Your Next Steps

Shahada (Faith)

The Shahada, also known as the declaration of faith, is the most fundamental concept in Islam. It involves stating that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His final messenger.

"Ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Allah, Wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan Rasulu-Allah"

The Shahada is recited by Muslims to affirm their belief in the oneness of God (Tawhid) and the prophethood of Muhammad (SAW). It is the first and most important step in becoming a Muslim, symbolizing a personal commitment to the Islamic faith.

Salat (Prayer)

Salat is the ritual prayer in Islam, performed five times a day at prescribed times. These prayers are seen as a way to maintain a close connection with Allah, express gratitude, seek guidance, and ask for forgiveness. The five obligatory prayers are Fajr (dawn),Dhuhr (midday), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (evening), and Isha(night). Each prayer involves a set sequence of movements and recitations, and it is performed facing the Kaaba in Mecca.

Zakat (Almsgiving)

Zakat is the obligatory charity that Muslims must give to help those in need. It is usually calculated as 2.5% of a Muslim’s savings and wealth, and it is given to the poor, the needy, and other categories specified in the Quran. Zakat is not just a form of charity but a spiritual purification of wealth. It serves to reduce inequality within society and help those who are less fortunate.

Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan)

Sawm refers to the fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, and engaging in other physical needs from dawn until sunset during this month. Fastingis seen as a way to purify the soul, develop self-discipline, and empathize with the less fortunate. Ramadan is also a time for increased prayer, reflection, and reading the Quran. The fast is broken each day with a meal known as Iftar.

Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca)

Hajj is the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, which everyMuslim who is physically and financially able is required to undertake at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage takes place during specific days in the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. It is a deeply spiritual journey that includes several rituals such as Tawaf (circumambulating the Kaaba), Sa’i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah), and standing at Arafat. Hajj is an opportunity for Muslims to seek forgiveness and reflect on the equality of all believers before Allah.

Understanding Wudu (Ablution)

Wudu is a sacred act of purification performed before Salah. It prepares a Muslim to stand before Allah with physical and spiritual cleanliness.

Steps of Wudu:

1. Start with the intention (Niyyah) in your heart for purification. Say “Bismillah” to begin.
2. Wash your hands three times, ensuring water reaches between the fingers.
3. Rinse your mouth three times to cleanse your mouth and tongue.
4. Clean your nose by gently inhaling water and blowing it out, three times.
5. Wash your face, covering the entire area from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear, three times.
6. Wash your arms, including elbows, three times each (start with the right).
7. Wipe your head once with wet hands from the top of the forehead to the back of the neck.
8. Wipe the inside and back of your ears with wet hands.
9. Wash your feet up to the ankles, ensuring water flows between your toes. Start with the right foot.

After completing Wudu, you are ready to perform Salah.

The Components of Salah

Salah (Prayer) is composed of one or more units called Rak‘ahs. Each Rak‘ah is a cycle of actions and recitations performed in a specific sequence.

How to Start Salah

Before Starting Salah you want to ensure two things. Firstly, you are dressed appropriately.

For men that entails keeping The area from the navel to the knees covered. That is a must. It is also preferred to have at least one shoulder covered.

For women the entire body except for the face and hands (up to the wrists) must be covered. The feet should also be covered unless one follows a school of thought that permits the feet to be uncovered in prayer (e.g., Hanafi).

Secondly, you want to ensure you are facing the Kabba. All muslims pray in the direction of the Kabba (you can use many apps such as Muslim Pro to see which direction you should be facing), you can pray anywhere, Apart from certain unclean places such as toilets.

Salah begins with the Niyyah (intention). Quietly make the intention in your heart for the specific prayer you are about to perform. For example, you might think, “I intend to perform two Rak‘ahs of Fajr prayer for the sake of Allah.”

After the intention, raise both hands to your ears (or shoulder level for women) and say “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest). This act is known as the Takbir and marks the formal start of the prayer. Lower your hands and place them either on your chest or just above your navel, right hand over left.

