What the Shahada Means
The shahada is the declaration of faith and the first of the five pillars of Islam. It is two short statements, said with sincere belief:
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ
"Ash-hadu an la ilaha illAllah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasulAllah"
"I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah."
The first part, "La ilaha illAllah", means there is no god but Allah. It affirms the Oneness of God and that He alone is worthy of worship. This belief is called tawhid.
The second part, "Muhammadan rasulAllah", means Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. It affirms his prophethood, the Qur'an as God's final revelation, and the Sunnah as a guide for life. Our guide to Islamic beliefs explains these ideas in more depth.
Muhammad ﷺ is the last of many messengers; our guide to the prophets in Islam lists the 25 named in the Qur'an.
Many people say the shahada at a mosque with others present, and some say it privately first. If you have questions about how or where to say it, ask a local imam or knowledgeable Muslim.
Your First Steps
There is no need to change everything overnight. Many new Muslims build up their practice gradually, and the Prophet ﷺ said: "The most beloved deeds to Allah are those done consistently, even if they are small." (Reported by Aisha, in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.) A few good places to start:
- Learn the basics of prayer gradually, a little at a time.
- Learn the meaning of the shahada and let it settle in your heart.
- Find a mosque or Muslim community near you.
- Ask questions without pressure. No question is too basic.
Many people also begin reading a translation of the Qur'an in their own language, starting with the short surahs.
Learning to Pray
Muslims pray five times a day. Learning the words and movements takes time, and many new Muslims learn a little at a time with help from someone they trust. Our guide to prayer (salah) walks through wudu, the prayer times and each position. To find which way to face at home, use our qibla finder.
Ramadan, Zakat and the Rest of the Five Pillars
The five pillars of Islam are the shahada, the five daily prayers, zakat, fasting in Ramadan and Hajj.
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. If your first Ramadan is coming up, check the Ramadan 2027 dates and read our guide to the month. Many new Muslims build up their practice gradually. Ask a local imam or knowledgeable Muslim what applies to your situation.
Zakat is a yearly payment of 2.5% on savings above a minimum amount, called the nisab, held for a full lunar year. When you are ready, our zakat calculator can help you work it out.
Hajj is the pilgrimage to Makkah, required once in a lifetime for those who are physically and financially able. There is no rush; many people focus on their daily practice first.
Words You Will Hear
Some Arabic words come up again and again. Here are five, with short definitions from our Islamic glossary. You will also hear people say what wallahi means as an everyday oath, and what mashallah means to show appreciation, and what alhamdulillah means to thank God, and what inshallah means when speaking about the future, and what subhanallah means in wonder at something remarkable.
- Salah
- The ritual prayer performed five times a day.
- Wudu
- Washing specific parts of the body before prayer.
- Masjid
- A mosque, where Muslims gather for prayer and worship.
- Alhamdulillah
- “All praise is due to God.” Said to express gratitude.
- As-salamu alaykum
- The Islamic greeting, meaning “Peace be upon you.”
Finding Community and Support
Support from other Muslims makes a real difference, especially in the first months. Many mosques run classes or mentoring for new Muslims, so it is worth walking in, introducing yourself and asking what is available.
Many towns also have local groups for converts. Having one patient, experienced Muslim to ask questions helps too, and your local imam may be able to introduce you to someone.
Online videos, courses and forums can help, but quality varies a lot. Learn from knowledgeable, well-regarded sources, and check anything that sounds extreme or confusing with a local imam. Our answers to common questions about Islam are a good place to start.
Telling Family and Friends
Deciding when and how to tell family and friends is personal, and there is no single right way. Some people share the news straight away; others wait until they feel more settled. It can help to explain what has changed for you and what has not, and to listen to their concerns patiently.
Reactions vary. Some families are supportive from the start, and others need time. Kindness and patience usually go further than debate. If you are unsure how to handle a particular situation, such as family events or living arrangements, ask a local imam or knowledgeable Muslim for advice.
New Muslim FAQ
Do I need to learn everything at once?
No. Nobody learns Islam all at once, including people who were raised Muslim. Most new Muslims start with the meaning of the shahada and the basics of prayer, then build up from there. Learning a little regularly is usually easier than trying to take in everything in the first few weeks. Go at a pace you can keep up, and ask for help.
Do I have to change my name?
Some new Muslims choose a new name, often one with a meaning they love, and many keep the name they were given at birth. Both are common. If you are thinking about changing your name or are unsure about it, ask a local imam or knowledgeable Muslim. For ideas, you can browse Islamic names and their meanings.
How do I learn to pray?
Start with the basics and build up slowly. Our step-by-step prayer guide explains wudu, the five prayer times and each position, with the Arabic words and their meanings. Many people find it easier to learn alongside someone, so ask at your local mosque whether someone can show you. It is normal for this to take time.
Can I ask questions if I feel unsure?
Yes. Asking questions is a normal part of learning, and no question is too basic. Many new Muslims feel unsure at times, especially in the first months, and you are not alone in that. Talk to a local imam or a knowledgeable Muslim you trust, take your time, and come back to the basics whenever things feel like too much.
Where can I find a community?
Your nearest mosque is often the best place to start. Many mosques welcome new Muslims and can tell you about classes, study circles or local groups for converts. Friday prayers and community events are good times to meet people. Online communities can also help, especially if you live far from a mosque, but choose knowledgeable, well-regarded sources.
Last updated:
This guide is general information. Please consult a qualified scholar or local imam for your situation.
Related guides
Continue Learning