In this video brother John takes shahada in the salafi mosque in huddersfield.This was the greatest day in brother Johns entire life, the day his journey for the truth ended and he found Islam… Al-Hamdolillah!!!

The Quran and Hadith have given us guidance on how to use the natural sources Allah has given us in this world, modern medicine is now only just discovering uses for natural remedies but Muslims have known about these for over a thousand years. I will list below just a few of the remedies that Allah has mentioned in the Quran.

Honey is a great miracle of islam, it is in modern day used to treat a variety of illnesses such as sore throats, upset stomach and it good for its anti bacterial benefits, Uncontaminated honey is a healthy, easily digestible, natural and energy rich food. It contains carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, enzymes and vitamins. One tablespoon of honey provides 60 calories and contains 11g of carbohydrates, 1mg of calcium, 0.2mg of iron, 0.lmg of vitamin B and 1mg of vitamin C, but More than 1,400 years ago Allah and His messenger (peace be upon him), told us that honey can heal a variety of medicinal problems.
Allah says in the Quran regarding Honey, “And the lord inspired the bee, saying: Take your habitations in the mountains and in the trees and in what they erect. Then, eat of all fruits and follow the ways of your Lord made easy (for you)’. There comes forth from their bellies a drink of varying colour wherein is healing for men. Verily in this is indeed a sign for people who think.” [Qur'an 16:68-69]

The pomegranate has become known as a modern day super food recently many health experts have suggested that drinking a glass of pomegranate juice a day for one year reduced blood pressure (particularly systolic pressure) and slowed down LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) oxidation. Pomegranate fruits contain polyphenols, tannins and anthocyanins – all are beneficial antioxidants. Interestingly, pomegranate juice contains high levels of antioxidants – higher than most other fruit juices. Pomegranates were mentioned In the Quran a number of times “And it is He Who produces gardens trellised and untrellised, And date-palms, and crops of different shape and taste and olives, and pomegranates, similar (in kind) and different (in taste).Eat of their fruits when they ripen, but pay the due thereof on the day of its harvest, And waste not by extravagance. Verily, He likes not those who waste by extravagance.”(6:141)
Health experts who have done research in to the benefits of eating and drinking pomegranate have said that it can help with the following conditions
Stomach Disorder: Pomegranates peel, bark and leaves are used to calm the disorder of the stomach or diarrhea caused due to any kind of digestive problems. Drinking tea made from the leaves of this fruit helps in curing your digestive problems. Pomegranate juice is also used for handling problems of dysentery and cholera.
Heart Problems: Regular intake of pomegranate juice can maintain good flow of the blood in the body. Along with this, it decreases the risk of heart attack and heart strokes. The antioxidant properties that are consisted in this fruit helps to keep the bad cholesterol in the forming position and thus keeps the arteries clear of any clots. The clots are clear because pomegranate has the ability to make the blood thinner.
Cancer: Pomegranates consist of high level of antioxidants called flavenoids. These flavenoids are thought to be effective in counteracting various cancer radials. The people that face high risk of prostate and breast cancer should start drinking the juice of this fruit, as this will help them to reduce further risk of developing cancer. Regular consumption of pomegranates can reduce the PSA levels in the body and aid to fight the existing cancer cells in the body.
Dental Care: The best benefit of pomegranate is that its juice, along with its antibacterial and antiviral properties, helps to reduce the effects of dental plaque.
Osteoarthritis: Pomegranate helps to reduce the illness caused in various forms, like atherosclerosis and osteoarthritis. The damages that are caused due to the thickening and hardening of the arterial walls and in cartilage and joints can be cured by eating this fruit. Also, pomegranate is capable of preventing the creation of enzymes that are liable for breaking down the connective tissues.
Anemia: Healthy blood flow can be maintained in the body by taking this fruit in any form. Pomegranate supplies iron to blood and thus, help to reduce the anemic symptoms including exhaustion, dizziness and weakness and hear loss.
Diabetes: Drinking of pomegranate juice by a diabetic patient can reduce the risk of coronary diseases. Along with this, there is a slowdown in hardening of the arteries, which can fuel non-occurrence of various heart diseases.

The date is used often by muslims as it is mentioned many times in the Quran and has excellent nutritional values.
And in the earth are neighboring tracts, and gardens of vines, and green crops (fields), and date palms, growing into two or three from a single stem root, or otherwise (one stem root for every palm), watered with the same water; yet some of them We make more excellent than others to eat. Verily! In these things there are signs for the people who understand.(Noble Qur’an 13:3)
“And tall (and stately) palm-trees, with shoots of fruit-stalks piled one over another” (Noble Qur’an 50:10)
“And what you (O Muslims) cut down of the palm-trees (of the enemy), or you left them standing on their stems, it was by leave of Allah, and in order that He might disgrace the Fasiqun (the rebellious, disobedient to Allah)” (59: 5)
“And shake towards thyself the trunk of the palm- tree It will let fall fresh ripe dates upon thee.(Surah Maryam: 25)
The dates have a high nutritional value, given below is the amount of nutrients in 100 gm of dates: 
Sodium – 2 mg
Total Carbohydrates – 75 gm
Dietary Fiber – 8 gm
Sugars – 63 gm 
Protein – 2 gm 
Vitamin – A 10 IU
Vitamin C – 0.4 mg
Vitamin E – 0.05 mg
Vitamin K – 2.7 mcg
Thiamin – 0.052 mg
Riboflavin – 0.066 mg
Niacin – 1.274 mg
Vitamin B6 – 0.165 mg
Vitamin B12 – 0 mcg
Folate – 19 mcg
Pantothenic Acid – 0.589 mcg
Calcium – 39 mg
Iron – 1.02 mg
Magnesium – 43 mg
Phosphorus – 62 mg
Potassium – 656 mg
Sodium – 2 mg
Zinc – 0.29 mg
Copper – 0.206 mg
Manganese – 0.262 mg
Selenium – 3 mcg
Total Fat – 0.39 mg
Saturated Fat – 0.032 mg
Monounsaturated Fat – 0.036 mg
Polyunsaturated Fat – 0.019 mg 
Since dates get digested very easily, they are used for supplying quick energy.
Regular consumption of dates has been found to check the growth of pathological organisms and help in the growth of friendly bacteria in the intestines.
Being a laxative food, dates have been found to be beneficial for those suffering from constipation.
Studies have shown that consumption of dates, soaked overnight and crushed, is good for those who have a weak heart.
Researches have revealed that dates are effective in preventing abdominal cancer.
Dates have a tonic effect and thus, hold value as medicines.
The Olive is one of the foods that attention is drawn to in the Quran , in recient years research has shown that the olive is not only delicious to eat but is an important source of nutrition.

“Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The metaphor of His Light is that of a niche in which is a lamp, the lamp inside a glass, the glass like a brilliant star, lit from a blessed tree, an olive, neither of the east nor of the west, its oil all but giving off light even if no fire touches it. Light upon Light. Allah guides to His Light whoever He wills and Allah makes metaphors for mankind and Allah has knowledge of all things. (Qur’an, 24:35)”

And by it He makes crops grow for you and olives and dates and grapes and fruit of every kind. There is certainly a Sign in that
for people who reflect. (Qur’an, 16:11)

It is He Who sends down water from the sky. From it you drink and from it come the shrubs among which you graze your herds. And by it He makes crops grow for you and olives and dates and grapes and fruit of every kind. There is certainly a Sign in that for people who reflect. (Qur’an, 16:10-11)

The olive it thought to be able to aid the following conditions
Prevent cancer
Prevent arthritis
Olive Oil can help bone development
Prevention of ageing
Helps child development
Reduces blood pressure

Let us all concentrate on the natural sources that Allah has provided us with and Inshallah steer clear of the work of shaytan as Islam strictly forbids indulgence in intoxicants such as alcohol and drugs for good reason. The limited pleasure of such vices causes immense long-term damage to both mind, body and the social fabric of society. It seems that if Muslims adhere to the teachings of Islam, they would automatically lead a healthier lifestyle. God says in the Quran:

Satan’s plan is (but) to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants and gambling and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer, will ye not then abstain? (5:90)

What is Islam?

Islam is not a new religion but the same truth that Allah has revealed through all his Prophets to every people. For a fifth of the world’s population, Islam is both a religion and a complete way of life. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy and forgiveness and the vast majority have nothing to do with the extremely grave events which have come to be associated with their faith.
What does ‘Islam’ mean?

The Arabic word ‘Islam’ simply means ’submission’ and derives from a word meaning ‘peace’. In a religious context it means complete submission to the will of Allah. ‘Allah’ is the Arabic name for ‘The God’.
Who are the Muslims?