It is not mandatory, but it is preferred to make this Dua Immediately after Starting the prayer

"Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika wa tabarakasmuka, wa ta’ala jadduka wa la ilaha ghairuk"

(Glorious You are O Allah, and with Your praise, and blessed is Your Name, and exalted is Your majesty, and none has the right to be worshipped but You)

Steps of a Single Rak‘ah:

1. Standing (Qiyam): Begin the Rak‘ah by standing and reciting Surah Al-Fatihah. Follow this with any other Surah or verses from the Qur'an.
2. Bowing (Ruku): Say Allahu Akbar then bend forward with your hands on your knees, saying “Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem” (Glory is to my Lord, the Most Great) three times.
3. Standing Upright: Rise back to a standing position, saying “Sami‘ Allahu liman hamidah” (Allah hears the one who praises Him), followed by “Rabbana Walakal hamd” (Our Lord, to You is all praise).
4. Prostration (Sujood): Say Allahu Akbar then go into prostration with your forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes touching the ground. Say “Subhana Rabbiyal A‘la”(Glory is to my Lord, the Most High) three times.
5. Sitting Between Prostrations: Sit upright, saying “Rabbighfir li” (My Lord, forgive me). Then return to prostration for a second Sujood. (This is NOT mandatory)

This completes one Rak‘ah. For prayers with multiple Rak‘ahs, you stand again after the second Sujood to begin the next Rak‘ah.

What Happens in the Second Rak‘ah:

In the second Rak‘ah, the sequence remains the same, but instead of standing again after the second Sujood, you remain seated to recite the Tashahhud. The Tashahhud is a testimony of faith and a greeting of peace.

at-taḥiyyātu li-llāhi, wa-ṣ-ṣalawātu wa-ṭ-ṭayyibātu. as-salāmu ʿalayka ʾayyuhā n-nabiyyu wa raḥmatu -llāhi wa barakātuhu. as-salāmu ʿalaynā wa ʿalā ʿibādi -llāhi ṣ-ṣāliḥīna. ʾashhadu ʾan lā ʾilāha ʾillā -llāhu wa ʾashhadu ʾanna muḥammadan ʿabduhu wa rasūluh

“All greetings, prayers, and goodness belong to Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and Allah's mercy and blessings. Peace be upon us and all righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.”

Third and Fourth Rak‘ahs (for Longer Prayers):

In prayers with more than two Rak‘ahs (like Dhuhr, Asr, or Isha), you stand again after the Tashahhud and continue to perform the additional Rak‘ahs. In these Rak‘ahs, only Surah Al-Fatihah is recited after standing, without adding another Surah or verses from the Qur’an.

After completing the final Rak‘ah, remain seated for the full Tashahhud and recite the Durood (salutations upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ).

Allaahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala Aali Muhammad kama salayta ‘ala Ibrahim wa ‘ala aali Ibraaheem innaka hameedun majeed, Allahumma baarik ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala Aali Muhammad kama baarakta ‘ala Ibrahim wa ála aali Ibraaheem innaka hameedun majeed.

Ending Salah:

Salah concludes with the Tasleem, where you turn your head to the right and say “As-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah” (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you). Then, repeat this by turning your head to the left.

This marks the end of your prayer, completing the connection with Allah through Salah.

Fard Prayers (Obligatory Prayers)

These are the five obligatory daily prayers that every adult Muslim is required to perform. They are considered the most important form of worship, and missing them without a valid reason is a serious matter.

1. Fajr: 2 rak‘ahs, performed before dawn (Fajr time).
2. Dhuhr: 4 rak‘ahs, performed after midday, once the sun has passed its zenith.
3. Asr: 4 rak‘ahs, performed in the afternoon, before sunset.
4. Maghrib: 3 rak‘ahs, performed just after sunset.
5. Isha: 4 rak‘ahs, performed after the twilight has disappeared, at night.
6. Jummah: 2 rak‘ahs, performed on Fridays in place of the Dhuhr prayer. The Jummah prayer is offered in congregation with a sermon (khutbah) before the prayer.

