How to Convert to Islam: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Imam and Islam expert Idris Abdul-Zahir shares the steps and requirements for becoming a Muslim

Co-authored by Idris Abdul-Zahir and Samantha Fulton, BA

Last Updated: July 27, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Converting to Islam
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• Five Pillars
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• Articles of Faith
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• Living as a Muslim
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• Video
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• Q&A

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Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the world and the second-largest religion globally, with about 2 billion Muslims worldwide. If you’re interested in becoming a Muslim but aren’t sure where to start, you’re in the right place. We’ve partnered with Islam experts to tell you all you need to know about what it takes to convert to Islam. Plus, we’ll cover the Five Pillars of Islam and the Six Articles of Faith, which will guide you as you embark on your spiritual journey.

What are the requirements to become a Muslim?

Imam and Islam expert Idris Abdul-Zahir says the only requirement is reciting the Shahada in Arabic, which proclaims that there is only one Allah and that His messenger is Muhammad. Learn the beliefs and practices of Islam, such as the Five Pillars, which you will practice in your daily life after you convert.

Steps

Section 1 of 4:

How to Convert to Islam

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1. 
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   Learn about the Six Articles of Faith and the Five Pillars of Islam. These are the key parts of the Islamic faith, according to Islam education expert Belal Elkadri. The Articles of Faith are the main beliefs in Islam, and the Five Pillars are the day-to-day practices. Converting to Islam is a big lifestyle change and a daily commitment, so make sure you understand the core beliefs and what goes into being a Muslim before you make your decision.

   • Keep reading for a more in-depth look at the Five Pillars and the Six Articles of Faith below.

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   Idris Abdul-Zahir is a spiritual leader and the Resident Imam and Board Chair of Masjidullah: The Center for Human Excellence, one of Philadelphia's most active and civically engaged Muslim congregations.

   Belal Elkadri is an Islamic education expert with over 10 years of non-profit experience. He is passionate about challenging the stigmas plaguing the Muslim community and bridging the gap through education.

   Mekaeel Mohsin is an Imam and the founder of the Voyagers of Knowledge YouTube channel, which creates Islamic educational content.
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   Read the Qur’an and the Hadith. According to Elkadri, Muslims believe the Qur’an is the last and final testament from God. Begin to familiarize yourself with this text as you prepare to convert. It will also help to read the Hadith, which Elkadri says contains the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad—this will help give you a better understanding of the Islamic faith.

   • Where can you read the Qur’an and the Hadith? Reliable translations of the Qur’an are available online at sites like The Clear Quran. Similarly translations of the Hadith are available online at sites like Alim.
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   Discuss your conversion with an Imam. Imams are Islamic scholars who conduct religious services inside and outside the mosque. A good Imam will be able to provide you with advice when deciding whether you're ready to devote yourself to Islam. Visit or call a local mosque or Islamic center to set up a meeting with an Imam. Let them know you’re interested in converting and that you want to learn more about the Islamic faith and lifestyle.

   • Abdul-Zahir says he always talks through the Five Pillars with potential converts because “it’s a lifetime commitment.”
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   Recite the Shahada. If you're certain you want to convert, Abdul-Zahir says all you actually need to do is recite the Shahada, a short oral declaration of faith. He explains that the Shahada states, “There's nothing worthy of worship except God, and Muhammad is his servant, a messenger.” Once you recite the Shahada, you are a Muslim.

   • Abdul-Zahir adds that you must recite the Shahada in Arabic. Typically, an Imam will say it for you to repeat back. Abdul-Zahir says he asks converts to recite it in both Arabic and English.
   • The Shahada in Arabic reads, أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله وأشهد أن محمدًا رسول الله, or “Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah. Wa ashhadu anna Muhammadur Rasul Allah.”
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   Have witnesses present at your recitation. While all you really need to do is say the Shahada, some mosques advise having two Muslim witnesses present when you say it. If you want a more formal recitation, go to a mosque and take your Shahada in front of an Imam and two witnesses.
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   Perform a ritual cleansing. Abdul-Zahir calls this act a Wudu. He says it’s a shower of your full body that you should do right after you recite the Shahada. This cleansing is symbolic of your sins being washed away and your fresh start within the Islamic faith.
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Section 2 of 4:

The Five Pillars of Islam

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1. 
   The Five Pillars are Shahada, Salah, Sawm, Zakat, and Hajj. Elkadri says these pillars hold up the Islamic religion—they are the actions that Muslims take to strengthen their faith and their relationship with Allah. If you want to convert, Abdul-Zahir recommends making sure you are committed to practicing the Five Pillars before reciting the Shahada. Here are the meanings of each of the Five Pillars, according to Elkadri:

   • Shahada: Testimony of faith in one God and his messenger, Muhammad.
   • Salah: Five daily prayers to Mecca.
   • Sawm: Fasting during Ramadan.
   • Zakat: Giving to the poor.
   • Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in your lifetime.