One billion people from a vast range of races, nationalities and cultures across the globe – from the southern Philippines to Nigeria – are united by their common Islamic faith. About 18% live in the Arab world, substantial parts of Asia and Africa are Muslim, while significant minorities are to be found in the Soviet Union, China, North and South America and Europe.
What do Muslims believe?

Muslims believe in one unique incomparable God; in the Angels created by him; In the Prophets through whom his revelations were brought to mankind; in the Day of Judgement and individual accountability for actions; in Allah’s complete authority over human destiny and in life after death. Muslims believe in a chain of prophets starting with Adam and including Noah, Abraham, Ismael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, Elias, Jonah, John the Baptist and Jesus, peace be upon them. However, God’s final message to man, a reconfirmation of the eternal message and a summing-up of all that has gone before was revealed in the form of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) through the Angel Gabriel.
How does someone become a Muslim?

Simply by reciting the Shahadah or testimony of faith:

(as it is pronounced in Arabic)
ashadu an la illaha ill’Allah wa ashadu anna Muhammadan rasool’Allah

(Translated: I bear witness and testify that here is no deity apart from Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah) By this declaration the believer announces his or her faith in all Allah’s messengers and the scriptures they brought.
Who is Muhammad (s.a.w)?

Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was born in Makkah in the year 570 CE. Since his father died before his birth and his mother shortly afterwards, he was raised by his uncle from the respected tribe of the Quraysh. As he grew up, he became known for his truthfulness, generosity and sincerity, so that he was sought after for his ability to arbitrate in disputes. The historians describe him as calm and meditative. Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was of a deeply religious nature and had long detested the idolatry and decadence of his society. It became his habit to meditate from time to time in the Cave of Hira near the summit of Jabal al-Nur, the ‘ Mountain of Light’ near Makkah. 

How did Muhammad (s.a.w) become a Prophet and a Messenger of Allah?

At the age of 40, while engaged in a meditative retreat, Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) received his first revelation from Allah through the Angel Gabriel. This revelation, which continued for twenty-three years, is known as the Qur’an. As soon as he began to recite the words he heard from Gabriel and to preach the truth which Allah had revealed to him, he and his small group of followers suffered bitter persecution which grew so fierce that in the year 622 CE, Allah gave them the command to emigrate. This event, the Hijra, ‘migration’, in which they left Makkah for the city of Madinah some 260 miles to the north, marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar and the establishment of the Islamic State. After several years, the Prophet and his followers were able to return to Makkah, where they forgave their enemies and established Islam definitively. Before the Prophet died at the age of 63, the greater part of Arabia was Muslim and within a century of his death Islam had spread to Spain in the West and as far east as China.
What is the Qur’an?

The Qur’an is the written form of the exact words revealed by Allah through the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). It was memorised by Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and then dictated to his Companions and written down by his scribes, who cross-checked it during his lifetime. Not one word of its 114 chapters, Surahs, has been changed over the centuries, so that the Qur’an is in every detail the unique and miraculous text which was revealed to Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) fourteen centuries ago.

Are there any other Sacred Sources?

Yes, the Sunnah, the established and confirmed practice and example of the Prophet, is the second authority for Muslims. A hadith is a reliably transmitted report of what the Prophet said, did, or approved. Belief in the Sunnah is part of the Islamic faith.
What are the Five Pillars of Islam?

They are the framework of a Muslim’s life; faith (Shahadah), prayer (Salat), concern for the needy ( Zakah); fasting (Sawm/month of Ramadhan) and the pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj) for those who are able.

Faith

There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is His messenger. This declaration of faith is known as the Shahadah, a simple formula which all the faithful pronounce.

Prayer

Salat is the name for prayer in Islam. Obligatory prayers are performed five times a day and are a direct link between the worshipper and Allah. There is no hierarchical authority in Islam and no priests, so the prayer is led by a learned person who knows the Qur’an, chosen by the congregation. These five prayers contain verses from the Qur’an and are said in Arabic, the language of the Revelation, but personal supplication can be offered in one’s own language.

Concern for the needy

One of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong to Allah and that wealth is therefore held by human beings as a trust. The word Zakat means both ‘purification’ and ‘growth’. Our possessions are purified by setting aside a portion for those in need and like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth.

Fasting

Every year during the month of Ramadhan, all Muslims fast from the beginning of sunrise until sunset, abstaining from food, drink and sexual relations. Those who are sick, elderly or on journey and women who are pregnant or nursing are permitted to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later in the year. If they are physically unable to do this, they must feed a needy person for every day missed.

Children begin to fast (and to observe prayer) from puberty, although many start earlier. Although the fast is most beneficial to the health, it is regarded principally as a method of self-purification. By cutting oneself off from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person gains true sympathy with those who go hungry as well as growth in one’s spiritual life.

Pilgrimage

The annual pilgrimage to Makkah – the Hajj – is an obligation only for those who are physically and financially able to perform it. Nevertheless, about two million people go to Makkah each year from every corner of the globe providing a unique opportunity for those of different nations to meet one another.

Although Makkah is filled with visitors all year round, the annual Hajj itself begins in the twelfth month of the Islamic year (which is lunar, not solar, so that Hajj and Ramadhan fall sometimes in summer, sometimes in winter). Male pilgrims wear special clothes: simple garments which strip away distinctions of class and culture, so that all stand equal before Allah.
What do Muslims think about Jesus (peace and blessings be upon him)?

Muslims respect and revere Jesus and await his Second Coming. They consider him one of the greatest of Allah’s Prophets to mankind. A Muslim never refers to him simply as ‘Jesus’, but always adds the phrase ‘upon him be peace’. The Qur’an confirms his virgin birth and Mary is considered the purest woman in all creation.

What about Muslim women?

Islam gave Muslim women rights 1400 years ago, Islam established a women s equality in her humanity with men. A whole chapter of the Quran has been dedicated to women it is called surah Nisa (women). Women have the freedom of choice and expression, a Muslim women can choose her own husband and keep her name after marriage, A Muslim women may work if she wishes to. Most women of today do not have the rights that  Muslim women were given 1400 years ago.
Why is the family so important to Muslims?

The family is the foundation of Islamic society. The peace and security offered by a stable family unit is greatly valued and seen as essential for the spiritual growth of its members. A harmonious social order is created by the existence of extended families; children are treasured and rarely leave home until the time they marry.
How do Muslims view Death?

Like Jews and Christians, Muslims believe that the present life is only a trial preparation for the next realm of existence. Basic articles of faith include: The Day of Judgement, resurrection, Heaven and Hell.

When a Muslim dies, he or she is wrapped in a clean white cloth and buried with a simple prayer preferably the same day. Muslims consider this one of the final services they can do for their relatives and an opportunity to remember their own existence here on earth. The Prophet taught that three things can continue to help a person even after death; charity which he had given, knowledge which he had taught and prayers on his behalf by a righteous child.
What does Islam say about War?

Like Christianity, Islam permits fighting in self-defence, in defence of religion, or on the part of those who have been expelled forcibly from their homes. It lays down strict laws of combat which include prohibitions against harming civilians and against destroying crops, trees and livestock.

As Muslims see it, injustice would be triumphant in the world if good men were not prepared to risk their lives in a righteous cause War, therefore is the last resort and is subject to rigorous conditions laid down by the sacred law. The term ‘Jihad’ literally means ’struggle’ and Muslims believe that there are two kinds of Jihad. The other ‘Jihad’ is the inner struggle everyone wages against egoistical desires, for the sake of attaining inner peace.

Cleanliness
As the saying goes Cleanliness is next to godliness we also have similar views on the matter,  We say that Purity,Cleanliness is half of faith (imaan) this is something that out Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) taught us and was recorded in saheeh Muslim which is a book of hadith, hadith means sayings and actions of the Prophet (pbuh) .

Istinjaa- Istinjaa means to clean the private parts after passing urine or stools with water,we must do this with our left hand.

Wudhu-Wudhu is the ritual ablution which is to  be done before praying certain things nullify the ablution and if these are done the ablution needs to be performed again.

Ghusl- Ghusl is a full bath and for certain things we have to do the obligatory full bathing to which there is a certain ritual like the wudhu, When a women has finished her period, after the blood from having a child has stopped or when a man or women has had sexual intercourse.

