Conversion to Islam

Conversion to Islam

Definition

Conversion to Islam entails declaring in the presence of at least one witness that “there is no god but God and Muhammad is the messenger of God.” Conversion, known as shahada (شهادة), is the fundamental act of professing faith in Islam. This declaration is followed by the performance of obligatory duties: paying zakah (زكاة) or almsgiving, performing the five daily prayers (salat), undertaking the pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj), and fasting during Ramadan (sawm).

Physical and Social Requirements

• Male Converts: Expected to undergo circumcision if not already circumcised.
• Female Converts: Expected to adopt modest dress in accordance with Islamic principles.
• General Practices: Both male and female converts often adopt new Muslim names. Additionally, consuming pork and alcohol is prohibited.

Etymology and Translations

• Arabic: التحول إلى الإسلام (altarjum ila al-islam)
• Turkish: İslam’a geçiş

Religious and Historical Context

Referring to Quranic verse 2:256, “There is no compulsion in religion,” many twentieth-century scholars and activists emphasize voluntary conversion. The Prophet Muhammad’s method of inviting individuals to Islam through preaching, teaching, and warning stands in sharp contrast to historically enforced conversions. Although forced conversions did take place, these are largely viewed as deviations from standard Islamic practice.

Conversion to Islam historically afforded certain socio-economic advantages, such as land ownership rights, lower taxes, privileges in trade, the practice of polygyny, and elevated social standing. Since the mid-sixteenth century, conversions have primarily been facilitated through traveling merchants, Sufi missionaries, and popular preachers. In the contemporary era, global migration has significantly contributed to the spread of Islam.

Modern Approaches to Conversion

Current approaches often emphasize the continuity of Islam with Judaic and Christian teachings, recognizing Muhammad as the final prophet in a line that includes Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. The divine authenticity of Muhammad’s message is a cornerstone in the campaign for voluntary, informed conversion.

Books for Further Studies

1. No god but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam by Reza Aslan
2. The Road to Mecca by Muhammad Asad
3. Being Muslim: A Practical Guide by Asad Tarsin
4. The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary by Seyyed Hossein Nasr

Takeaways

• Conversion to Islam, or shahada, is a public declaration conducted with sincerity and understanding.
• Converts to Islam are expected to follow tangible practices, including circumcision, adopting modest dress, and eschewing products like pork and alcohol.
• Historically, certain external pressures existed for conversion, but contemporary teachings emphasize voluntary and informed transitions to the faith.
• Modern approaches highlight similarities between Islam and other Abrahamic religions and the finality of Muhammad’s prophethood.

Conclusion

Conversion to Islam necessitates a formal declaration of faith, followed by adherence to the five pillars of Islam. It has profound spiritual, social, and practical ramifications, deeply rooted in both religious texts and historical context. While past instances of external pressures for conversion are acknowledged, the primary thrust remains towards a voluntary, faith-based evolution.