Shahadah question.

[kevindcl]

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.

 

[kashif_nazeer]

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.

Welcome my brother,blessed is your decision and happy it makes us to hear : )

Sorry I am in a hurry so I will paste an opinion and a link

My question is one concerning, when a non muslim wants to accept the Shahadah. Do witnesses need to be present?

Praise be to Allaah.
It is not essential for the one who wants to utter the twin testimony of faith (al-shahaadatayn) to have witnesses present. He may simply utter the words with his tongue, and that is sufficient for him to enter Islam.

Islam Q&A
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Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
http://www.islamqa.com/en/ref/11936/shahadah

Declaring shahaadah and performing salaat for a new non-Arabic speaking Muslim

ar - en - es - fr - ur - hi - zh​

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I have read the many pages of your web site that instructs a non-believer. I believe that there is only Allah (one God). Ibelieve that Muhammed is the seal of the prophets. History bears this out. My question is: How do I declare this (shahadah) if I do not speak arabic? How do I perform the five daily prayers (salah) without understanding arabic? Finally would I have to change my name?

Praise be to Allaah.
To the dear inquirer:I welcome you with a warm greeting. I was besieged with great joy as I discovered your question while browsing through the ten questions which arrived during the past hour today, and it was the dearest question for me. This fact is not surprising, as how could our hearts not open to a wise man who has discovered the truth and has acknowledged and confirmed it for himself--one who wishes to embrace Islaam and asks about the next steps?In reality, everything that poses a problem for you is actually an easy matter, and can be solved simply, God willing (in shaa' Allaah), so let's take them one by one:First: all that is required of you to embrace this religion right now as you are reading these lines is to pronounce al-shahaadatain, or the two confirmations and attestations of faith, to the best of your ability. Perfect pronunciation of the Arabic letters is not required, and the following is a transliteration of the phrases with English letters to help you:ash-hadu an laa ilaahah illallaah (I bear witness and attest that there is no god worthy of worship but the One God Allaah)ash-hadu anna muhammad-ar-rasool ullaah (I bear witness and attest that Muhammad is the messenger of Allaah)After pronouncing them, you should promptly hasten to take a shower to purify yourself and prepare to start performing your regular prayers which will be an obligation as soon as you have declared your belief.Second: If you have not yet learned the manner and characteristics of performing the prayer (i.e. at least the movements and positions), appended to this message is a description from which you can learn. What is requried from you for the time being is to say in the beginning of the prayer and between each movement between positions "Allaahu ak-bar" (a glorification of Allaah). While standing, bowing, prostrating, and sitting, you should say "subhaan allaah wal-hamdu lillaah wa-laa ilaaha illallaahu wallaahu akbar." (Glory be to Allaah, and praise and thanks be to Allaah, and there is no god but Allaah, and Allaah is the most Exalted and Great.) Then conclude the prayer by turning your head to the right then left, each time saying "as-salaamu alaikum."This way of performing salaat is permissible for you until you can learn and memorize what should be said in each movement and position of the salaat.Third: You are not required to change your name, and in fact, a number of scholars among the forefathers and modern-day Muslims have indicated declared that your name is in fact the name of one of the prophets!I ask Allaah to aid you and ease your affairs, and to bestow upon you the blessing of Islaam and perseverence in adhering to it. We are ready and willing to assist in explaining or helping to solve any problem or difficulty you may face, and to provide support and aid in any way possible.
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Islam Q&A
​

Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
http://www.islamqa.com/en/ref/378/shahadah

Take care.

 

[PeacefulHumanity]

:salam2:

Brother, I was feeling down just now until I came to your post. I'm so very happy that you've considered the light of Islam. Nothing different should happen to you in that sense. I don't know for a fact that it has to be done in public, but if its a choice I would definitely do it in public. Surrounded by all your brothers while you make the most important journey of your life -- what could be better? By the way, if you want to get a head start on the Arabic Quran there are abundant resources online. You can start listening to Quran recitations on YouTube. Here are some of my favorites:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SR5ykVdTzHE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdObZFJ_4dA

May Allah (SWT) make it easy for you and shower you in His mercy.

 

[The_truth]

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.

Greetings my friend. Surely God is anting to guide you towards the truth and that is why your heart is being inclined to go towards him. You should definately do a public testimony of faith as on the ay of judgement we will be witnesses for each other regarding any good we used to do. Also you will be able to be-friend Muslim brothers who wil help you in anyway that they can in your journey as a Muslim. You will also be given any help or resources you need and will become well acquainted with the Mosque and the people worshipping in it and you feel feel part of a brother hood as Muslims we are all one body.

As well as having a public testimony you may also proclaim the Shahada in private if it means that you will do so right away as time is uncertain and our death can arrive at any second.

