Greetings all,
Many Non Muslims are already convinced in their hearts that Islam is the truth but unnecessarily delay proclaiming the Shahada due to trivial matters. It is true that for many big decisions in life we must take our time and be sure that we are making the right decision. However when it comes to accepting Islam then if you already acknowledge the oneness of your Lord and that the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is his last Messenger then this is all that is necessary for you to accept Islam by taking the Shahada.
Therefore it is critical that you do not delay in accepting the Shahada lest death overtakes you because we do not know which moment will be our last. Death does not wait for any of us regardless of our situation or circumstances. Every one of us has an appointed time at which point our soul will be taken from our bodies for God says in the Qur'an: "And for every nation is a [specified] term. So when their time has come, they will not remain behind an hour, nor will they precede [it]". [Quran 7:34].
Our appointed time is already written in the preserved record, and it does not change. Satan is the sworn enemy of man and he will give you many excuses to delay your Shahada such as: "You still have so much more to learn, it's too early, what will your family say? What will your friends and colleagues think? What will people say, Islam is too hard etc". Or you want to do things a certain way for example learn how to pray first or get yourself ready to wear the Hijaab before converting. These are merely delaying tactics by Satan. The most important thing of all is to accept Islam as soon as possible then worry about everything else. I even came across someone many years ago who was ready to say the Shahada but wanted to do so in public in front of people in the Masjid so he ended up waiting quite a period of time before accepting the Shahada.
None of these excuses should prevent you from accepting Islam. For example learning about Islam is a continuous ongoing process for everyone of us. We can never know enough and we certainly do not need to go too in-depth in order to accept Islam. As long as you are aware of the basic fundamentals then that will suffice for now.
Also It matters not what anyone else thinks nor says about you regarding your reversion to Islam. You will not be responsible for them on the day of Judgement nor will they be to you. It will be every person for themselves on that day. That day will be a day of regret for many of us.
It maybe that the people around you will accept your decision to revert straight away or it may take them a little while for it to sink in. We can pray Allah soften their hearts for our acceptance of Islam. However when your family, friends, colleagues and people around you see the positive changes that Islam brings to your lives then they too will become inclined insha'Allah to this beautiful religion as is the case with the families, friends and colleagues of reverts.
Do not get caught up in what other people think. You came into this world alone and you will depart it alone. You will stand alone on the day of judgement and you will give your account alone. You will see those people who you were worried about what they thought of you also giving their accounts alone. So do what is best for you in this life and the next and never prevent yourself from accepting, worshipping, glorifying and developing a close relationship with your creator!
Surely the one who created us and knows us so much better than we know ourselves. He loves us and wants us to be closer to him and prioritise his pleasure over our desires so that we maybe saved from the fire and admitted to the eternal gardens of Paradise.
Therefore as soon as you are certain in your heart that Islam is the truth then do not allow your enemy Satan to give you excuses to delay or not accept Islam. This is the most important decision that you will ever make which will effect you for eternity and Satan does not want your soul to be saved so he will try his best to ensure that you either delay for as long as possible or not accept Islam altogether.
So ignore the whispers of your eternal enemy and take the Shahada immediately then you can proclaim it again in front of people or at the Masjid etc. This is so that you are not in danger of not being able to do so lest death overtakes you.
So proclaim:
In transliteration: Ashadu an la ilaaha illallaahu, wa ashadu anna muhammadan abduhu wa rasoolu.
Th meaning is: "I testify that there is no god but Allah, and I testify that Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is his servant and messenger.
The following short clip is an amazing reminder that we must not delay accepting Islam: