🕊️ A Personal Invitation to You
If you are reading this, it may be that Allah Himself is gently inviting you to come closer to Him.
You do not have to be perfect, you do not need a long history of prayer, and you do not even need to call yourself “religious.” To become a Muslim, you simply turn your heart to Allah and state the testimony of faith, the Shahadah.
🔑 Your Doorway into Islam
The Shahadah is the one sentence that represents this core belief. It is your doorway into Islam. By saying it with sincerity, you are formally entering the faith.
The words are:
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ
Ashhadu an lā ilāha illā Allah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasūlullāh.
Meaning: I bear witness that there is no god except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.
Reset Your Life: Your Sins are Forgiven
One of the most beautiful gifts of entering Islam is the complete forgiveness of your past. The moment you embrace the faith, your slate is wiped clean.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was told by a new convert, ‘Amr ibn al-‘As, that he would only accept Islam if his past sins were forgiven. The Prophet ﷺ replied:
“Do you not know that Islam wipes out everything that came before it (of sins)?”
Source: Sahih Muslim
So when you say the Shahadah with sincere belief:
- Your past mistakes are forgiven.
- Your previous sins are wiped away.
- You start in the sight of Allah as clean as a newborn child.
No one’s past is too dark. No life is too complicated. Allah’s mercy is far greater than any sin.
🏞️ The Promise of Paradise
This simple, powerful sentence carries with it the ultimate promise: Paradise. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ gave us amazing assurances for the people of Lā ilāha illā Allah (“There is no god except Allah”).
He ﷺ said:
“Whoever says, ‘Lā ilāha illallah,’ sincerely from his heart will enter Paradise.”
Source: Musnad Ahmad
He ﷺ also said:
“Whoever’s last words are ‘Lā ilāha illallah’ will enter Paradise.”
Source: Sunan Abi Dawud
In another comprehensive hadith, the Prophet ﷺ explained that whoever bears witness that there is no god but Allah (alone, with no partner), that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger, that Jesus is His servant and Messenger, and that Heaven and Hell are true…
“…Allah will admit him into Paradise, whatever his past actions might have been.”
Source: Sahih al-Bukhari
This means that anyone who truly accepts this word, lives by it, and dies upon it is guaranteed Paradise by the promise of Allah and His Messenger ﷺ. Some believers may be purified first, but the final home of every person of Lā ilāha illallah is Jannah (Paradise).
Allah looks at how we end our journey, not only how we began it.
❤️ Your Sincere, Free Choice
This decision must be yours and yours alone. Allah makes this clear in the Qur’an:
“There is no compulsion in religion. Truth has become distinct from falsehood.”
Source: Qur’an 2:256
This means:
- No one can force you to become Muslim.
- You must choose this path freely, with your own heart and conviction.
- Your relationship with Allah is personal and direct.
For this reason, no witnesses are required for your Shahadah to be valid. If you understand the meaning, believe it, and say it—even if you are completely alone—you are a Muslim in the sight of Allah.
(Having witnesses or a certificate later can be helpful for official matters like Hajj, marriage, or legal documents, but they are not conditions for Allah to accept your Islam.)
How to Say the Shahadah
If you feel ready in your heart, here is a simple way to take this step.
1. Take a Calm Moment
Before you recite, take a quiet moment.
- Breathe slowly.
- Think of the One who created you, protected you, and brought you to these words.
- Know that He is more merciful to you than any parent can be to their child.
If you feel ready, you can say in your heart: O Allah, I turn to You. I believe in You alone, and I believe that Muhammad is Your final Messenger.
2. Recite the Words
Now, you can say the words out loud, right where you are. Do not worry if your Arabic accent is not perfect; Allah hears the sincerity of your heart.
First, the Arabic:
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ
Ashhadu an lā ilāha illā Allah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasūlullāh.
Then, the English meaning:
“I bear witness that there is no god except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
At this moment, by the grace of Allah, you have entered Islam.
3. Listen and Follow Along (Optional)
To make it even easier, you can listen and be guided. This short, gentle video will walk you through the pronunciation and meaning, allowing you to repeat it phrase by phrase.
[Video from Qalbi Zikr Academy would be embedded here]
Simply press play, listen, and then read along with the teacher. You can pause and rewind as many times as you like until you feel comfortable.
Welcome! What’s Next?
Once you have said the Shahadah, take a moment to feel the peace and gratitude.
Thank Allah quietly in your own words.
If you can, it is highly recommended to perform a full-body wash (ghusl) or shower to symbolize your new, pure beginning.
Your journey is just beginning, and we are here to help. When you are ready, here are some gentle next steps:
- Learn the Core: Start with our Beliefs Overview to understand the fundamental articles of faith.
- Understand the Practice: See how faith is put into action in our Duties Overview, which covers prayer, fasting, and more.
- Refine Your Character: Islam is also about beauty in conduct. You can explore our Manners Overview for guidance.
If you are still thinking, that is perfectly fine. Take your time, re-read the words, and let your heart settle. Know that the door of Allah’s mercy is wide open.
Whenever you are ready, your Lord is ready to receive you, to forgive what has passed, and to write your name among the people of Lā ilāha illallah, Muhammadur Rasūlullāh.