To become a Muslim, one recites the Shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith. The Shahada is a simple statement affirming the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad. It is traditionally said in Arabic:
“Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lahu, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadur rasulullah.”
“أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له، وأشهد أن محمدًا رسول الله”
This translates to:
“I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.”
Reciting this declaration sincerely is the primary step to embracing Islam. It’s also important to understand and commit to the basic principles and practices of the faith, which include the Five Pillars of Islam.
