Islam and Converting to it

islam


Meaning of Islam:
The Arabic word ‘Islam’ means ‘submission’, and is derived from a word meaning ‘peace’.  As such, the religion of Islam teaches that in order to achieve true peace of mind and surety of heart, one must submit to God and live according to His Divinely revealed Law.
Islam is not a new religion because ‘submission to the will of God’, i.e. Islam, has always been the only acceptable religion in the sight of God.  For this reason, Islam is the true ‘natural religion’, and it is the same eternal message revealed through the ages to all of God’s prophets and messengers.  The main message of all the prophets has always been that there is only One True God and He alone is to be worshipped.  These prophets start with Adam and include Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, John the Baptist, and Jesus, peace be upon them all.  God says in the Holy Quran:
“We did not send before you (O Muhammad) any messenger but We revealed to him: none has the right to be worshipped except I, therefore worship Me” (Quran 21:25)


• One forms a personal and direct relationship with God by worshipping Him alone, without the need of intermediaries.  One feels this personal relationship and is aware that God knows everything and is there to assist him/her.
• A person realizes the true purpose of his or her life, which is to recognize God and follow His commandments.
• A person is provided with a light, which guides him/her through life.  The religion of Islam has answers to all situations, and one will always know the right steps to take in all aspects of life.
• One finds true happiness, tranquility, and inner peace.
• Upon converting to Islam, all of one’s previous sins are forgiven, and one starts a new life of piety and righteousness.
• One achieves salvation from Hellfire, which all prophets have warned against.
• Muslim is promised by God the reward of eternal Paradise (Heaven).


How to Convert to Islam - The Testimony of Faith (Shahada)
Becoming a Muslim is a simple and easy process.  All that a person has to do is to say sincerely a sentence called the Testimony of Faith (Shahada), which is pronounced as:
I testify “La ilaha illa Allah, Muhammad rasoolu Allah.”
These Arabic words mean, “There is no true god (deity) but God (Allah), and Muhammad is the Messenger (Prophet) of God.” 
Once a person says the Testimony of Faith (Shahada) with conviction and understanding its meaning, then he/she has become a Muslim.
The first part, “There is no true deity but God,” means that none has the right to be worshiped but God alone, and that God has neither partner nor son.  The second part means that Muhammad was a true Prophet sent by God to humankind.