--- title: "Taking the Shahada — How to Become a Muslim" description: "The Shahada is the first pillar: no god but Allah, Muhammad is His Messenger. Skip this page for today’s clock or if you already pray salah." url: https://globalprayertimes.org/shahada/ source: Global Prayer Times --- # Taking the Shahada — How to Become a Muslim The Shahada is the first pillar: no god but Allah, Muhammad is His Messenger. Skip this page for today’s clock or if you already pray salah. ☝️ New Muslim guide Taking the Shahada Quick Answer The Shahada is the first pillar: “Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasulullah.” Saying it with sincere belief is how a person becomes Muslim. Skip this page for today’s Maghrib or if you already know the five prayers. Who this is not for Not a conversion certificate mill and not a demand that you change your name. Witnesses are not required for validity. Find a local mosque for community support after you take it. Desk-reviewed 2026-08-13. The Shahada — Arabic & English أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasulullah Translation: "I bear witness that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah." Pronunciation tip: "Ash-hadu" (I bear witness), "la ilaha illallah" (no god but Allah), "Muhammadan rasulullah" (Muhammad is Allah's messenger). Say it slowly — accuracy comes with practice, and Allah knows your heart. What the Shahada Means The Shahada has two parts. The first — La ilaha illallah — affirms Tawhid : that Allah alone is worthy of worship. No partner, no intermediary, no equal. The second — Muhammad rasulullah — affirms that Muhammad ﷺ is the final prophet sent to guide humanity through the Quran and his Sunnah (example). By declaring the Shahada with sincere belief, a person enters Islam. All previous sins are forgiven (Muslim). This is why the Shahada is the first of the Five Pillars of Islam . How to Take Shahada 1 Understand what you are affirming You are accepting that Allah is One, that Muhammad ﷺ is His messenger, and that the Quran is Allah's preserved word. If you have questions about Jesus (Isa AS), angels, or the Hereafter, ask a trusted scholar — these are part of Islamic belief. 2 Say the Shahada sincerely You may say it alone, with a friend, or at a mosque. Face the Qibla if you wish, but it is not required. What matters is genuine conviction in your heart. 3 Optional: repeat at a mosque Many mosques welcome new Muslims warmly. An imam can help with pronunciation, provide a certificate if needed, and connect you with community support. 4 Begin your journey Start learning Wudu and Salah. You do not need to know everything on day one. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Take from me what you can." (Bukhari) First Steps After Shahada Learn Wudu (ablution) — required before prayer Start the five daily prayers — use our step-by-step Salah guide Find prayer times for your city on the homepage Learn morning and evening adhkar (duas) Visit a local mosque for Jummah — see our Jummah guide Common Questions Can I take Shahada if I still have questions? Yes — Islam encourages seeking knowledge. Core belief in Allah's Oneness and Muhammad's prophethood is required; detailed fiqh (rulings) can be learned gradually with a teacher or reliable resources. Do I need to change my name? No. Changing your name is optional, not required. Many converts keep their birth name unless it has an inappropriate meaning. What about my family who are not Muslim? Islam teaches kindness and respect to parents and family. You maintain family ties while living your faith. Be patient — actions often speak louder than words. Related Islamic Guides 🕌 How to Pray Salah Step-by-step guide to the five daily prayers. 💧 Wudu & Ghusl Purification before prayer. ☝️ Five Pillars of Islam Shahada, Salah, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj explained. 🤲 Daily Duas Authentic supplications for every occasion. This is a free service from Elite Digital Agency . Voluntary support keeps Global Prayer Times free for everyone. Support if you can . — Global Prayer Times. Source: https://globalprayertimes.org/shahada/