Qualities of a Muslim

Muslims believe in Allah only and a Muslim must only depend on Allah’s mercy alone,A Muslim strongly believes that Allah provides everything to us and that Allah gives us all the good things we need in our lives, A good Muslim always asks Allah to be merciful on him and to make his life blessed, If a Muslim faces hardship in his life he should  turn to Allah for help,We as Muslims should be patient and be able to bear the hardships and difficulties of life,Muslims are kind to parents relatives and friends and are also kind to animals and we must take proper care of them,Muslims believe in the Holy Prophets of Allah and a true Muslim follows the Prophet Muhammed(pbuh) . As Muslims we regard Allah as the only ruler of the universe,when Muslims greet one another they greet with the phrase `Asalaam Alaikum` (peace be upon you ) and the replier says `Walaikum Salaam` (And peace be upon you)

Sharia

Muslims or Islamic law,this law is based on the Quran and the religion of Islam. The primary sources for the law is from the Quran and the Sunnah , the term Sharia literally means “the path to a watering hole“ the guardian newspaper describes sharia as a religious code for living, in the same way that the Bible offers a moral system for Christians. It is used to refer both to the Islamic system of law and the totality of the Islamic way of life.

Freewill

Muslims have been given freewill, the choice to choose between right and wrong, even though our destiny has already been written we still have the choice, Allah already knows the choices we are going to make in life, this world is a test for us all, the purpose of mankind is to worship Allah and show obedience for  him so that he may reward us in the next life

Marriage

Allah said; And in his signs:he created a mate for you so you may be comfortable, and he placed between you love and mercy. There is no doubt, there are signs in this for a nation that thinks. (Surah Ar-roum)
Marriage in Islam is a sacred contract which is called nikah, the presence of 2 witnesses is needed, also a dowry must be paid to the bride this could be anything she asks for.
A Muslim husband and wife have many rights and they are very important, The Prophet (pbuh) said The best among you is the one who is best towards his wife ( at-tirmidhi)

Divorce

In Islam Divorce is permissible  if the case is very severe, if the two can not sort out their differences, if  family life is suffering etc.
As much effort should be made to leave this as a last option. It should be noted that a women can ask for a divorce as well as a man.

Misconceptions about Islam

• Muslim women are not forced to cover themselves they see this as a liberation and do so as Allah has commanded them to do.
• Muslims do believe in Jesus (peace be upon him) we call his Isa and believe in all his teachings and that he was a Prophet.
• Muslims do not worship Muhammad (pbuh) we worship Allah and believe that Allah sent Muhammad as a messenger to guide us.
• All Muslims are not from Saudi Arabic Muslims come from all over the world.
• Muslims worship the one and only God Allah, this does bot mean because we call him Allah that it is a different God it is a the same God but we use the Arabic word Allah.
• In Islam it is a sin a big sin to commit suicide or the killing of innocent people
• there for the so called Muslim terrorists who do suicide bombings in the name of Islam are wrong and there is no basis for this in Islam we do not condone it.
• The word Jihad literally mean Struggle, the inner struggle of the soul which everyone wages against egotistic desires for the sake of attaining inner peace.
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 My husband always throughout the years being with him he told me about Islam i never wanted to know tell you the truth, then after coulpe years i said “right i wanna know about islam but not from you but i wanna meet muslim sisters” i wanted know from other people about the religion not from just listening to my husband and being brainwash if you wanna call it that lols.  I looked up couple masjid around my area, many times i tried to contact them never got through, Alhamduillah after couple weeks the brother gave me a sister number, i tried contacting the sister couldnt get throught either but after 2more weeks the sister contacted me and mashAllah she was a Chinese revert awell, i was so happy we arranged to meet. My 1st meeting with the sister i was shocked inside me kept saying “what she wearing why is she so covered”  back then i dressed so westernise subahnAllah. We had nice chat about islam she told me about a study circle she runs with another sister mashAllah every Sunday and if i wanted to join, i said yes and every Sunday i kept going then listening to the Islamic talks and the ways the sisters was with each other i was so happy to be around them. I noticed me changing awell the more i learnt and slowly wanted to dress modest, shortly i took my shahadah Alhamduillah, praying was very hard for me and adopting to the hijab but i got there in the end mashAllah.

 My mother wasn’t so bad it was my dad he took it very bad saying he would disown me and if he saw me on the streets wearing the hijab he wouldn’t talk to me subahnAllah, but with me stopping alot of haram and being patience being good daughter to him he came around to the idea of me being muslim n weaing the hijab marshAllah. Me and my father have very good relationship now he would take me get halal meat,cook Chinese food for me using halal meat n if i needed him take my daughter to masjid he would be there to take her mashAllah.

Being muslim make me rethink my career role awell and what does life mean to me i quit my job in a Chinese takaway,i wanted do stuff that was meaningful  i started helping at the masjid as a youth worker for musilm girls, doing radio ramadhan, toddler group voluntary i worked with interpal charity organisation couple times doing charity events awell for gaza, i had so much free time i wanted give back and help the muslim community mashaAllah. I also worked partime at Islamic relief charity shop it was so much fun there met so many nice sisters.

I love going to islam talks and Islamic events my fav speakers are these shekhs  fiez, bilal phililps,muntaza  khan, salim al-Amary, hussan yee, dr zakr naik, abu sbussalam, ahmed dedat, yasir  qadhi, yusuf estes, suhaib webb, Muhammad alshareef, etc etc so many May Allah swt reward them all their work they spreading to the ummah amen. Theres 2reciters i love marshAllah shekh abu ash shatri and shekh sudias Alhamduillah.

I have so many revert friends and born Muslim i would never go back to the way i was i know the truth now mashAllah.

How islam found me by aisha/laura

 I was raised in a non religious household both parents believing that every religion was just another way of control, but i was always intrigued with religion and why people believed what they believed.

In the last year of school i became perticulary intruiged by islam and the teachings of the religion after reading the bible and thinking theres something not quite right there, mainly to do with how jesus was the son of god. I can remember thinking to myself how can a god have a son, and this son is a normal man. The islamic view seemed at the time to be more believable than the christian view.

After i finished my last year at school i got a bit out of control, going out every weekend, the drinking and the smoking etc.. the mornings after the nights before thinking there has to be more to life than this rubbish!

After a year or so i started a new job and calmed down a lot and eventually went to the local library and borrowed the book ‘islam.. beliefs and teachings’ which im sure many have read! and along with that an english translation of the quran.

It took me quite a while to finish it (with the help of a dictionary, as written in old english) i understood a lot of it but it was still hard to figure out most parts, which is where my now husband comes in and helps me to understand.. we had been friends since high school.

He was raised muslim and understood a lot more than i could, he would also tell me stories of the prophets pbut which at first i just wanted to tell him to shut up because he just went on and on and on…… but alhamdulillah im thankful for that, if it werent for him drilling it in.. who knows where i would be today maybe still living in ignorance!!

For a couple of years i would read any information on islam and other religions i could get my hands on. Im sure a lot of people understand what i mean when i say ’something clicked’ i just knew islam was the path i wanted to take!

i finally took my shahada on 18th august 2004 mashallah, its the best thing i ever did and 5 years down the line im married to the man who helped to make the decision.

I still learn something new most days its such a huge religion with so much to learn and understand.

Nowadays i like to socialise with my islamic sisters who bring my imaan up everytime im down and help me in the way real sisters should, alhamdulillah for them and may allah swt bless them and give them a place in jannah ameen

How i came to Islam 

I came to islam because i was dating a yemini guy when i was sixteen
i invited him for christmass one year and he totally told me he wasent christian or cathoilic which is what i was
ne ways i asked him if he’d become christian or catholic and he said hell no but told me that if i could prove his religion wrong he’d become catholic or christian
so i did my research and found out muslims read a psalm similar to the bible called the quran
and in school there was a literature assignment due in my languages arts class and the only way to get acceted in my university was to read a novel so i chooose my research topic to be islam

after alfatiha i read surah al-baqara i just broke down and started crying i knew the bible from front to back
why has no one ever told me or anyone else about this faith

 i became angry and put more effort into completing the quran and gave hell of a speech about what life is really about
 not i went to a catholic school
 so it didnt fly right with the teachers never less the community  everyone was convinced i was posessed
“controlled by the shayton”
 but even though my boyfriend/fiance wasent really interested in me being muslim cuz he liked how i was in modeling more then the        religious stuff
 we kinda seperated and moved along though i still have him iin my life today just never married him cuz of his lack of religiousness
 thats a huggggeee turn off a man who doesnt pray or onl fast’s during ramadan
 my ex was like that
 and alot of men i met

 but anywho yeps thats pretty much how i became muslim
Annonymous

 An act of obedience
The hijab is an act of obedience to Allah and to his prophet (pbuh), Allah says in the Qur’an: `It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His messenger have decreed a matter that they should have an option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, has indeed strayed in a plain error.’ (S33:36).

