How does one convert to Islam?

Question

Although my parents are Turkish unfortunately i wasn't brought up as a muslim but i would like to convert to Islam because for me it is the true religion. Does anyone know where i can obtain practical advice on understanding and practising Islam, such as praying? I don't want to go to a mosque and speak to an Imam because i wouldn't know how to approach him, or when and where to go etc., and i don't have any muslim friends that could help.

Also another thing i can't make my mind up on is whether to be a Sunni or a Shia, although i agree more with Sunni practices, such as more emphasis on the Qur'an and Sunnah, historically i can understand why the Shia's were upset and i can't unserstand why Sunni's don't like Ali or feel upset at the death of Hassan and Hussayn, after all they were the Prophets grandchildren? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

I wish i was there to Guide You.. I Hope These Web Help.. http://www.themuslimwoman.com/chooseyourpath/basicguidetoprayer/ But first You must announce your self as Muslim .. It is batter if you go to the Mosque there is nothing to be shy about it.. The Imam will be glad & thankfull if you joint Muslim.. There is Two kalimah Shaadat.. it sound like this..> As.. Ahadu..Allah...ILLaa... ah..ILL..Laawa... Wa..ash...adu..Ana...Muhammad.. Dar...Rasul..Allah...

Answer 2

Salaam,

First of all congrats!!! Many people have responded to your first half of the question, which was how to convert. As far as the Sunni and Shia thing I don't think you should be worried too much about labeling if you are Sunni or Shia, being a Muslim is all that should matter.

The difference between a Sunni and Shia is something you already know, but do you know what the differences about the practices of a Sunni Muslim and a Shia Muslim are? I was raised in a Muslim family and my mother is Sunni but my father is Shia. I had the opportunity to see both sides of the story. I will however say this, my father never forced or pressured my mother about becoming a Shia. Overtime my mother herself became one, once she was more aware on the differences of the practices. I am a Shia as well, and again this was not due to any pressure but more on learning and being exposed to the difference.

I think you should research more on the differences of those two, and then whatever your heart says go for that one. Conduct your research more on what they practice and how they practice it. One of the many differences is how both handle the month of Muharram differently.

P.S. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns feel free to contact me.

Hope it helped & good luck (sorry about the length)

Answer 3

Talking to an imam still isn't a bad idea; I would find out exactly what kind of mosque it is, what branch of Islam they emphasize, and what else specifically they teach or advocate. Many communities also have "Islamic Education Centers" or "Institutes of Islamic Study" or what have you--check the phonebook or local listings for something along those lines. There are also plenty of websites that explain basics, such as Islam's history, the Five Pillars, the Hajj, and all that Islam-y stuff.

I'd recommend the same kinds of things regardless of what religion you were considering; learn about it, what it teaches, its history, and the common beliefs, culture, and attitudes of its followers, and where it all fits in the world. There's nothing wrong with doing some background research before you make decisions like that.

Answer 4

To convert to Islam you have to go to an Imam or any one you know,why don't you ask your parents. you should go to the mosque for prayers. This way you can talk to other people, who might help you. This way they can tell you when and how to talk to Imam.

Another thing you asked is that weather you should be Sunni or Shia. I would say that you should be a Sunni, you must pick one of the Sunni imams and obey their instructions. You said that why Sunni's do not like Ali or feel upset at the death of Hassan and Hussayn. My answer to that is that Sunnis do like Hazrat Ali, after all he was prophet's son in law and he was called "The Lion of Allah" because of his bravery. And Sunnis do feel upset about the death of Prophet's grandchildren. I think you got this point from watching/hearing the Shias beat and hit themselves with chains etc., but we beleive that you should not beat yourself so badly. There are other ways of feeling upset like you can pray for them and for yourself. You can pray to Allah that he gives us the power to choose the correct way and to give our lives in the way of Allah. I think that it is just a rumor spreaded by Shias that we don't like Hazrat Ali and do not feel upset about the death of The Princes of The Heaven. Thank you!

Answer 5

Best way to convert is to go to a mosque and ask the mosque's imam (minister) to help you convert you to islam.
You could get many advices here to guide you, but without knowing exactly what to do it would be better to seek the help of a mosque's elders. They would be more than happy to guide you in the right direction. At least by them helping and witnessing, you wouldn't be doing anything wrong or misguided. May Allah be with you and in your heart. See you were misguided already with Sunni's not liking Ali or feel upset about the deaths of Hassan or Hussein. We believe in all prophets of Allah including Jesus and Moses. But we are guided by the teachings of the prophet Mohommad.