Sunnah (Voluntary but Recommended)

Sunnah prayers are highly recommended and performed alongside the obligatory prayers. They are divided into Sunnah Mu'akkadah (emphasized) and Sunnah Ghair Mu'akkadah (non-emphasized).

1. Sunnah Mu'akkah
2. Before Fajr: 2 rak‘ahs.
3. Before Dhuhr: 4 rak‘ahs.
4. After Dhuhr 2 rak‘ahs.
5. After Maghrib: 2 rak‘ahs.
6. After Isha: 2 rak‘ahs.


7. Sunnah Ghair Mu'akkadah (Optional but Recommended)
8. Before Asr: 2 rak‘ahs.
9. Before Isha: 2 rak‘ahs.

Nafl (Voluntary) Prayers

These are voluntary prayers that can be performed at any time during the day or night, except during prohibited times (like during sunrise, sunset, and when the sun is at its zenith). Nafl prayers are highly encouraged, but they are not obligatory.




Tahajjud (Night Prayer)




Not obligatory, but highly recommended (especially during the last third of the night).




Usually prayed in sets of 2 rak‘ahs.




Performed after Isha and before Fajr.




Significance: Best Time to Make Your Duas Come True




"During the night, there is a time when the Muslim does not ask for the good of this world and the Hereafter, but it will be given to him, and that happens every night."




Salat al-Duha (Morning Prayer)




Not obligatory.




Can be prayed in sets of 2, 4, or more rak‘ahs.




Performed after the sun has fully risen until just before Dhuhr time.




Significance: A prayer for blessings and a means of showing gratitude to Allah.

Witr Prayer

Witr is a highly recommended prayer, often performed after the voluntary prayers to conclude the night with supplication and seeking forgiveness.

1. Witr: 1 or 3 rak‘ahs, performed after Isha and before Fajr.

Tahiyyat al-Masjid (Prayer for Entering the Mosque)

This is a greeting prayer performed upon entering the mosque.

1. Tahiyyat al-Masjid: 2 rak‘ahs, performed when entering the mosque.

Janazah (Funeral Prayer)

This is a collective prayer for the deceased, seeking forgiveness and mercy for them.

1. Janazah: No rak‘ahs, as it is a collective prayer for the deceased.

When the Fast Begins and Ends

The fast begins at Fajr (dawn), which is the time for the first prayer of the day. This is preceded by Suhoor, a pre-dawn meal eaten before the time of Fajr.

The fast concludes at Maghrib (sunset), marked by the call to prayer. It is traditional to break the fast with dates and water, following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

What Breaks the Fast?

The fast is nullified if any of the following actions occur intentionally:

Eating or drinking: Consuming any food or drink, even in small amounts.

Smoking: This includes inhaling smoke from cigarettes or other substances.

Vomiting intentionally: Inducing vomiting by any means.

Menstrual or postnatal bleeding: Women who experience these during the day must stop fasting.

Intimacy: Engaging in marital relations during the fasting hours.

Unintentional actions like eating or drinking out of forgetfulness do not break the fast. Upon realization, one should stop immediately and continue the fast.

Acts that don't Break the Fast

Certain actions are permissable during fasting.

Rinsing the mouth or nose (without swallowing water).

Using a miswak or toothbrush (without swallowing toothpaste / water)

Recieving injections or vaccines (non-nutritional purposes)

Tasting food (if necessary) without swallowing

Taraweeh Prayer

Taraweeh is a special prayer performed during the nights of Ramadan, offering a unique opportunity to earn extra rewards and connect deeply with Allah (SWT). It is considered a Sunnah Mu’akkadah (highly recommended practice) and is traditionally performed after the obligatory Isha prayer.