Allah also said: ‘And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things) and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc) and not to show off their adornment except what must (ordinarily) appear thereof, that they should draw their veils over their Juyubihinna.’(S24:31).

The Hijab is IFFAH (Modesty)
Allah (subhana wa’atala) made the adherence to the hijab a manifestation for chastity and modesty. Allah says: ‘O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) over their bodies (when outdoors). That is most convenient that they should be known and not molested.’ (S33:59). In the above Ayaah there is an evidence that the recognition of the apparent beauty of the woman is harmful to her. When the cause of attraction ends, the restriction is removed. This is illustrated in the case of elderly women who may have lost every aspect of attraction. Allah (subhana wa’atala) made it permissible for them to lay aside their outer garments and expose their faces and hands reminding, however, that is still better for them to keep their modesty.

The hijab is Tahara (Purity)
Allah (subhana wa’atala) had shown us the hikma (wisdom) behind the legislation of the hijab: `And when you ask them (the Prophet’s wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen, that is purer for your hearts and their hearts.’ (S33:53).

The hijab makes for greater purity for the hearts of believing men and women because it screens against the desire of the heart. Without the hijab, the heart may or may not desire. That is why the heart is more pure when the sight is blocked (by hijab) and thus the prevention of fitna (evil actions is very much manifested. The hijab cuts off the ill thoughts and the greed of the sick hearts: `Be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy or evil desire for adultery, etc) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner.’ (S33:32)

The hijab is a Shield
The prophet (pbuh) said: “Allah, Most High, is Heaven, is Ha’yeii (Bashful), Sit’teer (Shielder). He loves Haya’ (Bashfulness) and Sitr (Shielding; Covering).” The Prophet (pbuh) also said: “Any woman who takes off her clothes in other than her husband’s house (to show off for unlawful purposes), has broken Allah’s shield upon her. “The hadith demonstrates that depending upon the kind of action committed there will be either reward (if good) or punishment (if bad).

The hijab is Taqwah (Righteousness)
Allah (subhana wa’atala) says in the Qur’an: `O children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts, etc) and as an adornment. But the raiment of righteousness, that is better.’(S7:26). The widespread forms of dresses in the world today are mostly for show off and hardly taken as a cover and shield of the woman’s body. To the believing women, however the purpose is to safeguard their bodies and cover their private parts as a manifestation of the order of Allah. It is an act of Taqwah (righteousness).

The hijab is Imaan (Belief or Faith)
Allah (subhana wa’atala) did not address His words about the hijab except to the believing women, Al-Mo’minat. In many cases in the Qur’an Allah refers to the “the believing women”. Aisha (RA), the wife of the prophet (pbuh), addressed some women from the tribe of Banu Tameem who came to visit her and had light clothes on them, they were improperly dressed: “If indeed you are believing women, then truly this is not the dress of the believing women, and if you are not believing women, then enjoy it.”

The hijab is Haya’ (Bashfulness)
There are two authentic hadith which state: “Each religion has a morality and the morality of Islam is haya’” AND “Bashfulness is from belief, and belief is in Al-Jannah (paradise)”. The hijab fits the natural bashfulness which is a part of the nature of women.

The hijab is Gheerah
The hijab fits the natural feeling of Gheerah, which is intrinsic in the straight man who does not like people to look at his wife or daughters. Gheerah is a driving emotion that drives the straight man to safeguard women who are related to him from strangers. The straight MUSLIM man has Gheerah for ALL MUSLIM women In response to lust and desire, men look (with desire) at other women while they do not mind that other men do the same to their wives or daughters. The mixing of sexes and absence of hijab destroys the Gheera in men. Islam considers Gheerah an integral part of faith. The

dignity of the wife or daughter or any other Muslim woman must be highly respected and defended.

A WONDERFULL STORY

When you are sure that you have fulfilled all the necessary conditions for Salaah, you are ready to offer Salaat. A detailed account of how to say Salaah is given below.

Method of Salaah

Say to yourself that you intend to offer this Salaah (Fajr, Dohr, Asr, Maghrib or Isha) Fardh or Sunnah. Then raise your hands to your ears  Saying:

Allahu Akbar

(Allah is the greatest)
 
Now Placing you right hand on the left, just below, above or on the navel

Recite the following:-

Subhanaka Allahum-Ma Wa Bi Hamdika

O Allah, Glorified, praise worthy.

Watabaraka Kamuka Wata’ala Jaddoka

And blessed is Thy name and exalted Thy Majesty

Wa La Ilaha Ghayroka

And there is no deity worthy of worship except Thee.

A’U thu Bil La Hi Minashaitanir Rajim

I seek refuge in Allah from the rejected Satan

Bismi Lah’ir Rahman Ir Rahim
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

After this recite the opening Surah, Al-Fatiha:

Nb:- For Corresponding Arabic Text Refer to Holy Quran
Alhamdo Lil Lahi Rab Bil A’lamin

Praise be for Allah, Lord of the Worlds

Ar Rahman Ir Rahim

The Beneficent, the Merciful

Maliki Yaumiddin

Master of the Day of Judgement.

Iyya Ka Na Bu Do WA Iyya Ka Nas Taeen

Thee alone we worship and to Thee alone we turn for help.

IhDi Nas SiRaTal Mus Ta Qeema

Guide us in the straight path.

Sira Tal La Thina An Amta Alaihim

the path of those whom you favoured

Ghairil Magh Du Bi Alaihim

And who did not deserve Thy anger

WA Lad Dall Lin (Amin)

Or went astray.

Now recite the following or any other passage from the Holy Qura’n:

 In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

Qul Ho Wal Laho Ahad

Say: Allah is one and the only God.

Allah Hus Sa Mad

Allah, upon whom all depend.

Lam Yalid Wa Lam Yu Lad

He Begets not, nor is he Begotten,

WA Lam Yak’ul La Hu Kufu Wan Ahad

and there is nothing which can be compared to him.

Now Bow down saying:

Allahu Akbar

Allah is the greatest.

Place your hands on your knees and in this inclined position (Ruku) recite these words thrice:

Subha Narab Bi Yal Atheem

Glory to my Lord the Great.

Then come to the standing position  Saying:

Sami Allahu Li Man Hami Dah

Allah has heard all who praise Him.

Rab Ba Na Lakal Hamd

Our Lord: Praise be to Thee.
 

Now Saying “Allahu Akbar” Prostrate on the ground with your forehead, the knees, the nose & palms of both hands touching the ground. In this position(Sajdah – as in fig. 5 repeat these words three times at least:

Subhana Rab Bi Yal A’Ala

Glory to my Lord, the most high.

Subhana Rab Bi Yal A’Ala

Glory to my Lord, the most high.

Sit upright with knees still on the ground after a moments rest perform the second Sajdah saying:

Allahu Akbar

Allah is the greatest.

In the second sajdah as before recite the following word thrice:

Subhana Rab Bi Yal A’Ala

Glory to my Lord, the most high.

This completes on rakah of Salah. The second rakah is said in the same way except that after the second Sajdaj you sit back, with the left foot bent towards right, which should be placed vertical to the mat. The palms should be lifted from the mat & placed on the knees.

In this position silently say these words(Tashahhud):

At Ta Ya To Lil Lahi Wa Sala Wato Wa Tay Yi Bato 

All prayers & Worship through words, action & sanctity are for Allah only.

As Sa La Mo Alaika Ay Yo Han Na Biy Yo 

Peace be on you, O Prophet.

Wa Rah Ma Tul La Hi Wa Bara Ka To Hu

and mercy of Allah and His blessings.

As Salmu Alaina Wa Ala Iba Dil Lahis Saliheen

Peace be on us & on those who are righteous servants of Allah.

Ash Had Du Al La Ilaha Il La Laho

I bear witness tp the fact that there is no diety but Allah.

Wa Ash Ha Du An Na Muhammadan Ab Du Hu 

And I bear witness that Muhammad is his slave & messenger.
 
 In a three rakah(i.e. Maghrib) or Four rakah(like dhohr, Asr & Isha) Salah you stand up for the remaining rakah after Tashahhud. On the other hand if it is a two rakah(Fajr) Salaah, keep sitting and after this recite Darood (blessing for the Prophet) in these words.

Allah Hum Sal Li Ala Muhammad Din WA Al’a Aali Muhammadin

O Allah, Exalt Muhammad & the Followers of Muhammad.

