How do I take my shahada?
You say the declaration of faith, sincerely believing it. In Arabic: "Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan rasulullah." It means: "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah." That's it. You can say it alone, but most people say it at a mosque with an imam and witnesses.
What you're declaring
The shahada has two parts:
- There is no god but Allah: you worship only the One God, with no partners.
- Muhammad is His Messenger: you accept him as the final prophet and follow his teaching.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said Islam is built on five pillars, and the first is this testimony (Sahih al-Bukhari 8). The others are prayer, zakat, Hajj and fasting Ramadan.
The words aren't a magic formula. What makes them count is that you understand and believe them, and say them freely, without anyone forcing you. If you're still unsure, take time to learn first. If you believe, you're ready, even if your knowledge is still small.
Step by step at a mosque
- Contact the mosque: call or email and say you'd like to take your shahada. Many have a convert contact.
- Meet the imam: he may ask a few questions to make sure you understand and are choosing freely.
- Repeat after him: he'll say the shahada in short parts, first in Arabic, then often in English.
- Celebrate: people may hug you (same gender), say "takbir" and congratulate you warmly.
- Certificate: ask for one if needed. See Do I need a certificate to prove I'm Muslim?
Pronunciation help
"Ash-ha-du an laa i-laa-ha il-lal-laah, wa ash-ha-du an-na Mu-ham-ma-dar ra-soo-lul-laah." Don't worry about perfect Arabic. The imam will help, and saying it in English is also understood. See Do I need to learn Arabic before I become Muslim?
What comes next
- Ghusl (a full bath). See Do I have to shower after taking my shahada?
- Learn prayer step by step.
- Find a convert circle or Muslim friend to support you.
- The shahada is the declaration of faith.
- Sincere belief plus saying it makes you Muslim.
- A mosque, imam and witnesses help but aren't required.
- Next steps: ghusl, prayer and community.
People also ask
Do I need to know how to pray before I become Muslim?
No. Almost every convert learns prayer after the shahada, step by step. Here's what to say while you learn and a simple plan.
Read the full answer →Is it okay to wait before taking my shahada?
It depends why. Taking time to learn is fine, but once you believe, don't delay. Here's how to know if you're ready.
Read the full answer →Am I too old to become Muslim?
No, never. Islam is open at any age, and your past is forgiven when you take your shahada. Here's how older converts start.
Read the full answer →Do I need to be circumcised to become Muslim?
No. Circumcision isn't a condition for the shahada. For adult men, scholars differ, and harm or fear can excuse it.
Read the full answer →Do I need witnesses to become Muslim?
No, not for it to count before Allah. Witnesses help with paperwork and community. Here's what to do if you said it alone.
Read the full answer →