I recently became interested in studying the Qur'an and went to a local mosque to request a copy. The imam was very welcoming and generous, giving me an English translation to take home. I was also invited to join them as they broke their fast every evening and observe their salats. I have observed Maghrib twice and Isha once. Everyone I have met at the mosque has been extremely patient, kind, and welcoming towards me. Obviously, being new to Islam, I had a lot of questions and the imam and the other brothers there have all been very helpful. In addition to staying in touch with them and occasionally observing a salat, I have been reading my English copy of the Qur'an at home.
The more I read, the more I feel that Islam is the right path for me. The imam told me that I should real the full Qur'an and take some time to decide whether or not I want to make the leap to become a Muslim so that I can know what I'm getting myself into before committing. I think this was good advice. I am currently reading the 12th Sura, and if things continue to go as they have been, I can see myself saying Shahadah by the time I finish the last Sura.
My question is: is it acceptable to say Shahadah at home, or does it need to be done at the mosque with witnesses? The imam said that once you say Shahadah, you become a Muslim. He also said that you take a shower, but that can be done before or after Shahadah. But I didn't ask whether it has to be said in public or if it can be a private thing. The reason I ask is because, coming from a Christian background, I know that they place great emphasis on public confirmations of faith and baptisms performed in front of many witnesses. So I was wondering if Shahadah also has to done in such a way, or if simply doing it at home and then telling the imam and the other brothers that you said it is enough. Does it mean more to say it in a mosque, or will saying it at home and then telling everyone at the mosque that I did it the next time we meet be acceptable?
Also, after Shahadah, does anything different happen the next time I show up at the mosque? I know Christians usually receive a copy of the Bible after a baptism, so I am wondering if something similar happens when you visit a mosque after saying Shahadah, as in will the imam give me a copy of the Qur'an in Arabic instead of the English translation I currently own.
I could ask the imam these questions, but he is a busy man and has been so patient and helpful with all of my questions so far, so I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask this on here.
Thank you to anyone that replies.
The more I read, the more I feel that Islam is the right path for me. The imam told me that I should real the full Qur'an and take some time to decide whether or not I want to make the leap to become a Muslim so that I can know what I'm getting myself into before committing. I think this was good advice. I am currently reading the 12th Sura, and if things continue to go as they have been, I can see myself saying Shahadah by the time I finish the last Sura.
My question is: is it acceptable to say Shahadah at home, or does it need to be done at the mosque with witnesses? The imam said that once you say Shahadah, you become a Muslim. He also said that you take a shower, but that can be done before or after Shahadah. But I didn't ask whether it has to be said in public or if it can be a private thing. The reason I ask is because, coming from a Christian background, I know that they place great emphasis on public confirmations of faith and baptisms performed in front of many witnesses. So I was wondering if Shahadah also has to done in such a way, or if simply doing it at home and then telling the imam and the other brothers that you said it is enough. Does it mean more to say it in a mosque, or will saying it at home and then telling everyone at the mosque that I did it the next time we meet be acceptable?
Also, after Shahadah, does anything different happen the next time I show up at the mosque? I know Christians usually receive a copy of the Bible after a baptism, so I am wondering if something similar happens when you visit a mosque after saying Shahadah, as in will the imam give me a copy of the Qur'an in Arabic instead of the English translation I currently own.
I could ask the imam these questions, but he is a busy man and has been so patient and helpful with all of my questions so far, so I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask this on here.
Thank you to anyone that replies.