Ka Maa Sal lay Ta Ala Ibraheema WA Ala Aali Ibraheema

As Thou did exalt Ibrahim & His Followers

Inna Ka Hameedum Majeed

Thou Art the Praised, the Glorious.

Allah Hum Ma Baa Rik Ala Muhammadin

O Allah, Bless Muhammad

WA Ala Aali Muhammadin

And His Followers

Ka Maa Ba Rak Ta Ala Ibraheema WA Ala Aali Ibraheema

As Thou has Blest Ibrahim & His Followers

Inna Ka Hameedum Majeed

Thou Art the Praised, the Glorious  
 

Then Silently Say:-

Allahumma Inni Zalamtu Nafsi Zulman Kathiran Wa La Yaghfirud  Dhunuba Illa Anta Faghfirli Naghfiratan Min ‘ Indika Wa Arhamni Innaka Antal Ghafurur Rahim.

This means: “O Aallah, I have been very unjust to myself and none grants pardons against sins but You, therefore, forgive me with Your Forgiveness and have mercy on me. Surely you are the Forgiver, the Merciful.
 

Now turn your face to the right  saying:-

Asslamo Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah

Peace be on you & Allah’s Blessing

Now turn your face to the left saying:-

Asslamo Alaikum WA Rahmatullah

Peace be on you & Allah’s Blessing

Please see our video below for the actions

In this section, some guide lines for the correct performance of Salaah are given.
The most important pre-requisite, Al-Wudhu (ablution), is explained in the last chapter. Other important
conditions are:
 
1.Time
Each of the salaah  must be offered at or during its proper time. No Salaah can be said before its time.
 There are five obligatory prayers in a day.
Fajr – The morning prayer
Dhohr  – The early noon prayer
Asr – The late afternoon prayer
Maghrib -  The sun-set prayer
Isha -  The night prayer
 
2. Dress
Before offering your Salaah makes sure that you are properly dressed. For men and boys, the dress
 should be such that it covers their bodies from the navel to the knees at least.
Women are required to cover themselves from head to foot, leaving only the face and hands
uncovered. The dress for Salaah must be clean and free from all filth. During the monthly periods
women are free from the obligation of Salaah.  
3. Place
Wherever a man might be, he can turn towards Allah in Salaah and in devotion. The prophet has said,
“The (whole of the) earth has been rendered for me a mosque: pure and clean”. Preferable Salaah
is to be offered in Jama’at – congregation. Whenever possible, one should pray facing the Ka’ba, Mecca.
 
Fardh or Naafillah  
Salah is composed of the Fardh(Obligatory) and the Naafilah(Superogatory) prayers.
The Fardh Salah is five in a day. Failure to perform any on of them is a blameable sin. The Naafillah
 includes the Sunnah, which Prophet(S.A.W) used to perform regularly before or after each Fardh Salah.  
Prayers in Special Circumstances  
When in circumstances where it is not possible to pray, or when on journey, you are permitted to
shorten Salah. Such a shortened prayer is known as Salat-tul-Qasar.
When travelling one may offer two rakaats in place of four rakaats in Dhohr, ASR and Isha, but there
 is no change in two rakats of Fajr and three rakats of Maghrib Salah. Besides this concession in
Fardh Salah, one may leave all additional Sunnah except the two Sunnah rakats of Fajr & the Witr
of Isha prayer. But a section of Muslims do perform Sunnah even on a journey.
In case the stay at any one place during the journey exceeds a fortnight, complete the Salaah
with all the Fardh and Sunnah rakats must be offered.
If you are sick, you may offer your Salaah in a sitting position or lying in bed, by making signs
in place of the physical movements.
In journey, in sickness and in other emergencies, one is allowed to offer two separate Salaah jointly.
Thus Dhohr and Asr can be said together in the last part of the period of Duohr. Maghrib & Isha
may also be offered similarly towards the end of the Maghrib time (when it is almost dark).

The Call to Prayer – Adhan
To assemble the Muslims for congregational prayer, “Adhan”, or the call to prayer is given. The caller
(Mu`adhdhin) stands facing Ka’aba (Qibla), and raising his hands to his ears calls in a loud voice:                

Allah-U Akbar      x2                                                                                          

Allah is the greatest.

Ashhadu Anla Ilaha Illallah x2

I bear witness that there is no diety but Allah.

Ashhadu Anna Muhammadar Rasullah x2

I bear witness that Muhammad(S.A.W) Is the Messenger of Allah.

Hayya Alas Salaah x2

Come to prayers.

Hayya Alal Falah x2

Come to your good.

Allah-U Akbar x2

Allah is the greatest.

La Ilaha Illallah x2

There is no deity but Allah

In Adhan for Fajr Salah, the following sentences are added after:
 
Haya Alal Falah                            Haya Alal Falah
Assalatu Khayrum Minan Naum                Assalatu Khayrum Minan Naum
Salaah is better than sleep                Salaah is better than sleep 

   
  
Dua after Adhan
On completion of the Adhan, Muslims are recommended to recite:
Allahahummaraba Haze Hid Da’wa Tit Tam Mate
O Allah! Lord of this complete call & Prayer of ours, by the blessing of it.
Was Salatil Qa E Mate A’Te Muhammadanil Wasiylata
Give to Muhammad his eternal rights of intercession,
Wal Fadi Lata Wad Daraja Tar Rafi A’ta
Distinction and highest class (in paradise).
Wab As Ho Maqama M Mahmuda Nil Lazee WA Adtahu
And raise him to the promised rank you have promised him.
War Zuq Na Sha Fa Ata Hu Yaum Al Qiyamate
And bestow his intercession on us on the day of Judgement.
In Na Ka La Tukh Leful Mi’aad
Surely you never go back on your word.
Iqamah
After Adhan when the Muslims are assembled at the place of worship, a second call (Iqamah) is recited
 by one of the group. This signals the start of the congregational Salaah. It is similar to Adhan except
that it is recited faster but in a lower tone and these sentences are recited after Haya Alal Falah

 
Qad Qammatis Salaah                           Qad Qammatis Salaah
The Prayer has Begun                       The Prayer Has Begun

Al-Ghusl (The Washing Or Bath)  
The greater purification, Al-Ghusl, is obligatory when one is defiled as a result of nocturnal emission (or a wet dream),marital intercourse, child birth, or when entering into the fold of Islam.
The procedure is as follows: Begin with the name of Allah as for Wudu. Wash the hands and the affected parts of the body with water to remove any impurity. Perform Wudu as above. The wash the whole body three times, using clean water for each wash. 
Tayammum (Dry Ablution)
On certain occasions, it may become either impossible (e.g.. when water cannot be found or just enough
 for drinking is available), or it is dangerous, because of illness, to use water for Wudu or Al-Ghusl. In
such situations, Tayammum (dry ablution) is performed. The Procedure: Begin with the name of Allah.
 Strike both palms on sand, or anything containing sand or dust, like a wall or stone etc., against with
the palms. Rub the right hand with the left palm from the wrist to the elbowed similarly for the left hand
 with the right palm. Finish with the Kalimatu Ash-Shahadah as for Wudu.  Having Cleans yourself by
Wudu, you can now proceed to perform Salaah. You must have a clean body, a clean place and wear
clean clothes before you start offer Salaah’

Please view the video below for a demonstration on Wudhu.

(None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah)

Shahada has three aspects: A, B, and C

A

To be a muslim is to pledge the above covenant with Allah, the Creator of the heavens and earth, the Ruler of all that exists, the Lord of Majesty and Highness, stating La ilaha il Allah, Muhammad -ur-Rasool-Allah, but first one must understand what this means.

Believing “La ilaha il Allah” (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah)

Point 1: Tauhid-ar-Rububiyya

A confession with your heart that the Creator (of everything) is Allah, subhana watala, it is that you have to say: ” I testify that the Creator of all the universe, including the stars, the planets, the sun, the moon, the heavens, the earth with all its known and unknown forms of life, is Allah. He is the Organizer and Planner of all its affairs. It is He Who gives life and death, and He (i.e. Allah Alone) is the Sustainer, and the Giver of Security, etc.” And this is called your confession for the “Oneness of the Lordship of Allah,” Tauhid-ar-Rububiyya.

