What is Islam?
Learn about the faith of over 2 billion people worldwide and how to embrace Islam.
Islam and Muslims
The Arabic word 'Islam' means 'submission', and is derived from a word meaning 'peace'. The religion of Islam teaches that in order to achieve true peace of mind and contentment of heart, one must submit to God and live according to His Divinely revealed Law.
Islam is not a new religion because 'submission to the will of God', i.e. Islam, has always been the only acceptable path to God. For this reason, its same eternal message was revealed throughout the ages to all of God's prophets and messengers, which has always been that there is only One True God and He alone is to be worshipped.
These prophets start with Adam and include amongst others, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, John the Baptist, and Jesus, and complete with Muhammad, peace be upon them all.
"We did not send before you (O Muhammad) any messenger but We revealed to him: 'none has the right to be worshipped except I, therefore worship Me.'"
— Qur'an 21:25
How Does Someone Become a Muslim?
The word "Muslim" means one who submits to God, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic background.
Simply by saying with conviction the Shahada (declaration of faith), one converts to Islam and becomes a Muslim:
لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ ٱللَّٰهِ
"La ilaha illa Allah, Muhammadur rasoolu Allah"
"There is no true god but God (Allah) and Muhammad is the Messenger (Prophet) of God"
Once a person says the Testimony of Faith (Shahada) with conviction and understanding its meaning, then he or she has become a Muslim.
The first part, "There is no true deity but God," means that none has the right to be worshipped but God alone, and that God has neither partner nor son. The second part means that Muhammad was a true Prophet sent by God to humankind.
Benefits of Embracing Islam
Form a personal and direct relationship with God by worshipping Him alone, without the need of intermediaries.
Realise the true purpose of life, which is to recognise God and follow His commandments.
Be provided with a light that guides through life. Islam has answers to all situations.
Find true contentment, tranquillity, and inner peace.
Upon converting, all previous sins are forgiven, and one starts a new life of piety and righteousness.
The greatest benefit — a Muslim is promised by God the reward of eternal Paradise.
To Be a Muslim, One Should Also:
Believe that the Holy Qur'an is the literal word of God, revealed by God.
Believe that the Day of Judgement is true and will occur.
Believe in the prophets that God sent and the books He revealed, and in His angels.
Accept Islam as his or her religion.
Not worship anything nor anyone except God.
You Are Not Alone
If you have embraced Islam, rest assured that you are not alone — the same faith is shared by over 2 billion people worldwide.
We congratulate you on your decision and welcome you to Islam. Please contact us so that we can provide you with useful resources and advice, suitable for you as a new Muslim.
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