Shahada

[INsearch]

Ok my question is about the Shahada... I have been on other Muslim boards and have always got mixed answers about this but you guys seem to really know your stuff... so my question is this: Do you have to perform the Shahada in front of people? or can you do it alone?

 

[crayon]

Heya!

"Strictly speaking, it is not at all considered an essential requirement for witnesses to be present when a person is embracing Islam; thus if a person declares Shahadah (testimony of faith) between himself and Allah, he is considered a Muslim in the sight of Allah. But in order for him to be recognized as a member of the Muslim community, he must declare the same in presence of two witnesses or before an Imam of a mosque who has been duly authorized to issue a certificate indicating the same.

It is, therefore, highly recommended for anyone embracing Islam to do so in the presence of persons authorized to issue certificates as he/she may be called upon to produce them while planning to go for Hajj or in case of any question concerning his Islamic identity. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, taught us that while doing things we should try to do them as professionally and efficiently as possible."

source-http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/...h-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaE&cid=1119503545530

Hope that helps, and I hope you find what you're looking for.

 

[muddasir]

Asalam O Alikum Brother,

First thing is this that you must have to offer shada by your heart ,
secondly should you have to perform shada in front of people , brother its better to do this why you are hesitating it infront of people.
but if you feel that doing this will harm your life and your life will be in danger by opening your islam to other then its ok to just say/belief by heart until you find some better way.

(Allah Knows Better).

Ok my question is about the Shahada... I have been on other Muslim boards and have always got mixed answers about this but you guys seem to really know your stuff... so my question is this: Do you have to perform the Shahada in front of people? or can you do it alone?

 

[INsearch]

Well.... you can become Muslim to Allah but not to other Muslims unless I speak it infront of others? What if you live in a state where Mosques or people of authority just dont exist? like say... Vermont? lol.

 

[Hamza Asadullah]

Ok my question is about the Shahada... I have been on other Muslim boards and have always got mixed answers about this but you guys seem to really know your stuff... so my question is this: Do you have to perform the Shahada in front of people? or can you do it alone?

Asalam brother how are you? Im very happy that allah has seen something in you that he likes and has guided you to islam! I have pasted relevant information for you that i hope will help you! Please ask me for anything else that you want to know or may need and i will try my best to help you in anyway that i can! Take care!

How to Convert to Islam

From your Islam Guide

If you believe in the teachings of Islam, it is recommended to make a formal declaration of faith. After careful study and prayer, if you find that you want to embrace the faith, here's how.

Here's How:

For a Muslim, every action begins with your intention. Quietly, to yourself, make the intention to embrace Islam as your faith.
Say the following words with clarity of intention, firm faith and belief:
Say: "Ash-hadu an la ilaha ill Allah." (I bear witness that there is no diety but Allah.)
Say: "Wa ash-hadu ana Muhammad ar-rasullallah." (And I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.)
Take a shower, symbolically cleansing yourself of your past life.
Learn how to pray and practice Islam in your daily life.
Continue to learn, study, and grow in your new faith.


Tips:

Before embracing Islam, be sure to spend time studying the faith, reading books, and learning from other Muslims.
Your conversion should be based on knowledge, certainty, acceptance, submission, truthfulness, and sincerity.
It is not required to have Muslim witnesses to your conversion, but many prefer to have such support.
If you wish to go for Hajj (pilgrimage), a "certificate of Islam" may be required. Contact your local Islamic center to obtain one.

Source: http://islam.about.com/c/ht/00/07/How_Convert_Islam0962933372.htm

How To Convert To Islam

You Will Need

A basic knowledge of Islam
A shower or bath
An inner conviction of Islam’s truth
An intention to convert for God’s pleasure
Muslim witnesses (optional)
New Muslim name (optional)

Step 1: Review the five pillars of Islam

Review the five pillars of Islam: testifying that there is only one God and Muhammad is his prophet; praying five times a day; fasting for the month of Ramadan; offering charity each year; and making the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in your lifetime. Affirm these to yourself.

Familiarize yourself with the various strains of Islam. Sunnis, Shias, and Ismailis are all Muslim but have slightly different core beliefs or aqeedah. Because Sunnis make up roughly 85 percent of the world’s Muslim population, this represents a sort of default option for conversion.

Step 2: Make your intention

Sitting quietly by yourself, make your intention, either silently or out loud, to convert to Islam to please God alone, not for personal gain or to please other people.

If someone is pressuring you to convert to Islam—for example a spouse or a boyfriend/girlfriend, remind him or her that according to Islamic law, a conversion without inner conviction is morally meaningless and religiously invalid.

Step 3: Read out loud ...

Read out loud this statement in Arabic: “Ash-shadu an laa ill-laaha illa-lah.” This means in English: “I testify there is no God but God.”

While many converts like to profess their new faith in a mosque and/or in the presence of other Muslims, witnesses are not required. You can become Muslim by yourself at home.

Step 4: Read aloud ...

Read aloud this statement: “Wa ash-shadu anna Muhammadun-a rasuulu-lah.” This means “And I testify that Muhammad is the prophet of God.”

Step 5: Repeat steps 3 & 4

Repeat Steps 3 and 4. These two statements are known as the shahadah, or testament of faith, and they comprise the first pillar of Islam.

Saying the shahadah in Arabic is required, but it might also help to repeat the statements in your native language.

Step 6: Take a shower or bath

Take a shower or bath, completely immersing your hair and body. With this washing, you are shedding all of the sins you may have committed before becoming Muslim.

Step 7: Accept God's mercy

Accept God’s mercy in forgiving all your past sins. It’s part of the gift of becoming Muslim.

Step 8: Pray for others

Use this time to pray for others. God says the prayer of a new convert is likely to be accepted.

Step 9: Practice the other pillars of Islam

Begin to practice the other pillars of Islam as soon as you are ready. Most immediately, this means offering the five daily prayers.

When you decide to make the pilgrimage, or hajj, another of Islam’s pillars, you might need your local mosque to write a letter certifying that you are now Muslim, as only Muslims are allowed in the city of Mecca.

Step 10: Use an Arabic name if desired

Some converts like to start using an Arabic name in addition to or instead of their given name. Changing your name, however, is not required.

While you will need to master a small amount of Arabic to correctly say the daily prayers, learning Arabic is not required.

Step 11: Tell your friends, family, & co-workers

When you are ready, begin to tell your friends, family, and co-workers that you have embraced Islam. Be patient with them if they express alarm or hostility. Don’t forget that there was a time when you, too, knew little about Islam.

Step 12: Incorporate Islam into your life

Gradually incorporate other aspects of Islam into your life, whether that means dressing more modestly, reading the Quran, or visiting the mosque. While you may be tempted to completely change your lifestyle right away, realize that making slow, deliberate changes will serve you better in the long run.

In the West, some of the most prominent Muslim are converts, including Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, and boxing champion Muhammad Ali.

Source: http://www.howcast.com/guides/1165-How-To-Convert-To-Islam?rev=2