New Muslim Guide
Everything you need to start praying today — take it one step at a time
These teachings follow Ahlu Sunna wa al-Jama'ah and the four Sunni schools of fiqh (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, Hanbali).
The testimony of faith is the first pillar of Islam and the words that make a person Muslim.
The testimony
To become Muslim, a person sincerely believes and declares that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah, and that Muhammad is His final Messenger. No ceremony or witness is strictly required — it is between you and Allah, though telling your local mosque helps you find support.
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ
Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasulullah.
What it means
The first part means you worship Allah alone — no idols, saints, or intermediaries. The second part means you accept the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as the final messenger and follow his example (Sunnah) as the practical explanation of the Quran.
After the Shahada
Everything before Islam is forgiven — you start with a clean slate. Learn gradually: prayer first, then the rest of the pillars. Allah says: 'Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear' (Quran 2:286).
This guide follows the mainstream Sunni practice shared by the four schools of law. Small variations exist — your local mosque can show you in person, and that personal help is always the best teacher.