Taraweeh prayer holds an immense amount of importance. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged the performance of Taraweeh, saying: "Whoever stands in prayer during the nights of Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward, their past sins will be forgiven." (Bukhari, Muslim)

Structre Of Taraweeh

Taraweeh is typically prayed in 8 or 20 rak'ahs, depending on personal preference or the tradition of the local community. Both practices are valid.

Grouping of Rak'ahs

Prayers are often performed in sets of two rak'ahs, followed by the taslim (saying salam). After completing Taraweeh, it is customary to end with Witr prayer (an odd-numbered prayer).

Taraweeh is usually prayed in most Mosques in congregation, but It can also be prayed at home alone or with family.

Exceptions to Fasting

Fasting is not obligatory for

Children who have not reached puberty

Elderly induvdials who are unable to fast due to weakness

Pregnant or breastfeeding women who fear harm to themselves of their child.

Travelers who are on a journey that meets the Islamic definition of travel.

Induviduals who are ill and cannot fast without harm

Those unable to fast due to valid reasons should make up the missed fasts later or pay a fidya (compensation), depending on their circumstances.

The Last Ten Nights

The last ten nights of Ramadan are the most spiritually significant part of the holy month, offering Muslims an unparalleled opportunity to seek forgiveness, elevate their faith, and connect with Allah (SWT). These nights are marked by increased acts of worship, as one of them holds the promise of Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Decree).

Last Ten Nights Significance

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) dedicated himself to worship during these nights, demonstrating their significance. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported:

"When the last ten nights of Ramadan began, the Prophet would tighten his belt, spend the night in worship, and wake his family." (Bukhari, Muslim)

Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Decree)

Laylatul Qadr is a single night during the last ten nights of Ramadan, widely believed to fall on one of the odd-numbered nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th). Allah describes this night in the Quran

"The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months." (Quran 97:3)

On this blessed night:

The Quran was revealed.

Angels descend to earth, bringing peace and blessings.

Sins are forgiven, and prayers are accepted for those who seek Allah's mercy with sincerity.

Dua for Laylatul Qadr

Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) what to say if she encountered this night. He advised her to say:

"Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul-afwa fa’fu ‘anni."

(O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me.)

Importance Of Surahs

A Surah is a chapter in the Quran. The word Surah in Arabic literally means "something enclosed or surrounded by a fence or wall". The Quran has a total of 114 Surahs.

The Length of a Surah can span from few words to many pages, so this part will focus on every Surah That you NEED to remember, as well as those that are easy to remember and carry importance.

Necessary Surah to remember

Surah Al-Fatiha

Bismillah hir rahman nir raheem

In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

Alhamdu lillaahi Rabbil ‘aalameen

[All] praise is [due] to Allah, Lord of the worlds

Ar-Rahmaanir-Raheem

The Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful,

Maaliki Yawmid-Deen

Sovereign of the Day of Recompense.

Iyyaaka na’budu wa lyyaaka nasta’een

It is You we worship and You we ask for help.

Ihdinas-Siraatal-Mustaqeem

Guide us to the straight path -

Siraatal-lazeena an’amta ‘alaihim ghayril-maghdoobi ‘alaihim wa lad-daaalleen

The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have evoked [Your] anger or of those who are astray.

Surah Al-Fatiha, often referred to as the "Opening" chapter of the Qur'an, holds immense importance in Islam. It is considered one of the most significant chapter due to its unique role in worship, its comprehensive message, and its spiritual significance. Below are some key points about the importance of Surah Al-Fatiha

Surah Al-Fatiha is recited in every unit (rak‘ah) of the five daily prayers, making it an essential part of Islamic worship.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said

"Whoever performs a prayer in which he does not recite Umm al-Kitab (Al-Fatiha), his prayer is incomplete." (Sahih Muslim)

Okay, Now you should have memorised your very first surah!, but if you remember from the Salah Guide You need to recite Al-Fatiha followed by another Surah. So this next section is focused of any Surah which is short, but also conains extra Importance

Important Short Surahs

Surah Al-Ikhlas

Bismillah hir rahman nir raheem

In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

Qul huwal laahu ahad

Say, "He is Allah, [who is] One,

Allah hus-samad

Allah, the Eternal Refuge.