I hope the following resources will help you:

Free Islamic E books and Resources for all:


What is Islam?

http://www.islamreligion.com/category/49/



Introduction to Islam

http://www.islamicbulletin.org/services/all_ebooks_p1.aspx#link2



Download the full Qur'an - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

http://www.islamicbulletin.org/free_downloads/quran/quran_yusuf_ali2.pdf




The Benefits of Islam

http://www.islamreligion.com/category/43/?gclid=CIyY_KHYs6gCFUEa4Qod92u9Aw




How I Embraced Islam

http://www.islamicbulletin.org/services/all_ebooks_p1.aspx#link3



How to Convert to Islam and Become a Muslim

http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/204/?gclid=CIfF0PzXs6gCFUEb4QodwHxFCg



Islamic resources in different Foreign Languages


http://www.islamicbulletin.org/services/foreign.htm



The Holy Quran

http://www.islamicbulletin.org/services/all_ebooks_p1.aspx#link1




Quranic Science

http://www.islamicbulletin.org/services/all_ebooks_p2.aspx#link4




The Prophet Mohammed (pbuh)

http://www.islamicbulletin.org/services/all_ebooks_p2.aspx#link5




Companions of the Prophet (Sahabah)

http://www.islamicbulletin.org/services/all_ebooks_p3.aspx#link8




Men in Islam

http://www.islamicbulletin.org/services/all_ebooks_p3.aspx#link16




Women in Islam

http://www.islamicbulletin.org/services/all_ebooks_p3.aspx#link7




Islam: Beliefs and Teachings

http://www.islamicbulletin.org/free_downloads/kids/Islam_teachings.pdf




Ramadan (Fasting)

http://www.islamicbulletin.org/services/all_ebooks_p3.aspx#link9




Prayer (Salat)

http://www.islamicbulletin.org/services/all_ebooks_p3.aspx#link10




Hajj (Pilgrimage)

http://www.islamicbulletin.org/services/all_ebooks_p4.aspx#link11




Zakat (Poor Due)

http://www.islamicbulletin.org/services/all_ebooks_p4.aspx#link12




Children

http://www.islamicbulletin.org/services/all_ebooks_p4.aspx#link13




Islamic Resources and Hadith

http://www.islamicbulletin.org/services/all_ebooks_p2.aspx#link6




More wonderful Islamic resources:

http://www.islamicbulletin.org/services/all_ebooks_p4.aspx#link14

http://www.islamicbulletin.org/services/all_ebooks_p4.aspx#link15



If there is any help you need or any questions you have then please do not hesitate to ask. Thank you

 

[strive-may-i]

Greetings.
Shahadah is to be said with an unfaltering conviction. Hence the Imaam's suggestion to take your own time.

At home? Yes, you can.
Firstly, Islam is for the individual to fulfill the purpose of life. Its simple, and its not like the Baptism rituals.. If your intention is to avoid getting undue attention, then you can convey it to Imaam, Imaam will do whats right for you. There are certain obligations that the community has on a muslim brethren. Taking Shahadah, usually its best to do in presence of a knowledgeable practicing Muslim Brethren. Because such a person can act as a good guide, and can brief you, show you how to do keep things simple and right while striving to be on the right path.

Does anything change in mosque after Shahadah? You are a muslim after SHahadah, and they treat you as a brother. They would be more willing to help you.

Would they force Quran in the correct version (ie Arabic)?
No. Its Quran when its in the original language (ie arabic), in any other language its a poor translation. If the translation (human) has this Good effect , imagine the unadulterated words from Almighty Creator. Its recommended to say the Salaat in Arabic. Most gradually progress to saying complete salaat in arabic. Its easier to learn and memorize, one step at a time. The benefits are immense.

May you find the true path and be blessed both in here and hereafter... Ameen

 

[sulaiman786]

Dearest brother Aslaam Alaikum

Firstly I congratulate you on choosing the beautiful and blessed religion of islam and wish you a successful journey on the Sirat al-Mustaqim (The straight path) and may Allah swt guide u along your progression and increase your iman (Faith).

Shahadah in my view should be done in front of a pious person such as an imam and if you felt comfortable you can also have a crowd of brothers. One of the big advantages of doing shahadah in front of an imam and so many brothers is once you have committed to islam by reading the shahadah, everyone will do dua (supplicate to Allah) for you.
I totally respect the views of the imam by advising you to read the full quran before you commit. Once you have done this and give yourself the go-ahead to read shahadah, you will recieve the love of all the brothers and everyone will go out of their way to help you settle and give you all the tools to succeed in-sha-allah.
It is not neccessary for you to recieve a copy of the quran in arabic but in due time as you are learning your salat in arabic, you wil be able to read the quran in the form of arabic and i pray Allah swt makes this easy for you.
My advice to you also is once you have done shahadah, do not rush and do not put too much pressure on yourself as it is a new religion for you so it wil take time for you to adapt in a new way but i promise you that you will enjoy it.
We here at this site are here to help you and if you personaly need any help, plz mail me privately and i will do my best to help you.

Maslaam.