Common Questions by New Converts to Islam—Honest Answers for Beginners
Answers to questions frequently asked, by new Muslims, aimed towards putting the mind at ease and addressing early concerns.
Introduction:
Welcome to your first steps in exploring Islam! You have made an incredibly tough decision, but it is worth it. This decision brings peace to its taker, and it’s never a decision to regret! Your steps will be led by curiosity, and maybe fear disturbs it, but going deeper into Islam is like going through an ocean. You might think you’re drowning at first, but later on, deep down, when you no longer touch the sand, the waves will carry you gently to your purpose. In this article, we are going to discuss the most common questions that new converts are usually led to ask. Hope you find relief in finding your answers!
1. What does saying the Shahadah really mean?
The Shahadah—“Ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Allah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadur rasool Allah” is an Arabic term that refers to the declaration of belief in the one and only God (Allah subhanah w taala) and his final messenger, Muhammed—peace upon him. Saying the Shahada sincerely in your heart with the belief of every word of it makes you a Muslim. Saying it publicly is not an obligation; you can say it in private and count as a Muslim who believes in Allah.
2. Do I have to change my name after converting?
A name is a very important symbol distinguishing individuals, and everyone seeks to have a symbolic name. In hadith, Muhammed (peace be upon him) says that on the day of judgment everyone will be called with their names and encourages people to name themselves good names. However, it is not an obligation to change your name after converting to Islam except for a few special cases. It’s required to change your name if you have a name with a bad meaning, such as war, sin, and sadness. Also, your name has to not conflict with the Islamic beliefs, so you have to change your name if it refers to you being a slave of other than God. Even if it was a slave for a prophet, it is still forbidden. Names that indicate being the son of God are also prohibited.
3. Is circumcision mandatory after conversion?
Converting to Islam includes learning and doing many things, so knowing that might make you scared to start and take those steps. However, Islam is never a religion of hardship; Islam is the religion of ease and peace. Circumcision is a Sunnah for males in Islam. Which means it is recommended; however, it is not a mandatory step for converting. You can do it at the time you feel ready to do it. If you are unable to do it because of a medical reason, it can be delayed or even excused. Being deeply into the journey and determined to convert to Islam and learn about it is the most important part. However, don’t miss out on the religious and physical benefits of circumcision!
4. What should I know about the Friday (Jumuah) Prayer?
Friday is a unique day in Islam; it’s translated as “Day of Gathering.” Muslim men are required to attend the Jumuah prayer at the masjid. Jumuah prayer is done at the same timing as the usual Dhuhr prayer. It is a replacement of the Dhuhr only on Fridays. Jumuah prayer is done by replacing the first two rakaat with the sermons (khutbah) told by the Sheikh before the prayer, and the other two rakaat are done in the prayer of Jumuah. It’s not mandatory to know everything once you’ve converted, so it’s fine if you just ask and try to learn the right way to do things. Jumuah is not required for women; however, they can attend it if they want to.
5. How should I greet other Muslims?
You probably happened to come across the universal way of greeting, which is “As-salamu alaykum” even if you do not have a Muslim in your close circle. Sometimes even non-Muslims use it to greet Muslims. In Muslim countries it is usually used between non-Muslims, too. “As-salamu alaykum” means peace upon you. When someone says it towards you, you reply with “Wa alaykum as-salam.” which means peace upon you, too. Start using it in your daily life, spreading peace and connection between other individuals. It might be hard to use it at first, but later you will get used to using it as the most used greeting word in your dictionary. Also, Muslims receive it warmly, and it is an act with a religious reward.
6. How do I maintain ties with my non-Muslim family?
Keeping ties with your family members is a very encouraged and preferred act in Islam. Whether they believed in Islam or did not believe in the existence of a God at all, Islam prefers keeping ties even if they do not support your decision. Islam encourages you to be obedient to your parents and respectful. The only time you are allowed to oppose them is when they ask you to do something haram (forbidden). Other than that, you have to be a very respectful child of theirs, as you will be asked for your behavior and care for them on the day of judgment. Whether they follow God or not, you are still responsible for yourself and the way you act towards them, as Islam honors the the rights of non-Muslim family members.
7. Is it necessary to declare my Islam publicly?
Declaring conversion to Islam could be very delightful news to Muslims and maybe a moving decision to non-Muslims. Voicing your decision could be an encouragement to someone who is scared to take the step. It may lead someone who looks up to you to learn about Islam or even consider it. However, declaring your faith is not required for you to be a Muslim. Saying the Shahadah while truly believing in the meaning of it is enough for you to officially become a Muslim in the sight of Allah, which is the most important. However, you can tell someone who can help you get through Islam and clear the confusion you may have at the start of your journey.
8. How do I grow spiritually as a new Muslim?
Surely, it would not be easy to adjust to the new habits of Islam. It would be confusing at first, and you might think you are so far behind and have so much to learn. However, your faith is never measured by how much you know in Islam. As long as Allah knows your eagerness and your love for him, he will always help you be a better person and will accept you the way you are and forgive you countless times. Islam is the religion of forgiveness and peace. Allah will always be waiting for you to get better at practicing Islam. You can take slow steps at first. Start by learning how to do prayers (salah). Then you can try reading Qur’an and it’s okay if you do not know Arabic; you can read it in whatever language you can understand. Keeping company with people who are religious and disciplined would help you a lot to go through your journey. One thing at a time is enough; do not drain yourself trying to learn everything at once. It is very understandable it could be hard at first, so as long as you are doing your best, you are okay.
9. How can I fit in with the Muslim community?
It’s okay to feel out of place at first, but do not keep yourself to these thoughts. Muslims are always welcoming to new Muslims and very willing to offer help. Try going to mosques and starting conversations with people there. Ask whatever questions you like and start friendships. Find Muslim communities online; they would be a great help if you do not have mosques near you.
10. Do I lose my identity by becoming Muslim?
Of course not. Your identity is always there. Islam never erases who you are. You become more than who you are; you have something extra to belong to as you become a Muslim! You have Muslims everywhere around you with all the differences, but they all have their beliefs in common.
11. What support is available for new Muslims?
Support is waiting for new Muslims everywhere. You can find it in your family or in the mosque around you. You can find it online at organizations that offer programs and classes. You can find it on social media groups. Just be confident that support is forever around you; whether you seek it or not, it will eventually find you!
Conclusion:
Becoming a Muslim is a very brave step through every misconception thrown over social media and hateful people making TV shows. It can be confusing and unstable at first, but hold onto your beliefs, and you will eventually reach the knowledge you are seeking. As long as God knows your eagerness, he will be helping you through your journey of bravery, so never get overwhelmed and keep on learning!