Point 2: Tauhid-al-Uluhiyya

A confession with your heart that you have to say: ” I testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah Alone.” The word “Worship” (i.e. Ibadah) carries a great number of meanings in the Arabic language: It conveys that all kinds of worship are meant for Allah (and none else, whether it be an angel, Messenger, Prophet Jesus – son of Mary, Ezra, Muhammad, saint, idol, the sun, the moon and all other kinds of false deities). So pray to none but Allah, invoke none but Allah, ask for help from none (unseen) but Allah, swear by none but Allah, offer an animal as sacrifice to none but Allah, …etc. and that means, — all that Allah and Allah’s Messenger, saaws, order you to do (in Qur’an and in As-Sunna [legal ways of Prophet Muhammad ]) you must do, and all that Allah, s.w.t, Allah’s Messenger forbid you, you must not do. And this is called (your confession for the) “Oneness of the worship of Allah”, Tauhid-al-Uluhiyya. And that you (mankind) worship none but Allah, subhana watala.

Those whom they invoke besides Allâh have not created anything, but are themselves created. [The Noble Qur'an 16:20]

Point 3: Tauhid-al-Asma was-Sifat

A confession with your heart that you have to say: ” O Allah! I testify that all the best of names and the most perfect qualities with which You have named or qualified Yourself in Your Book (i.e. the Qur’an) or as Your Prophet Muhammad (saaws) has named or qualified You, with his statement, I confirm that all those (names and qualifications) are for You without changing their meanings or neglecting them completely or giving resemblance to others.” As Allah, swt, said:

“There is nothing like unto Him and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer.” (v.42:11)

This holy Ayat (verse) confirms the quality of hearing and the quality of sight for Allah, subhana watala without resemblance to others, and likewise. Allah, subhana watala, also said:

“To one whom I have created with Both My Hands,” (v.38:75)

and Allah also said:
“The Hand of Allah is over their hands.” (v. 48:10)

This confirms two Hands for Allah, swt, but there is no similarity for them. Similarly Allah, swt, said:
“The Most Beneficent (Allah) Istawa (rose over) the (Mighty) Throne.” (v.20:5)

So Allah rose over the Throne really in a manner that suits His Majesty. And Allah is over Allah’s Throne over the seventh heaven, as the slave-girl pointed towards the heavens, when Allah’s Messenger (Muhammad, saaws) asked her as to where Allah is? He only comes down over the first (nearest) heaven to us on the day of ‘Arafat (Hajj, i.e. the 9th of Dhul-Hijja), and also during the last third part of the night as mentioned by the Prophet saaws, but Allah is with us by His Knowledge only, not by His Personal-Self (bi-Dhatihi). It is not like that, as some people say that Allah is present everywhere here, there, and even inside the breasts of men. He sees and hears all that we do or utter, etc. And this is called (your confession for the) “Oneness of the Names and Qualities of Allah” Tauhid-al-Asma was-Sifat and this is the right Faith, the Faith which was followed by the Messengers of Allah (from Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, Jesus to Muhammad, peace be upon them all, and the companions of Prophet Muhammad and the righteous followers [i.e. the salaf ] of these Messengers, saaws.

Believing “Muhammad-ur-Rasool-Allah” (Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah)”

A confession with your heart that you have to say: ” O Allah! I testify that Muhammad is Your Messenger.” That means that none has the right to be followed after Allah, but Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, as he is the last of Allah’s Messengers. As Allah said:

“Muhammad (saaws) is not the father of any man among you but he is the Messenger of Allah and the last (end) of the Prophets and Allah is Ever All-Aware of everything.’ (v.33:40).

“And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad, saaws, gives you, take it
and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain from it.” (v. 59:7)

And Allah said:
“Say (O Muhammad to mankind): ‘If you (really) love Allah, then follow me.’” (v. 3:31)

As for others than Muhammad , their statements are to be taken or rejected as to whether these are in accordance with Allah’s Book (i.e. the Qur’an) or with the Sunna (legal ways, orders, acts of worship, statements, etc.) of the Prophet, saaws, i.e. Sunna or not. As the Divine Inspiration has stopped after the death of Muhammad , and it will not resume except at the time of the Descent of Jesus, son of Mary and he (i.e. Jesus) will rule with justice according to the Islamic laws, during the last days of the world as it has been mentioned in the authentic Hadith (i.e. narration) of Prophet Muhammad in Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 425.

B

It is essential to utter, La ilaha ill Allah, Muhammad-ur-Rasul Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and Muhammad s.a.a.w.s. is the Messenger of Allah, s.w.t). As it has come in the statement of Prophet Muhammad to his uncle Abu Talib at the time of the latter’s death: “O uncle, if you utter it (La ilaha ill Allah, Muhammad-ur-Rasul Allah), then I shall be able to argue on your behalf before Allah, on the Day of Resurrection.” Similarly, when Abu Dhar Al-Ghiffari embraced Islam, he went to Al-Masjid-al-Haram and he proclaimed it loudly in front of the Quraish infidels until he was beaten severely.

C

It is essential that the limbs and all other parts and organs of one’s body testify to it, and this is very important as regards its meaning (i.e. the meaning of La ilaha ill Allah, Muhammad-ur-Rasul Allah). So whoever has confessed this (with his or her Lord), he shall not commit sins like robbing, killing, stealing, illegal sexual intercourse, eating pig meat, drinking alcoholic beverages, taking undue advantage of orphan’s property, cheating in trade, bribery and earning money through illegal means, telling lies, back-biting etc., or otherwise the limbs, all other parts and organs of his body will testify against him that he was a liar in his words which he pledged to Allah, swt. In case he commits the above sins, he should know that it is a sin that obliges him to repent to Allah, swt, and ask Allah’s Forgiveness, as (his) body parts (i.e. skin, private parts, hands, tongue, ears, etc.) will testify to the above mentioned crimes (i.e. actions) against his self on the Day of Resurrection.

And with the confession of this great sentence (i.e. principle) a person enters in the fold of (i.e. embraces) the Islamic religion accordingly.  It is essential for him to believe in all the Messengers of Allah (peace be upon them all) and not to differentiate between them. As it is mentioned in Allah’s Book (Qur’an):

      “Do then those who disbelieve think that they can take My slaves (i.e. the angels; Allah’s Messengers; Jesus, son of Mary, etc.) as ‘Auliya (lords gods, protectors supporters etc.) besides Me? Verily We have prepared Hell as an entertainment for the disbelievers (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism). Say (O Muhammad  ); ‘Shall We tell you the greatest losers in respect of (their) deeds?’ Those whose efforts have been wasted in this life, while they thought they were acquiring good by their deeds? ”
      “They are those who deny the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of their Lord and the meeting with Him (in the Hereafter). So their works are in vain, and on the Day of Resurrection, We shall not give them any weight.”
      “That shall be their recompense, Hell; because they disbelieved and took my Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, revelations, etc.) and My Messengers by way of jest and mockery.”
      “Verily! Those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism), and do righteous deeds, they shall have the Gardens of Al-Firdaus ( Paradise) for their entertainment.”
      “Wherein they shall dwell (forever). No desire will they have to be removed therefrom.”
      “Say (O Muhammad  to mankind): If the sea were ink for (writing) the Words of my Lord, surely the sea would be exhausted, before the Words of my Lord would be finished even if We brought (another sea) like it for its said. ”
      “Say (O Muhammad  ): I am only a man like you, it has been inspired to me that your Ilah (God) is One Ilah (God, –i.e. Allah). So whoever hopes for the meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord. ” (v. 18:102-110).

What are some of the other basics of becoming a Muslim?

     The acceptance of the righteous deeds (such as your Shahada/confession to become a muslim) is stipulated with the following two basic conditions which must be fulfilled:

The intentions while doing such deeds must be totally for Allah’s sake only without any show off or gaining praise or fame, etc.

Such a deed must be performed in accordance with the As-Sunnah (legal ways, orders, acts of worship, statements, etc.) of Allah’s Messenger Muhammad bin ‘Abdullah, the last (end) of all the Prophets and the Messengers, saaws.

     You are only held accountable for that which you know. And you are also held accountable to make the time to learn that which you don’t know, in areas you know you need to learn about.

     So, if you are not a muslim, it is your responsibility to seek the knowledge of Al-Islam, to ask questions about things you do not understand or agree with regarding the basic fundamental beliefs of Islam (as explained above).  

How do I become a Muslim?

     By first attaining the above understanding of shahada (”La ilaha il Allah, Muhammad-ur-Rasool-Allah”) and then confessing it to Allah, glory and praise to Him.  

