How to Embrace Islam – The Simplicity of the Shahada According to the Qur’an

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Islam is a faith of clarity and simplicity, and the Qur’an makes it clear that becoming a Muslim does not require an imam, sheikh, or scholar, only sincere belief in the oneness of God and submission to Him.

Anyone can embrace Islam by declaring their faith directly to God, without the need for intermediaries.

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The Qur’an provides guidance on what it means to be a Muslim:

 

1. Belief in One God (Tawhid):
"Indeed, the religion in the sight of God is Islam…"

Qur’an Chapter 3 Verse 19

 

"And who is better in religion than one who submits himself to God while being a doer of good and follows the religion of Abraham, inclining toward truth? And God took Abraham as an intimate friend."

Qur’an Chapter 4 Verse 125

 

2. Declaration of Faith (Shahada):
 

The core of Islam is the testimony of faith:

 

"God bears witness that there is no deity except Him, and so do the angels and those of knowledge, upholding justice. There is no deity except Him, the Exalted in Might, the Wise."

Qur’an Chapter 3 Verse 18

 

A person accepting Islam can simply say:

"I bear witness that there is no god but God."

 

To affirm belief in Prophet Muhammad as the Messenger of God, one can add:
 

"And I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of God."

 

However, the Qur’an does not prescribe a fixed wording for the declaration.

What truly matters is sincere belief and submission to God alone.

 

3. No Need for a Religious Authority:
 

The Qur’an emphasises that guidance comes directly from God, and a person does not need an imam, scholar, or religious leader to convert:

 

"And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me and believe in Me that they may be guided."

Qur’an Chapter 2 Verse 186

 

This verse highlights that faith is a direct connection between the individual and God. Islam is a personal journey of submission to God, and no intermediary is required.

 

Imam Dr Naeem Hamza:
Anyone who sincerely believes in the oneness of God and acknowledges Muhammad as His Messenger has entered Islam.

Saying the Shahada is a declaration of this faith, and it can be done anywhere, at any time, with sincerity in one's heart.

Islam is about submission to the truth, and embracing it is as simple as acknowledging and accepting it.