Lam yalid wa lam yoolad

He neither begets nor is born,

Wa lam yakul-lahoo kufuwan ahad

Nor is there to Him any equivalent.

This Surah is important because it Affirms Tawheed (Oneness of Allah). The Surah emphasizes the absolute monotheism of Allah, rejecting any form of partnership or comparison.

It also summarizes faith. It succinctly encapsulates the core of Islamic belief, making it central to a Muslim's understanding of Allah.

It also reaps immense rewards. Reciting Surah Ikhlas is equivalent to reciting one-third of the Quran in terms of reward.

Surah Al-Kafirun

Bismillah hir rahman nir raheem

In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

Qul yaa-ai yuhal kaafiroon

Say, "O disbelievers,

Laa a'budu ma t'abudoon

I do not worship what you worship.

Wa laa antum 'aabidoona maa a'bud

Nor are you worshippers of what I worship.

Wa laa ana 'abidum maa 'abattum

Nor will I be a worshipper of what you worship.

Wa laa antum 'aabidoona ma a'bud

Nor will you be worshippers of what I worship.

Lakum deenukum wa liya deen.

For you is your religion, and for me is my religion."

This Surah is important because

It represents a clear stance on faith, It emphasizes the complete separation between the beliefs and practices of Muslims and non-believers.

It reaffirms devotion to Allah alone, rejecting any form of compromise or association in worship.

The Surah calls for coexistence without compromising Islamic principles, promoting respect for differences.

Some sources state that reading this is equivalent to reading 1/4 of the Quran although they are not concerte sources (Sunan al-Tirmidhi .2894)

Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) recited this Surah regularly in voluntary prayers, highlighting its significance in expressing unwavering faith.

Surah Al-Falaq

Bismillah hir rahman nir raheem

In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

Qul a'uzoo bi rabbil-falaq

Say, "I seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak

Min sharri ma khalaq

Min sharri ma khalaq

Wa min sharri ghasiqin iza waqab

And from the evil of darkness when it settles

Wa min sharrin-naffaa-thaati fil 'uqad

And from the evil of the blowers in knots

Wa min shar ri haasidin iza hasad

And from the evil of an envier when he envies."

This Surah is used for seeking Allah's refuge from external evils, such as the harm cause by creation, darkness, sorcery and envy.

Together with Surah An-Nas, it formst the Mu'awwidhatayn (the two chapters of refuge) which the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) frequently recited for protection.

It is also used in Ruqyah (Spiritual Healing) practices to seek Allah's help against spiritual and physical afflictions.

Surah An-Naas

Bismillah hir rahman nir raheem

In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

Qul a'uzu birabbin naas

Say, "I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind,

Malikin naas

The Sovereign of mankind.

Ilaahin naas

The God of mankind,

Min sharril was waasil khannaas

From the evil of the retreating whisperer -

Al lazee yuwas wisu fee sudoorin naas

Who whispers [evil] into the breasts of mankind -

Minal jinnati wan naas

From among the jinn and mankind."

This Surah helps with protection against harm, just like Al-Falaq , although Al-Falaq is more focused on protection against External dangers, An-Naas is more focused on internal threats, particularly the whispers that lead to doubt, sin or misguidance.

Click Here For Tajweed Guide

What is the Quran?

The Quran is the final revealed book from Allah, a guide for humanity, containing wisdom, laws, and spiritual insights.

Reading the Quran brings you closer to Allah, provides guidance for life, and is an act of worship.

Before touching the Quran it is important to make Wudu (Guide Above).

Now here comes arguably the hardest challenge you will face so far. Learning Arabic.

It is nowhere near as hard as it looks, with consistency you will be reading before you know it.

