Mosque & Jumu'ah
Do mosques offer classes for new Muslims?
Yes, many mosques offer classes for new Muslims, such as basics of prayer, Quran reading and Q&A circles. Here is what to look for and how to ask.
Archive
All Questions
Every question answered on MuslimWay, newest first: short, honest answers for new Muslims and people curious about Islam in Europe and the US.
Wudu & Purity
Do I need wudu after ghusl?
Usually no, you do not need wudu after ghusl. A proper ghusl already includes wudu, so you can pray right away unless something breaks it.
Wudu & Purity
Do I need to wash my elbows in wudu?
Yes, you need to wash your elbows in wudu. The arms are washed up to and including the elbows, three times, right arm first and then the left.
Wudu & Purity
Do I need ghusl if there was no ejaculation?
Yes, after intercourse you need ghusl even without ejaculation. If there was no intercourse and no ejaculation, only wudu is needed.
Men's Dress & Grooming
Do I have to wear Arab clothes after becoming Muslim?
No. Arab clothes are culture, not Islamic law. Islam asks only for modest, clean, lawful dress: navel to knees covered, and no gold or silk for men.
Pre-Shahada
Do I have to undo my baptism to become Muslim?
No. Islam has no ritual to reverse baptism and none is needed to become Muslim. Learn about church records, godparents and how Muslims view your past.
Wudu & Purity
Do I have to take off my ring or watch for wudu?
Usually not. A loose ring or watch is fine if water reaches the skin; take it off or move it if it is tight, so your wudu is valid.
Sports & Fitness
Do I have to shower before praying after a workout?
No, you don't have to shower before praying after a workout. Sweat doesn't break wudu; a shower is recommended but never worth missing the prayer time.
Wudu & Purity
Do I have to say the intention out loud for wudu?
No, you do not need to say the intention for wudu out loud. Niyyah is in the heart, and deciding to purify yourself for prayer is enough.
Wudu & Purity
Do I have to say Bismillah before wudu?
Saying Bismillah before wudu is a sunnah for most scholars and obligatory in the Hanbali school if you remember. Forgetting it does not spoil your wudu.
Family & Marriage
Do I have to obey my parents if they ask me to sin?
No. Islam requires kindness to parents, but nobody may be obeyed in sin. Refuse the sin, not the person, and stay courteous and loving as you decline.
Prayer
Do I have to make up prayers from before I became Muslim?
No. You owe no prayers, fasts or zakat from before your shahada, as Islam wipes out the past. Here is what to do from now on as a new Muslim.