Answer 6

you can convert alone in privacy or in the presence of others like mosque or among friends or family . you can go to mosque if you don't want to talk to imam you can simply ask him to help you to meet other Muslims female and other new converts . to convert you have to be sure with all your heart and mind then simply say and testify the Shahada ,Ashadu alla ilaha illa Allah, wa ashadu anna Muhammed ar-rasool Allah (I testify that there is no true god (deity) but God (Allah), and Muhammad is the Messenger (Prophet) of God) .then you should learn and practice the 5 Pillars of Islam
Prayer,Zakah the Charity and giving and helping the poor and the needy,Fasting month of Ramadan-S ,Pilgrimage the Hajj to Mecca. you do all of this and you be a muslimah be ethen Allah .If you need any help pleas feel free to email me.before I finish this I read wrong information and I just want to correct it ...male only may circumcised.
my advice don't confuse your self between sunni and shia you just follow the basics of the faith and read and study the history to understand and get a clear picture .

Answer 7

Definitely get some advice from other muslims, preferably muslimahs. It is absolutely wonderful to hear that you are choosing Islam but it is very important to learn as much as you can. I have included a couple links that give away free info on Islam including books and the holy quran. They do work as I have recieved books from them and they do keep your information safe. It is very important to also visit a mosque the sooner you get to know the muslim community around you the sooner you will feel more comfy and accepted.
As for the sunni or shia sects, I see no reason to choose. Muhammad(pbuh) did not want us muslims to label ourselves like that. We are all muslims and we need to unite and end this horrible war with eachother. I myself refuse to identify with either side as well as many muslims I know.
I wish you the best of luck and that Allah continues to guide you through your transition.

http://www.imanway.com/en/showthread.php?t=2578

http://www.whyislam.org/877/

Answer 8

Hey sister!
I am a covert and hopefully I can help! To become Muslim, the only thing you have to do is say "I bear witness that there is no diety worthy of worship other than Allah, and I testify that Muhammad is a messenger of Allah" say that 3 times, and that is it!

It is good if you can do it with a 'witness' but it is not necessary as this is between you and God. A friend of mine did it in her kitchen! LOL. Once you have said it, eventually tru to get in contact with a mosque. Even just ask a few of the sisters for help, I pray they will be of some help! It is easy to convert to Islam, but we definitely need support after conversion. Hopefully the more you attend the mosque, the more sisters you will meet! :)

As for anything else, the best thing to do is to learn how to pray. You dont have to say it in Arabic at first, just when you eventually learn how to say it in Arabicm you should. Here is a good site detailing the prayer and the ritual washing before it:

http://english.islamway.com/flashpage.php?id=3&cat=1&file_name=ablution&width=782&hight=438 (washing)
http://english.islamway.com/flashpage.php?id=2&cat=1&file_name=PrayerBeg&width=782&hight=438 (prayer)

About sunni and shi'a, I am sunni personally. We actually love ali, just believe that the caliphate should have been voted, not handed down through lineage -- thats the difference in essence I guess. Dont worry about that now hun, the best thing to do is pray.

in what city do you live? I might be able to get you hooked up with a few good sisters in your area!

Could I email you with more information? I know how tough it is, especially after converting with family, etc.
Let me knwo and congratulations!

Answer 9

You can buy Islamic books from shops. I am a Sunni and 90%+ muslims are Sunni too. There are many websites on the internet too that can tell you how to pray. You can email me if you want some info or a chat about Islam, but I myself don't know a whole lot because I am quite young and have less knowledge.

Answer 10

Where are you from? There are many Muslims around the world. There isn't a place on earth where you won't find Muslims. Go to your nearest Mosque or the nearest library. There is no need to fear speaking to any Muslim, Imam or not. In'shallah, if your heart is true then you will not need to look for Islam, Allah knows where you are. Just as myself, I was searching for a true religion, and my life brought me to Islam by meeting other Muslims without any intentions of meeting them. Basically, they just pop up if you will.

Answer 11

Assalamu'alaikum...
May Allah Bless you!!! Congratulations, I am very proud of you and your efforts to look into Islam and realize its beauty. As for the whole converting thing...I understand why you wound not want to meet directly with an Imam. But unfortunately, in my mind, the best thing is to go to the majid. This is what you do. Go to your local masjid or one that is well established. Make sure you wear a hijab! Approach a lady who looks in charge, she could be a sunday school teacher, a volunteer, or anything. When you find some one, say "Assalamu'alaikum, my name is so&so, and I am new to this majid. Actually, I want to convert into Islam, and I just wanted to get to know a few Muslims, so I have support. Would please tell me how one converts into Islam and what I must do?" I know it sounds odd, but I, being a Muslim, have said some things that are odder. And no one will think your odd...I'm sure that they will be as happy as you have made me! So don't feel intimidated, no one is better than you and vice versa. Tehy have no right to criticize you. For they are not the one who made you, guided you, and will judge you on judgement day! Also, they do not know what quality of yours Allah loves, they might not have that quality. Anyways, say those words to some one who can communicate to you in the right language. I would suggest some one of your age. Make sure that everything you say to them, you will follow! May Allah bless you, and good luck!
Khuda hafiz ;-)