World’s largest religion Islam The religion of Islam has over 1.8 billion followers in the world. For those interested in embracing Islam, the process comes as a spiritual and personal journey, involving learning, understanding, and committing to the teachings of the faith. In the blog post that follows, we take you through the process of converting to Islam, present to you the key beliefs and practices, and shine a light on the different types of Muslim Prophets. Whether you are thinking of conversion or just wish to learn, this guide helps you understand how to become a Muslim and what lies ahead.
Knowing Islam – The Foundation of the Faith
Islam, as the name signifies, meaning “submission,” is a monotheistic faith that believes in the existence of one God (Allah). Islam is founded on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, whom Muslims believe to be the last prophet among many to be followed in a long line of Muslim prophets, including figures such as Adam, Noah, Moses, and Jesus.
The Five Pillars of Islam are the five fundamental practices that every Muslim must follow. These include:
- Shahada (Faith): Professing belief in the oneness of God and Muhammad as his prophet.
- Salat (Prayer): Carrying out five ritual prayers every day.
- Zakat (Charity): Distributing those unwanted things to cleanse riches.
- Sawm (Fasting): Practicing fasting the whole month of Ramadan.
- Hajj (Pilgrimage): Performing Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, if the person has the capability, once in a lifetime.
The Process of Converting to Islam
The first step for conversion to Muslim is understanding the Shahada, the central declaration of faith:
“There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.”
By truly repeating this testimony, a person formally joins the community of Islam. It is actually not necessary to memorize the full Shahada in Arabic for conversion, but many converts do wish to learn it in the Arabic language simply because it is quite significant in Islamic worship.
Steps to Conversion to Muslim:
- Research and Learning: It’s very important to learn about a Muslim’s core beliefs, practices, and lifestyle before actually deciding to convert. Reading the Qur’an, talking to actual Muslims, or attending lectures and classes together can give insight into the religion.
- Pronouncing the Shahada: After preparation, you say the Shahada sincerely, either in private or in front of witnesses, such as in a mosque before an imam. This declaration means that you declare the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad.
- Personal Commitment: Conversion is not just a declaration made only once; it requires lifelong commitment. It is through prayer, charity, and good moral conduct that one strives to live according to Islamic principles. Perhaps it involves a series of daily practices transformed, a decision such as wearing modest clothing or avoiding certain foods.
Different Types of Muslims
The Muslims are divided into several sects, with two main different types of Muslims being Sunni Muslims and Shia Muslims; However, they share most of the core beliefs and practices, and they are divided by historical disagreements over who should have succeeded the Prophet Muhammad after his death.
Sunni Muslims: Sunni Islam accounts for the largest part of the Muslim world. The Sunnis believed that the community should elect the leader or Caliph, and they followed four principal schools of Islamic jurisprudence as well: Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali. They rely on the consensus of the community as well as the sayings of Prophet Muhammad and his companions.
Shia Muslims: Although a minority, make up one-third of the world’s Muslim population. In Iran and Iraq, they believe that the leadership of the Islamic community should be kept within the family of the prophet with Ali as the cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad. The Muslims then have other practices that are unique unto themselves, most notably the Ashura, which is the day of mourning for the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, son of Ali.
Both Sunni and Shia Muslims believe in what other people generally consider the core tenets of Islam, although they might differ in some practices, traditions, and interpretations of Islamic law.
Holy Book of Islam Religion
The Qur’an is considered the central religious Holy Book of Islam religion. According to the Quranic perspective, Muslims accept it as the literal word of God, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad more than 23 years ago. The Qur’an is composed of 114 chapters, known as surahs, and guides in all matters of life, from worship to ethics, family life, and the law. The book is written in Arabic, and for a Muslim, the original Arabic text conveys the true meaning, so it cannot be translated.
Besides the Qur’an, Muslims have also taken a specific interest in Hadith—young collections of the sayings, actions, and approvals of Prophet Muhammad. These teachings provide extra background and direction for the verses in the Qur’an and instruct Muslims on the application thereof in everyday living. The collections of Hadith are made by different scholars. Some are classified into two categories: authentic and less reliable narrations.
Muslim Prophets and Key Figures
Muslims believe in all the prophets who are mentioned in the Bible, although they interpret their lives and work differently. Among all the Muslim prophets in Islam, the most important is Prophet Muhammad. He is called the last and final prophet. His life is considered a reminder of how one should live as a Muslim, and his sayings and actions are recorded in Hadith literature.
Other such Muslim prophets mentioned and respected in Islam are Adam (the first human and a prophet), Noah (who warned his people of a tremendous flood), Abraham (considered the father of the Abrahamic faiths, being a very significant figure in both Judaism and Christianity), Moses (who led the Israelites out of Egypt), and Jesus (recognized as a prophet and messenger but not divine).
Muslims believe that all these prophets delivered the very same core message – to worship and live righteous lives before the one true God. The Qur’an teaches that whereas God had sent prophets to other nations, Muhammad is the seal of prophethood.
Conclusion
However, becoming a Muslim is not just a declaration of faith; it is also about a lifelong commitment to understanding and practicing Islam. Whether one considers conversion or simply wonders about the faith, this process is best approached with patience and an open heart. Islam presents a comprehensive way of life that makes one feel at peace, fulfilled, and close to God. If you wish to continue learning, you can contact local Muslim organizations or look for online resources such as Islamic websites.