How to convert to Islam: the shahada and your first steps
Becoming a Muslim is simple: you sincerely believe, and you say the shahada, the declaration of faith. There is no fee, no exam and no waiting period. This page explains what the shahada means, how to say it and what to do next if you live in the UK.
Last updated: 1 October 2026
The shahada
The shahada is the testimony of faith:
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ ٱللَّهِ
Pronounced: Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasulullah.
Meaning: I bear witness that there is no god except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.
What matters is that you understand what you are saying and believe it sincerely. You can say it in English, in Arabic or both.
Do you need a mosque or witnesses?
No. Witnesses are not a condition of becoming Muslim, and you can say the shahada on your own. Many people choose to say it at a local mosque, with an imam and a few people present. That has real benefits: you meet your local community, and the mosque can usually give you a certificate. A certificate is not needed to be Muslim, but it can be useful later, for example for Hajj or Umrah paperwork.
Your first steps
- Take a bath (ghusl). It is recommended to wash your whole body when you become Muslim.
- Learn wudu and salah. Start with the five daily prayers; it is fine to use a guide or learn with a teacher. See how to pray salah.
- Learn Al-Fatihah. It is recited in every unit of prayer.
- Find people. A local mosque, a revert circle or a trusted friend makes the first months easier.
- Go gently. Nobody learns everything at once. Take one step at a time.
Learning to read the Quran
You do not need to read Arabic to become Muslim, but many reverts want to read the Quran for themselves. It starts with the alphabet, and it is more achievable than it looks. Read what the Quran is, or see our online Quran classes for reverts, taught in English, one-to-one, with Islamic studies alongside if you want it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I convert to Islam online?
Yes. Becoming Muslim depends on sincere belief and saying the shahada, not on where you are. Many people say it at home. If you would like others present, a local mosque or an imam on a video call can help.
Do I need witnesses to become Muslim?
Witnesses are not a condition for your faith to be valid. Saying the shahada in front of others is common and can help, for example so a mosque can give you a certificate.
Do I have to change my name?
No. You only need to change a name if its meaning goes against Islam, which is rare. Many reverts keep their name.
Do I need to know Arabic first?
No. You can say the shahada in English or with the Arabic and its meaning. Learning to read the Quran comes afterwards, at your own pace.
Is a conversion certificate needed?
Not to be Muslim. But a certificate from a mosque can be useful later, for example for Hajj or Umrah visa applications or an Islamic marriage.
Learn with a patient teacher
Three free one-to-one lessons in UK time, starting from the first letter.