Swift sword. If indeed you are clear on the reality of the matter and you know that Islam is the religion for you then enter it. Do not be late as this would be indeed an injustice toward yourself. Your own self has got rights upon you which you should fulfill. Therefore let your self be in it's natural inclination, Islam.

As far as the prayers are concerned, indeed you must pray as you yourself have stated quite correctly. However it is not a condition that you learn proper arabic to pray as there is in the sunnah a hadith that states that the prayer of the one who can not memorise from the book is takbeer, tasbeeh, tahleel and tahmeed. So you can pray by just saying takbeer (Allahu akbar), tasbeeh (subhanallah), tahleel (la ilaha ilallah) and tahmeed (al-hamdulilah).

You also mentioned that you can recite surat al-fatiha. Well this is enough as the hadith states: "Surat al-fatiha is a substitute for every surah but nothing is a substitute for surat al-fatiha".

So give yourself what is a must upon you, al-Islam then start practicing it to the best of your abilities. I pray to Allah to facilitate your matter and to give you strength and determination.

Sallem Brother

I know that the quran has to be recited in Arabic. Otherwise you are not reciting the quran but the meaning of quran (translation). I am certain that the quran has to be in arabic even with difficulties and if you would like confirm this ask the local imam of your mosque clear this issue for you.

am happy for you..unfortunately u have to pray in arabic...but not to worry U can do it

I hop ur by now a muslim
Allah bless you

I am a new Muslim and I've been a convert for nearly 3 weeks. I don't understand Arabic and I find it hard to learn any new lang. I found it hard to speck English when I was very small. I say all my prayers in English but I do say "Great is God" in Arabic as thats easy.

Don't worry. Inshallah you will learn it

thanx for the share! =)

I hope u become muslim soon trust me u will ur life convert to better in every thing but u must have big trust in Allah Taala and to have big Patience for any test Allah gives u After Islam InshaAllah and dont worry in the Initially u know souret (elkawsser) this v.good with (el fateha ) inshaAllah
Allah give u Khair Ameen

Welcome in Islam brother

Yes, I know what you mean. I recite in Arabic, but I think in English terms. That means that I basically learn both.
I encourage you to learn the Arabic for Al-Fatiha in stages, reciting what you know and building on it as you can.

You may find this website helpful in learning the Salah.
http://www.muttaqun.com/salahframes.html

I would not hesitate to say the Shahada until you know your prayers. One never knows when he will die and it is definitely better to testify as to the Oneness of Allah (swt) and the Messengership of Muhammad (saaws) before one dies. This is the single most important act in one's life followed by the 5 daily Salah.