     To take your Shahada (i.e. make the confession of faith), just make your best attempt at pronouncing, in arabic, the statement, ” Ashadu an (I bear witness that) La ilaha il Allah, Muhammad-ur-Rasool-Allah”.  You do not have to have witnesses to this event, and you should not make a big ceremony out of it, because it is a very personal committment.  It is, however, recommended, if you can, to make your shahada with muslim witnesses, but do not delay becoming a muslim for this or any such reason.  After you become a muslim, then you are held responsible for learning when and how to do salah and wudu, acting upon the pillars of Islam and faith, and for implementing what you learn, when you learn it.

What should I do after becoming a muslim?

Immediately upon becoming a muslim, you should take a bath or shower (i.e. Ghusl).  

If able, you should then offer a two Rak’at prayer.

Then you must study and act upon the five principles (pillars) of Islam, and study and believe in the six articles of Faith.

The Five Pillars of Islam (or the five basic duties of a Muslim):

[Sahih Al-Bukhari 1/7, Narrated by Ibn 'Umar]

Allah’s Messenger said: Islam is based on the following five (principles):

To testify La ilaha ill Allah wa anna Muhammad-ur-Rasul-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger).

To offer the (compulsory congregational) prayers dutifully and perfectly (Iqamat-as-Salat, i.e. Salah).

Says al-Khattabi, “Basically, one’s prayer does not suffice if he does not recite al-Fatihah. If one can recite neither al-Fatihah nor other portions of the Qur’an, he should recite at least seven verses of a similar meaning from the Qur’an. If he can not learn any part of the Qur’an (due to some innate inability, poor memory, or because it’s a foreign language), he should say the tasbeeh (Subhaan Allah – Glory be to Allah), the tamheed (al-Hamdu lillah – All praise is due to Allah), and tahleel (La ilaha illal-lah – There is no God except Allah). It is related that he said, “The best remembrance after the speech of Allah is Subhaan Allah, al-Hamdu lillah, La ilaha illal-lah and Allahu akbar.” This is supported by Rafa’ah ibn Rafa’, who narrated that the Prophet said, “If you have something from the Qur’an, recite it. If not, then say the tamheed, takbir and the tahleel and then bow.”   [This hadith is related by Abu Dawud, at-Tirmidhi, an-Nasa'i and al-Baihaqi. The former considers it as hassan]

To pay Zakat (a specific charity paid yearly for the benefit of poor Muslims; 2.5% of wealth).

To perform Hajj. (i.e. pilgrimage to Makka).

To observe fast during the month of Ramadan.

The Six articles of Faith, (found in Sahih Muslim) are the belief in:

Allah

To believe in the ONENESS of Allah, swt.  (i.e. Tauhid-ar-Rububiyya, Tauhid-al-Uluhiyya, Tauhid-al-Asma was-Sifat).

Part of the belief in Allah is the belief in all that with which He has described Himself in His Book or with which His Prophet (peace be upon him) has described Him without any distortion, negation, speculation (as to the exact nature of these attributes), nor analogy (i.e. between Allah’s attributes and those of His creation bearing the same names)

Distortion

The Jahmiy (follower of the deviations of Al-Jahm ibn Safwan) negates Allah’s statement about himself that he “sat on the throne” by adding an extra letter to the word in the Qur’an.

[Istawaa 'alaa al-'arsh] innovated to [Istawlaa 'alaa al-'arsh]

The innovators who changed the case of a noun in the Qur’an in an effort to negate Allah’s attribute of speech:

[Wa kallama Allahu Musa takleeman] innovated to [Wa kallama Allaha Musa takleeman]

Others distorted meanings of Allah’s attributes without actually changing the words. Examples include those who said that Allah’s anger (Ghadhab) means His intention to punish, His mercy (Rahma) means his intention to have mercy, His hand (Yad) is His generosity or His power, etc.

Negation/Denial (At Ta’teel)

Negation of the Exalted Perfection of Allah Most High via the negation of His Names and Glorious Attributes.

Negation through negation of appropriate interaction with Allah and neglect of worship of Him and obedience to Him, or the association of others with Him in acts of worship and/or obedience.

Negation of the relationship of the creation to its Creator, such as the negation of the philosophers who claimed that this physical universe has no beginning, and that it has always and will always work according to its own internal rules. They turn Allah into an essence with no attributes – which is an impossibility.

Speculation and Analogy (At-Takyeef wa At-Tamtheel)

At-Takyeef means attempts to ascribe a detailed understanding of the exact nature of the various attributes with which Allah has described Himself. Just use the words and understanding given in the Qur’an and not your own philosophies as to what Allah is.

At-Tamtheel means to make a direct comparison or analogy between one of Allah’s attributes and a human attribute having the same name, such as the comparison of Isa (Jesus) by the Christians to Allah Most High, or that of Uzair by the Jews or that of the idols by the polytheists to Allah Most High. Likewise the Mushabbiha among the Muslims who compare Allah with His creation by saying that He has a face like our faces, hands like our hands, hearing and sight like ours, etc.

Allah’s Angels

Angels are real beings, not illusions, a metaphysical force, or figments of human imagination. They are created from light.
A Muslim must believe specifically in all the angels named and/or described in the Qur’an and the Sunnah:.
Jibreel (”Gabriel”): in charge of delivering revelation.
Mika’il: in charge of bringing the rain.
Israfil: the blower of the horn on Qiyama (Judgement Day).
Malik-ul-Maut: the Angel of Death who takes people’s souls at death.
The Noble Recorders: those who record people’s actions.
The Protectors (Al-Mu’aqqibat): who keep people from death until its decreed time.
Ridhwan: in charge of Paradise.
Malik: in charge of Hell.
Munkar and Nakir: the questioners in the grave.
The Carriers of the Throne.
Those who record the future of the fetus.
Those who enter the Haram: 70,000 every day.
Those who move about, descending upon gatherings at which Allah and His Book are mentioned and studied.
Belief in the angels is an integral part of iman (faith). [See 2/285 Al-Baqarah]
Kufr (disbelief) with respect to the angels is kufr (a state of disbelief). [See 4/136 An-Nisaa]
Allah’s Messengers

Belief in the prophets, prayers and salutations of Allah be upon them.

Belief in the process of prophethood.

Allah in His wisdom did not neglect His creation.

Prophets sent to guide us in this life and the next.

Specific belief in the 25 prophets named in the Qur’an: (1) Adam, (2) Nuh, (3) Idris, (4) Saleh, (5) Ibrahim, (6) Hud, (7) Lut, (8) Yunus, (9) Isma’il, (10) Is-haq, (11) Ya’qub, (12) Yusuf, (13) Ayub, (14) Shu’aib, (15) Musa, (16) Harun, (17) Alyas’, (18) Dhu Al-Kifl, (19) Daud, (20) Zakariya, (21) Sulaiman, (22) Ilyas, (23) Yahya, (24) Isa, and (25) Muhammad, prayers and salutations of Allah be upon him and upon all the messengers of Allah.

General belief that there are many other prophets and messengers, but never assuming anything without knowledge from Allah (i.e. Qur’an and Sunnah).

The subject matter of the prophethood.

Warnings and glad tidings.

So the disobedient will have no excuse before Allah. (Prophets sent to every nation.)

Enjoining the worship of Allah and the avoidance of At-Taghoot (Shaitaan, etc.) [Study: 4/165, An-Nisaa; 16/36, An-Nahl]

Attributes of the Prophet Muhammad:

Seal of the prophets; Imam of the pious; Foremost among the sons of Adam; Imam and Khatib of the prophets when they assembled; Possessor of the Praiseworthy Position which all of mankind will wish they had attained (and which is mentioned in the Du’a of hearing the adhan); Owner of the pool in paradise; Intercessor for all mankind on the day of Qiyama (Judgement Day).

Allah sent him with the best of the books and the best of His law. Allah made his nation “the best nation brought forth for mankind.” Allah gave him (and us) all of the good that was given only partially to the previous nations. His nation is the last in creation, the first in resurrection.

From the moment of his prophethood, Allah made him the criterion (Al-Farooq) for distinguishing Allah’s allies and their actions from His enemies and their actions: None can have any relationship to Allah except through belief in the Prophet (sas) and following what he brought in public and in secret. Whoever claims love or closeness to Allah while disobeying the message is actually drawing closer to Shaitaan, farther from Allah.

Allah’s revealed Books

Muslims should have general belief in the phenomenon of the sending of the revealed books. Keep in mind, all the revealed books were allowed by Allah to be corrupted, except the Qur’an.

Six specific books mentioned in the Qur’an:

As-Suhuf of Ibrahim (Abraham) and Musa (Moses).

Az-Zaboor given to Daud (David).

At-Taurat (The Torah) revealed to Musa.

Al-Injeel revealed to Isa (Jesus).

Al-Qur’an – the final revelation.

