Direct answer: The words you need to say are: I bear witness that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. This statement is called the Shahada. It should be said with understanding, belief, and sincerity.
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The exact words to say
The testimony of faith is called the Shahada. If you want to convert to Islam, this is the statement you say sincerely:
I bear witness that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.
Arabic transliterationAsh-hadu an la ilaha illa Allah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasul Allah.
You do not need complicated wording. You do not need a speech, a written contract, or a special ceremony. The Shahada is a clear declaration that you believe in Allah alone and accept Muhammad, Peace and Blessings upon him, as the Messenger of Allah.
What the Shahada means
The Shahada has two parts. The first part is belief in Allah alone. The second part is belief in the Messenger sent by Allah.
There is no god worthy of worship except Allah
This means that Allah alone deserves worship. Muslims do not worship prophets, saints, angels, objects, graves, nature, wealth, desires, or any created thing. Worship belongs to Allah alone.
Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah
This means that Muhammad, Peace and Blessings upon him, was sent by Allah with final guidance for mankind. Accepting him as the Messenger means believing what he taught, respecting his guidance, and learning how to worship Allah according to the way he taught.
“So know that there is no deity except Allah and ask forgiveness for your sin and for the believing men and believing women.”
Quran, Surah Muhammad 47:19Do I have to say it in Arabic?
If you know the Arabic words and understand what they mean, you may say the Shahada in Arabic. If you do not know Arabic yet, you can say it in English or in any language you understand.
What matters is not merely the sound of the words. What matters is that you understand the testimony, believe it, and say it sincerely. Later, you can learn the Arabic wording and pronunciation at your own pace.
Many new Muslims first say the Shahada in English, then repeat it in Arabic with help from a Muslim friend, teacher, or imam. That is perfectly normal.
What makes the Shahada valid?
The Shahada is not magic words. It is a testimony of belief. For the Shahada to be meaningful, a person should say it with sincerity and acceptance.
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Understand the basic meaning
You should know that you are declaring belief in Allah alone and accepting Muhammad, Peace and Blessings upon him, as the Messenger of Allah.
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Believe it in your heart
The words should reflect real belief. Islam is not just a label or cultural identity. It begins with faith in the heart.
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Say it willingly
No one should force you to become Muslim. Your Shahada should be your own sincere choice.
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Accept the path of Islam
You do not need to know every rule before converting, but you should accept that Islam is the truth and be willing to learn and follow it step by step.
“There shall be no compulsion in religion. The right way has become distinct from the wrong.”
Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:256Do I need witnesses?
You become Muslim through sincere belief and saying the Shahada. Witnesses are not what make your faith true before Allah.
However, witnesses are still useful. Saying the Shahada with Muslims present can help you connect with the community, receive support, learn how to pray, and obtain a conversion certificate if you need one later for marriage, Hajj, Umrah, or official matters.
If you are nervous, you can contact a mosque and say that you are interested in becoming Muslim and would like someone to guide you gently. You can also say the Shahada privately first and then visit a mosque when you feel ready.
What to do after saying the Shahada
After saying the Shahada, you are Muslim. Do not feel that you must become perfect overnight. Begin with the foundations and build slowly.
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Thank Allah and ask Him for guidance
Conversion is a major blessing. Ask Allah to keep your heart firm and guide you to knowledge, prayer, and good company.
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Take a full shower if you can
Many scholars recommend that a new Muslim takes a full ritual bath, known as ghusl. If you do not know how yet, a normal full shower is a good start while you learn.
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Learn the prayer step by step
Prayer is the most important daily practice after belief. Learn it gradually, even if you begin with small parts and improve over time.
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Find reliable support
Look for a trustworthy Muslim mentor, local mosque, new Muslim class, or reliable Islamic learning resource.
Frequently asked questions
Can I say the Shahada by myself?
Yes. You can say the Shahada alone if you sincerely believe it. It is still recommended to connect with Muslims afterward so you can learn and receive support.
Can I read the Shahada from my phone?
Yes. You can read it from your phone, a paper, or a website. The important thing is understanding and sincerity, not memorising it before you convert.
What if I pronounce the Arabic wrong?
Do not panic. If you understand the meaning and are trying sincerely, pronunciation mistakes do not stop you from becoming Muslim. You can improve your Arabic pronunciation later.
Do I need a certificate to become Muslim?
No. A certificate is not required for your faith. It may be useful later for official matters, but your Islam begins with sincere belief and the Shahada.
What if I am scared to say it publicly?
You can say it privately. If public pressure, family issues, or safety concerns are involved, be wise and seek support from trustworthy Muslims when you are able.