performs the funeral prayer, then all members of the community are sinners.
Islam also recommends practicing the Sunnah, which is a guide in life based on the life of the prophet Muhammad. The sunnah is recommended for Muslims to follow, but it is not obligatory
Step 3. Adhering to Muslim etiquette (Adab
) Muslims are required to live life in certain ways, avoiding some behaviors and adopting others. As a Muslim, you should follow the following customs (and others):
- Eat halal food. Muslims abstain from consuming pork, carrion, blood and alcohol. In addition, meat must be properly slaughtered by an authorized Muslim, Christian, or Jew.
- Say "Bismillah" ("In the Name of Allah") before eating.
- Eat and drink with the right hand.
- Clean yourself the right way.
- Do not have sex during menstruation.
Step 4. Understand and implement the Pillars of Islam
The five pillars of Islam are obligatory for Muslims. These five things are the essence of Islamic piety. The pillars of Islam are:
- Witness to faith (Shahadah). You become a Muslim by declaring that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.
- Perform the five daily prayers (Salat). Prayers facing the Qibla are performed five times a day.
- Fasting in the month of Ramadan (Saum). Ramadan is a holy month marked by tarawih prayers, fasting, and charity.
- Giving 2.5% sustenance to those who are entitled (Zakat). Helping people who are less fortunate is a responsibility as a Muslim.
- Performing worship to the holy land of Mecca (Hajj). People who have the ability are ordered to perform the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime.
Step 5. Believing the six Pillars of Faith
Muslims believe in Allah and His divine commands even though they cannot be felt by the human senses. The Pillars of Faith command that Muslims believe in:
- Allah (God). Allah is the creator of the universe and the only one worthy of worship.
- God's angels. Angels are servants of Allah who obey His every command.
- God's books. The Qur'an is the words of Allah that was conveyed to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel (the Christian and Jewish books are also Allah's books, but some of their contents have been changed by humans).
- Allah's Apostles. Allah sent Prophets and Apostles (including Jesus, Abraham, and others) to convey Allah's revelations in the world. Muhammad is the last and greatest Prophet of all.
- Judgment Day. Later Allah will resurrect all mankind to face the last days at a time only known to Him.
- Destiny. Allah has ordained everything, nothing happens without his permission and without his knowledge.
Part 3 of 3: Strengthening Faith
Step 1. Continue reading the Qur'an
You can learn a lot from the translation of the Qur'an. Some translations may be more difficult to understand than others. The most widely used English translation in the west is from Abdullah Yusuf Ali and Pickthall. But it is better if you seek guidance from people who study the Qur'an rather than relying on yourself to interpret the Qur'an. At every mosque there is usually someone who will be happy to guide and help you learn more about Islam, some even have a "New Muslim" study circle which is a great place to start. Be careful, but relaxed, in choosing someone you feel comfortable with and you believe has enough knowledge to teach you well.
Step 2. Study Islamic Law and choose a School or School of Fiqh
In Sunni Islam, the laws and procedures for performing worship are divided into four schools of thought. Study all the Schools and choose the one that suits you. Following one School will give you an understanding of the laws and procedures of worship in Islam as stated in the main sources of Islamic teachings (Al Qur'an and Hadith). Please remember that all these Schools are valid. The recognized schools are:
- Hanafi. The Hanafi School was founded by Imam Abu Hanifah Nu'man bin Thabit and is the most followed and the most well-informed School in English, spanning secular Turkish to Ultra Orthodox and Barelvis Deobandi. Most Hanafi followers live in the Indo-Pakistani subcontinent, Turkey, Eastern Iran, parts of Egypt and non-Muslim majority countries.
- Shafi'i. The Shafi'i School, founded by Imam Muhammad Asy-Shafi'i, is a school with the second largest number of followers and the majority are in Egypt and East Africa as well as Yemen, Malaysia and Indonesia. The Shafi'i school is known for its complex legal system.
- Maliki. The Maliki school was founded by Imam Abu Anas Malik who was a student of Imam Abu Hanifah. This school is predominantly found in northern and northwestern Africa, as well as in Saudi Arabia. Imam Maliki lived and taught in Medina and one of his most famous followers was Hamza Yusuf.
- Hambali. The Hambali School was founded by Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal and is practiced almost exclusively in Saudi Arabia, with some followers in the west. The Hambali School places great emphasis on religious beliefs and practices and is considered the most violent and conservative.
Step 3. Above all, always try to be a good person
Even if you are angry, sad, or upset, your job in this world is to be a good person who is useful to others. Muslims believe that Allah created humans to have a good and happy life. Use your abilities and talents to help others and improve society. Be open minded, and never harm anyone.
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Like other religions, Islam advises its adherents to follow the "Golden Principle." Follow the advice of Muhammad in the following Hadith:
A Bedouin came to the Messenger of Allah, grabbed his camel stirrup and said: O Messenger of Allah! Teach me something that can take me to Paradise. The Messenger of Allah said: Treat others as you wish them to be required, and do not do what you would not want others to do to you. Now let go of the stirrup. This saying is enough for you, go and live your life accordingly
Tips
- Join a recitation or study at night or on weekends at the mosque to learn more about Islam. Islam is not just a religion, but a way of life that provides guidance from birth to death.
- You are not alone. Visit the website specifically for converts to get an understanding if you have some questions.
- Try to always remember the Creator and continue to do good deeds wherever you are.
- Don't be in a hurry to decide. You must have a solid understanding of how to be a good Muslim before embracing Islam. While there is much to learn, all these laws and ordinances of worship should feel natural, because Islam is a "natural" religion.
- Islam is divided into many sects. Study each genre before you decide to join a particular genre.
- Always ask a knowledgeable Muslim when you have questions about your newly embraced faith. It is recommended that you seek a second opinion, perhaps from the Imam of a mosque in your neighborhood.
- Try to hang out with devout and knowledgeable Muslims as often as possible, they will be able to answer your questions in a more relaxed way.
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If you can, learn to read the Quran in Arabic. Besides the reward of reading the Qur'an (even if you don't understand the meaning), the Qur'an in Arabic is the exact words of Allah as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. In addition, the Qur'an is written with beautiful poetic words, something that sometimes cannot be found in a translated version.
If you can't learn Arabic, try listening to recorded Arabic verses of the Quran while you read the translation
Warning
- Like other religions, in Islam there are also extreme groups who in their efforts to achieve religious perfection, destroy society and encourage violent and hateful acts. Therefore, you should be aware of the source of the information you get. If you read something claiming to be Islamic teachings that seem strange or extreme, seek more information from devout and moderate Muslims.
- You may meet people who display a hostile attitude. Unfortunately, Muslims are sometimes the target of fanatical comments and personal attacks. Stay strong and steadfast and Allah will reward your faith.
- There are many misconceptions about Islam, so make sure you hear only from the Qur'an and Hadith. If you need help understanding aspects of Islam, ask a scholar or the Imam of the mosque.