Your First Course Of Action should be Learning the Arabic Alphabet

Click Here For A Video Of The Arabic Letters

Joining Letters

After you have learnt the Arabic alphabet, You need to learn how joint letters look. Arabic letters can look very different when joint together in a word compared to on their own.

Harakat

Harakat (حركات) are short vowel markings in the Arabic script that indicate how a word should be pronounced. Since Arabic is typically written without vowels, harakat help clarify pronunciation, especially for learners and in religious or formal texts like the Qur'an. They are essential in understanding the correct pronunciation of words but are not typically used in everyday Arabic writing.

Main Harakat

Fatha (فَتْحَة)

A small diagonal line above the letter (ـَ).

Represents a short /a/ sound.

Example : كَتَبَ (kataba) ("ka-ta-ba") – "he wrote."

Damma (ضَمَّة)

A small "comma-like" shape above the letter (ـُ).

Represents a short /u/ sound.

Example :كُتُب (kutub) ("ku-tub") – "books."."

Kasra (كَسْرَة)

A small diagonal line below the letter (ـِ).

Represents a short /i/ sound.

Example : كِتَاب (kitab) ("ki-taab") – "book."

Sukun (سُكُون)

A small circle above the letter (ـْ).

Indicates the absence of a vowel (a consonant is followed by no vowel).

Example : يَسكُنُ (yaskunu) ("yas-ku-nu") – "he resides."

Hadith refers to the recorded sayings, actions, approvals, or characteristics of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). They serve as a crucial source of guidance for Muslims, second only to the Quran. While theQuran provides foundational principles, hadith offer detailed explanations and practical examples of how to live according to those principles.

Why Hadith Are Important

The Quran emphasizes the Prophet Muhammad’s role as the best example for Muslims to follow

“Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad), you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in Allah and the Last Day...” (Quran 33:21).

Since the Prophet’s life illustrates how to implement Islam in daily life, hadith complement the Quran by clarifying its teachings. For instance:

Prayer(Salah)

The Quran commands Muslims to pray but doesn’t explain how. The hadith provide details about the number of prayers, their timings, and the steps involved.

Ethics and Behaviour

The Prophet’s actions and sayings guide Muslims on how to interact with others, conduct business, and manage family life.

How Hadith Were Collected

After the Prophet’s death, his companions (Sahaba) shared what they had seen or heard. Later generations of scholars rigorously collected and verified these reports to ensure their authenticity. They developed science-like methods to evaluate the reliability of the narrators and the consistency of the reports.

Hadith are categorized based on their authenticity:

Sahih (authentic): Reliable with a strong chain of narrators.

Hasan (good): Reliable but with a minor weakness in the chain.

Da’if (weak): Unreliable due to issues in the chain or content.

Where To Look?

Finding a supportive and welcoming community is essential for reverts to Islam, as it provides encouragement, education, and a sense of belonging. Here are some places to start looking

Local Mosques and Islamic Centers

Begin with the mosques in your area. Many mosques host classes, events, and support groups specifically for Beginners. Visiting regularly for prayers or community gatherings can help you meet others and build meaningful connections.

Islamic Classes and Study Circles (Halaqas)

These are often organized at mosques or Islamic centers and provide a great opportunity to learn about Islam while meeting like-minded individuals. People often find study circles welcoming and non-judgmental, making them a great space to ask questions and grow in faith.

Online Communities

Look for reputable online forums, social media groups, or websites catering to new Muslims. Places like Reddit, Discord, Even Tiktok Are good for people just starting out - or those who struggle to find like-minded induviduals locally. These spaces can provide instant support and connect you with reverts and Muslims worldwide who share similar experiences. Always verify the authenticity of these platforms and ensure they align with authentic Islamic teachings.

University Muslim Student Associations (MSAs)

If you’re a student or near a university, check if the institution has an MSA. These groups often have a diverse membership and organize events that are open to the wider community. Even if you’re not a student, many MSAs welcome participation from the broader Muslim community.