3 Islamic articles on: Converting to Islam

Table of contents for the topic Converting to Islam
  1. Converting to Islam against parents’ wishes
  2. She is hesitant to convert to Islam
  3. How to know when it is time to convert to Islam

IslamQA: Converting to Islam against parents’ wishes

I want to take my shahada infront of an imam but my parents do not support me. I tried going to church and I felt like I died inside and I cried for days before going to church( I know it sounds dramatic but my heart only belongs to Allah). My parents are also open to the idea of me marrying a Muslim boy but … I dont want to wait or specifically look for that just to convert. Would it be wrong if I converted without their support ?

You can take your shahada right now and that would be official. There is no need to do it with an imam although that is of course a nice experience.

Welcome to Islam and feel free to ask any questions you may have.

As for converting without their support; it is obligatory in Islam to go against your parents’ wishes if they try to interfere with your faith. The Quran says:

We have advised the human being to be good to his parents. But if they urge you to associate with Me something you have no knowledge of, do not obey them. To Me is your return; and I will inform you of what you used to do. (The Quran, verse 29:8)

You shouldn’t wait for their approval to convert. If you are convinced that Islam is the true religion, then it can be argued that it is actually sinful if you avoid the Islamic duties when you know in your heart that you should be doing them.

There are many organizations that support converts, such as the Muslim Convert Network. Reach out to them and inshaAllah you will get many benefits.

You may also be interested in The New Muslim’s Field Guide, although I haven’t read it, it has many positive reviews. 

Best wishes.

IslamQA: She is hesitant to convert to Islam

I feel an incredible sense of comfort in Islam. I read the quotes and I'm in the process of learning Arabic and understanding the Quran, and it's safety.I've been getting waves of depression and anxiety so having something feels very nice. But I'm not Muslim. I grew up not having a religion and I'm already 16, it's difficult to really fall into something like that. I'm not sure if converting to Islam is right for me or if I'm just fascinated by the religion. May I ask your advice regarding this?

Converting to Islam can be a multi-year process, so there is no need to hurry. But once you believe in your heart that the Quran is truly from God and that Muhammad is His final messenger, then you are Muslim whether you officially convert or not. At that point you can start practicing Islam little by little, the most important part being performing the five daily prayers. I recommend reading a beginners’ book on practicing Islam, such as Being Muslim in order to know how to start.

Think of Islam as just a tool that helps you know God and worship Him in the best way possible. The point is not Islam, the point is knowing God. So your focus should be on God before anything else, and reading and understanding the Quran is a great step toward that, so it is great that you are trying to learn Arabic and understand the Quran.

But keep in mind that Islam is not a miraculous cure for depression and anxiety. Islam helps you achieve your purpose in life, which is to be an ideal servant of God. There will be good times and bad times, and there will be tests and hardships. Islam helps you deal with these difficulties and will help you find meaning and consolation, but it will not take the difficulties away.

Best wishes.

IslamQA: How to know when it is time to convert to Islam

As-salaamu alaykum! I am from a non-Muslim family but I have been thinking of converting. How will I know when it is right to do so, and how do I start when I do? I live in east London so there are many mosques near me, but I wouldn’t know which one is best to go to and I am nervous of rejection because I am gay. I know this is silly, because god teaches love for all his creations and Islam is not homophobic, but it’s scary coming out to new people. Thank you for your time Ramadan Mubarak

Alaikumassalam wa rahmatullah,

Once you believe Islam is truly God’s religion and admit in your heart that there is no deity besides God and that Muhammad is His messenger, then you are Muslim whether you are practicing or not and whether you “officially” convert or not. At this point it is time to start practicing Islam as much as you can. I recommend reading a beginners’ book on practicing Islam, such as Being Muslim.

Going to a mosque is similar to going to a library. There is no need to worry about being accepted or rejected; you can simply attend the prayers whenever you feel like it, and if you are male, it is obligatory to attend the Friday noon sermon and prayer. Unless you go to a very small mosque, you will likely be completely ignored and accepted as any of the rest of the attendants at the prayers.

Regarding Islam and homosexuality, please see: Islam and LGBTQ+