Section 3 of 4:

The Six Articles of Faith

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1. 
   The Six Articles of Faith are the core beliefs of Islam, such as God and angels. They come directly from statements in the Qur’an. Elkadri says these are the things all Muslims believe in. If you’re thinking of converting, make sure you understand and believe in the Six Articles before taking your Shahada. Here are the Six Articles and what they mean:

   • Tawhid: Belief in only one God.
   • Malaikah: Belief in angels who communicate on God’s behalf.
   • Kutub: Belief and respect in the holy books of Islam, especially the Qur’an.
   • Nubuwwah: Belief in the prophets, who God communicated with through the angels.
   • Akhirah: Belief in the Day of Judgement and the afterlife.
   • Al-Qadr: Belief in predestination and Allah’s master plan for the universe.
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Section 4 of 4:

Living as a Muslim

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1. 
   1
   Put your faith into practice everyday. Abdul-Zahir says day-to-day practice of Islam can be challenging if you don’t live in a Muslim society. Do your best to make time for prayer, observe Islamic holidays, and follow the dietary and lifestyle rules of the Islamic faith. “The beauty of our religion is there’s no such thing as a strong Muslim or a weak Muslim,” adds Elkadri.

   • For instance, you might excuse yourself to pray throughout the day to ensure you complete all five daily prayers.
   • Familiarize yourself with which foods are Halal (permissible) and Haram (prohibited). Examples of prohibited foods include pork and alcohol.
   • Elkadri says Muslims also generally avoid cursing, lying, cheating, and backbiting.
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   Go to your local mosque to find community. If you’re struggling to find community after you convert, don’t be afraid to visit your local mosque! Call ahead and schedule a time to visit and talk with an Imam. You’ll be able to participate in congregational prayers and meet fellow Muslims in your community. Ask about mosque activities and events that will allow you to continue building your faith.

   • Visit Find a Masjid for help locating a mosque near you!
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   Learn to pray Salah. After you convert, you need to pray five times a day, facing Mecca. This is the second pillar of the Islamic faith and one of the most important ways to show your devotion to Allah in your daily life. If you need help navigating prayer, speak with an Imam for guidance. Here are the names of the 5 prayers and when to do them:

   • Fajr (Salat al-Fajr): Pray before dawn.
   • Dhuhr (Salat al-Zuhr): Pray midday, after the sun passes its highest peak.
   • Asr (Salat al-’Asr): Pray between noon and sunset.
   • Maghrib (Salat al-Maghrib): Pray just after sunset.
   • Isha (Salat al-’Isha): Pray after dark, between sunset and midnight.
   • There are also several apps, such as iPray, that can help you with your timing if you’re new to praying Salah.
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   Strengthen your relationship with Allah. “No matter how many steps you take away from God, it only takes one step to get close to him,” notes Elkadri. After you devote yourself to Islam and Allah, make sure you’re doing everything you can to serve God. You can do this by practicing the Five Pillars in your day-to-day life and continuing to read Islamic scriptures to build your understanding of your new faith.
   EXPERT TIP

   

   Mekaeel Mohsin

   Imam

   Shaykh Mekaeel is an Imam at the Islamic Community of Salinas in Salinas, California. He is the founder of the Voyagers of Knowledge YouTube channel, which creates Islamic educational content. He attended the Islamic University of Madinah and earned a degree from the school of Da'wah and Usuluddeen.

   

   Mekaeel Mohsin
   Imam

   Saying you're Muslim is just the start. To really live it, you have to dig into what it truly means — the deeper duties and responsibilities that come with it. It's more than a label; it's a commitment that changes how you live and act each day.
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• Question

  What if I want to convert to Islam, but my family doesn't know and I'm scared to tell them? I feel in my heart that Islam is my true religion.

  

  Anousha

  Top Answerer

  Remember, Allah is always there. He knows and understands all that is in your heart. You can convert to Islam if you want to, and practice it too, until you find the right time to tell your parents.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
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• Question

  How do I become a Muslim at the age of 11?

  

  Community Answer

  There is no age restriction to say the shahadah, so all you have to do is just pronounce your faith by saying the shahadah. You may also take your time to consider if this is what you truly want, as you are only 11.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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• Question

  Do I have to cut my locks to become a Muslim?

  

  JadeKindleysides

  Community Answer

  No. Your hair can be any length. For women who plan on wearing a hijab, there are special clothing items you can use to hide your hair beneath the hijab.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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