Attributes of the Qur’an:

Flawless and untampered with: [See 41/42 Fusilat]

The final authority over any remnants of the previous books. [See 5/48 Al-Maidah]

A guidance and a mercy. [See 10/37 Yunus]

The Qur’an must be followed and applied. [See 6/155 Al-An'aam]

The Day of Resurrection (Qiyama)

Belief in the resurrection (Al-Ba’th). Reconstruction of the body and return of the soul to it. People will come forth out of their graves like locusts. Faces bent down. Rushing to the Caller. [See 53/76 Al-Qamar; 70/43 Al-Ma'arij; 17/49 Al-Israa; 36/78 Yasin; 20/108 Taha]

The resurrection is of the body and the soul, not some metaphysical resurrection of the latter.

“The sun will come down toward the people on the day of Qiyama until it is only about a mile up. The people will be in their own perspiration according to their acts: some of them will be in it up to their ankles, some up to their groin and others up to their chins, and he pointed to his mouth.” [Hadith - Narrated by Muslim]

A disbeliever once came to the Prophet (saws) with an old bone, crumbled it with his hand and said: “O Muhammad, will Allah bring this back to life after it has rotted?! The Prophet said: “Yes, Allah will resurrect this and he will cause you to die, bring you back to life, and put you into the fire of Jahannam!”

Al-Qadar (Divine Preordainments and Decree i.e. whatever Allah, subhana watala, has ordained must come to pass).

A Muslim believes in Allah’s predestination of all things and events (Qadhaa), His decree (Qadar), His wisdom in His actions, and His will. Nothing in the universe can occur, even the voluntary actions of His slaves, except after Allah’s knowledge, and His decree of that event. A Muslim further believes that Allah is Just in His predestination and His decree, Wise in all of His actions. His wisdom follows His will: Whatever He wills is, and whatever He does not will is not. There is no power nor any movement except by Allah. This is substantiated by the textual and logical proofs which follow:

TEXTUAL EVIDENCE

Allah (glory and praise to Allah) informed us of this in the Qur’an:

Verily, We have created all things with Qadar (Divine Preordainments of all things before their creation, as written in the Book of Decrees Al-Lauh Al-Mahfûz). [Qur'an 54/49]

And there is not a thing, but with Us are the stores thereof. And We send it not down except in a known measure. [Qur'an 15/21]

No calamity befalls on the earth or in yourselves but is inscribed in the Book of Decrees (Al-Lauh Al-Mahfûz), before We bring it into existence. Verily, that is easy for Allâh. [Qur'an 57/22]

No calamity befalls, but with the Leave [i.e. decision and Qadar (Divine Preordainments)] of Allâh, and whosoever believes in Allâh, He guides his heart [to the true Faith with certainty, i.e. what has befallen him was already written for him by Allâh from the Qadar (Divine Preordainments)], and Allâh is the All-Knower of everything. [Qur'an 64/11]

And with Him are the keys of the Ghaib (all that is hidden), none knows them but He. And He knows whatever there is in (or on) the earth and in the sea; not a leaf falls, but he knows it. There is not a grain in the darkness of the earth nor anything fresh or dry, but is written in a Clear Record. [Qur'an 6/59]

Evidence also in: Quran 9/51, 7/43, 21/101, 18/39, 81/27-29

The Prophet (saws) has informed us about the reality of Allah’s predestination and decree in many hadith:

“Verily, each one of you is formed in his mother’s womb forty days as a drop, then he is something suspended for a similar period, then he is a piece of flesh like a chewed piece of meat for another period of forty days, then the angel is sent to insert the soul. This angel is ordered to record four things: the sustenance which he will receive during his lifetime, the length of his life, all actions that he will do, and whether he will end up miserable (in hell) or joyous (in paradise). I swear by the One other than whom there is no deity, one of you may do the works of the people of paradise right up until there is only an arm’s length between him and paradise, but his destiny overtakes him, so he does the actions of the poeple of the fire and enters it. And, verily, one of you may do the works of the people of hell until there is nothing between them and hell except for one arm’s length, but his destiny overtakes him, and so he does the works of the people of paradise, and enters it.” [Muslim]

“Young man, I will teach you some words: Preserve (your obligations toward) Allah and He will preserve you. Guard (your obligations toward) Allah, and you will find Him on your side. When you ask, ask Allah. When you seek aid and succour, seek it from Allah. And know, that if the entire nation got together to benefit you in some way, they could never benefit you at all except for that which Allah had already decreed for you. And, if they all got together to harm you in some way, they could do you no harm except for that which Allah had already decreed for you. The pens have been lifted, and the tablets have dried.” [At-Tirmidhi, and he rated it Sahih]

“The first thing which Allah created was the pen. Then, He said to it: Write. It asked: My Lord, what should I write? He said: Write the proportions of all things up until the Hour.” [Ahmad, At-Tirmidhi, and it is hassan]

“Adam disputed with Musa. Musa said to Adam: “O, Adam, you are the father of the human race, Allah created you with His hand, and blew into you of His spirit, and made His angels prostrate to you, why did you expel yourself and us from the garden?” Adam said to him: “You are Musa whom Allah favored with His speech, and wrote for you the Taurah with His hand, so (tell me) by how many years before my creation did you find it written about me: [... then Adam disobeyed his Lord and got lost.] (Qur’an 20:121)? Musa said: “By forty years.” Then, Adam said: “So how do you blame me for something which Allah had decreed for me before my creation by forty years?” The Prophet said: “And so, Adam defeated Musa in the dispute.”

“Act, for each of you will find easy that for which he was created.” (Muslim)

“O, Abdullah ibn Qais, should I not teach you a word which is one of the treasures of paradise? (It is to say): There is no movement nor any power except from Allah.”

“Someone said: That which Allah wants and you want. To which the Prophet (saws) replied: That which Allah alone wants.” [An-Nasaa'i, and he rated it sahih]

EVIDENCE OF REASON

Reason does not reject the idea of predestination and decree and of Allah’s wisdom and His will. Just the opposite, reason demands that this is the case without doubt because of the clear evidences of it in the universe around us.

Belief in Allah and in his perfect might and power demands the belief in His predestination and His decree, His wisdom and His will.

 If, after becoming a muslim, all you know how to do is wudu (the ablution before salah), you do wudu 5 times a day and take the time out to study the prayer briefly or to do what part of it you DO know how to do. If you don’t know how to do wudu, then you do what you remember of it (starting with saying “bis mih Allah” [in the name of Allah] and washing your hands 3 times).  You should also study how to do the entire salah regularly at a time separate than the time for salah, until you learn it.

     So, regarding the 2 rakat of salah prayer that is done right after saying shahada, just like all the salahs, you cannot do it if you do not know how, so you just do that which you know. Allah swt knows your intentions, and no-one expects you to know how to do a single rakat before you’re a muslim nor to suddenly realize how once you JUST became a muslim.

     Learning these things and more, will come in time, insha’Allah; just make it a priority to learn how to do salah.  If your intentions are sincere, the proof will be that you learn salah soon after becoming a muslim.  A muslim who abandons his/her salah abandons his religion and is in a state of disbelief (kufr), i.e. is no longer a muslim.  So do not abandon learning the salah.  But do not go to the other extreme and expect to learn everything overnight; exercise patience while you are trying to learn and do not be timid in humbly asking Muslims questions to achieve knowledge.  

    Expect to be corrected often by other Muslims, whether you’ve just become a muslim or have been one for years. This is because of our love for one another and our obedience to Allah swt, that we correct one another.  We should remain humble and accept correction such as by saying, “Alhamdulilah” (”All praise is due to Allah alone”) and/or “JazakAllah” (”May Allah reward you) to the muslim correcting us.  We should not correct others except when we are certain that our correction is right, and we should do so with kindness and using the speech of the Quran and Sunnah and not reformatted personal opinions.  The Qur’an is complete for our lives, providing a lifetime of learning and growing as a person… growing in submission to our Lord.

     Insha’Allah (Allah willing), you may be blessed to say your shahada in the presence of another muslim, who can lead you in your first salah. If not, do not worry… you’re only held accountable for that which you know and for seeking out that which you don’t know yet are able to seek.  For instance, a “mentally challenged” person is not held accountable to Allah swt for that which they cannot comprehend!  Likewise with a baby.   

     It is important not to delay to become a muslim once you understand the shahada and agree with it — because you ARE held accountable for that which you do know!  Act upon what you understand and trust Allah swt to guide you, protect you, and aid you in embracing the most beautiful way of life, the way that leads to peace… Islam.