This is probably a stupid question, but what is the process of conversion? Right now I am Catholic, however, I'm not confirmed, only baptized. I do really want to come to the real faith (Islam), and I really need your help.
I'd also like tips into adopting a Muslim-centred lifestyle. Btw, I am a teenager, and still live with my parents, so I will need some way to not disturb them in any way.
Welcome to the forum. Your question is a very good and important one, which I am very glad you are considering.
Converting to Islam is an easy process. If a person has a real desire to be a Muslim and has full conviction and strong belief that Islam is the true religion ordained by Allah for all human-beings, then, one should pronounce the "Shahada", the testimony of faith, without further delay.
The Shahada can be declared as follows:
"ASH-HADU AN LA ILAHA ILLA-ALLAH WA ASH-HADU ANNA MOHAMMADAN 'ABDUHU WA RASOOLUH".
The English translation is:
"I bear witness that there is no deity (none truly to be worshipped) but Allah, and I bear witness that Mohammad is His servant and messenger".
If one is truly sincere and complies with the teachings of Islam in all his life, he will find himself a new born person.
Here follows some further information you may find helpful:
What would be next after declaring oneself a Muslim? One should then know the real concept underlying this testimony which means the Oneness of Allah and meet its requirements. One must behave accordingly, applying this true faith to every thing one speaks or does.
What do the words of the "Shahada" signify?
The significant point which every Muslim must know very well is the truth that there is no God (deity) to be worshipped other than Allah. He - glory be to Him - is the only true God, Who alone deserves to be worshipped, since He is the Giver of life and Sustainer and the Nourisher of mankind and all creation with His unlimited bounties. Man must worship Allah, Who alone is worthy of worship.
The second part of the Shahada (i.e. Wa ash-hadu anna Mohammadan Rasul-Allah) means that Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) is the servant and chosen messenger of Allah. No one must have two opinions about this matter. In fact the Muslim has to obey the commands of the Prophet (PBUH), to believe him in what he has said, to practice his teachings, to avoid what he has forbidden, and to worship Allah alone according to the message revealed to him, for all the teachings of the Prophet were in fact revelations and inspirations conveyed to him by Allah.
What is the meaning of worship? It simply means rendering sincere service, showing reverence for Allah. In a deeper shade of meaning, it implies total submission and complete obedience to Allah's commandments both in utterances and actions of man whether explicit or implicit.
Worship fall into two categories:
1. Visible (manifest or outward)
2. Invisible (concealed or inward)
Visible worship includes acts such as uttering the two parts of the "Shahada", performing prayers, giving Zakah (the poor-due), recitation of the Holy Qur'an, supplication, adoring Allah by praising Him, purifying our bodies before prayers, etc.
This type of worship is associated with movement of the parts of the human body.
Invisible worship is to believe in Allah, in the Day of Judgment (in the Hereafter), in the Angels, in the Books of Allah, in the Prophets of Allah, in the Divine Decree of destiny (that good and bad are determined by Allah alone).
This type of worship does not involve movement of parts of the body but it surely has bearing on one's heart which subsequently affects one's way of life.
It should be borne in mind that any worship not dedicated to Allah alone will be rejected as one form of polytheism and this causes apostasy from the Islamic fold.
The next step for a newly revert to Islam is to purify himself by taking a complete bath. He should then resolve to comply with the principles and rules of Islam in their entirety. He should disown all forms of polytheism and false beliefs. He should reject evil and be righteous. Such rejection of evil and being righteous is one of the exquisites of the motto of Islam - that is, Laa Ilaha Illallah.
Allah states in the Holy Qur'an: "... Whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy Hand-hold that never breaks..." (Qur'an 2:256).
We have to consider that when we declare from our heart that "there is no god (deity) worthy to be worshipped but Allah", it implies on our part love, devotion, faith and obedience to the rules of Islamic legislations which are legally binding on all Muslims. It is a requirement of "there is no god worthy to be worshipped but Allah" to love for the sake of Allah and to reject for the sake of Allah.
We definitely want you to become a Muslim! But are you sure you understand what that entails? I think you should fully read the Qur'aan (with commentary) and interact a little more before making such a big move. But all you need to do is say Shahadah, make ghusl (cleansing ritual), and start learning your prayers. Honestly, the best way to become a good Muslim is through immersion, so find a local Mosque and talk to the Imam!
Greetings Jody, and a belated welcome to the forum.
format_quote Originally Posted by Jody
I do really want to come to the real faith (Islam), and I really need your help.
We'll help you in any way we can.
format_quote Originally Posted by Jody
I'd also like tips into adopting a Muslim-centred lifestyle. Btw, I am a teenager, and still live with my parents, so I will need some way to not disturb them in any way.
Have a browse through these threads, there are some snippets in them relevant for your situation, (including a thread by a teenager who has reverted to Islam while living with parents) as well as some general advice.
Stunningly beautiful adhaan from the Dome of the Rock in Masjid ul Aqsa Download (right click and choose "save target/link as").
This is a clear message for mankind in order that they may be warned thereby, and that they may know that He is only One God, and that those of understanding may take heed (14:52)
Indeed Allah knows, and you know not (16: 74, part)
We definitely want you to become a Muslim! But are you sure you understand what that entails? I think you should fully read the Qur'aan (with commentary) and interact a little more before making such a big move. But all you need to do is say Shahadah, make ghusl (cleansing ritual), and start learning your prayers. Honestly, the best way to become a good Muslim is through immersion, so find a local Mosque and talk to the Imam!
I have some knowledge of what it entails, but yes, I still have a lot to learn. Right now, I am looking for a English and parallel Arabic Qur'an (using amazon.ca), and I'm pretty excited to read what the Noble Qur'an says.
There's one big problem with finding a local Mosque. The most "local" Mosque is about 45 minutes to one hour away. And I don't have a driver's licence yet as well. Though, I'll try my best to phone or email a local Imam.
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of reading the Quran with a guide. Prophet Muhammad pbuh brought the Quran and he explained it to the people whenever they had questions. To think that we today can read a translation; without any guide and still get the full understanding of it is a bit foolhardy. That said, I understand it's not easy for everyone to attend classes and so on.
Here's a link http://ibnayyub.wordpress.com/2007/0...hmani-complete/ to what in my opinion is a very extensive and easy-to-understand explanation of the Quran. Before it begins with the first chapter (Al Fatiha / The Opening) it will spend a great deal talking about how the Quran was compiled etc. Once it start with the actual chapters you will be treated to more explanations!
Of course, no one right now can really interpret or explain the Quran as well the Prophet pbuh.
The Quran is very interesting in my opinion because there are some things in the Quran that if you read with pre-equipped knowledge you will understand it on a deeper level. I believe this is one of the special things about the Quran and a testament to how it is timeless. Not only is it a timeless guide but it reminds you to be open to the signs. Also, remember to approach it with humility and an open heart. The Quran can both guide and misguide.
Finally, may Allah make it easy for all the converts to make their transition to a new lifestyle
Some of my friends say the converts have it good because you guys get to "taste" the haram and then be forgiven. It's kind of a silly mindset but that's what happens haha. They don't realise that converts have to deal with a lot of things such as explaining to their family about the change they are making.
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And I don't have a driver's licence yet as well. Though, I'll try my best to phone or email a local Imam.
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