Your Way to Islam
(Excerpts from the full book)

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH
MOST GRACIOUS, MOST MERCIFUL

) يَاأَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اعْبُدُوا رَبَّكُمُ الَّذِي خَلَقَكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ (

Meaning: "O you people, adore your Lord who created you and those who came before you, that you may have the chance to be righteous." [Al-Qur'an 2:21]

PREFACE

Your Way to Islam

An invitation to all to join the faithful in their progress to Allah’s blessing:

)وَمَنْ يُطِعِ اللَّهَ وَالرَّسُولَ فَأُولَئِكَ مَعَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِمْ مِنَ النَّبِيِّينَ وَالصِّدِّيقِينَ وَالشُّهَدَاءِ وَالصَّالِحِينَ وَحَسُنَ أُولَئِكَ رَفِيقًا(

Meaning: 'Those who obey Allah and His Messenger are in the Company of those who are blessed by Allah, Prophets, The Sincere (faithful), the Witnesses (Martyrs) and the Righteous (who do good), and what a beautiful fellowship!" [Al-Qur'an 4:69]

I- INTRODUCTION

1.      Behold all that is around you on earth: things, plants, insects, animals, birds and fish...

2.      Don’t you see that they have accurate systems governing and guiding their life?

3.      Behold all that is above you in space: sun, moon, planets, stars, clouds, wind ... etc., are not they all functioning properly and accurately and rendering valuable services to our life on earth?

4.      Think of yourself, of your organs, of your numerous and efficient body systems, how they are cooperatively functioning to secure healthful life for you!

5.      Who created all these fantastic things? Who established their accurate systems? Who is controlling this huge and complicated universe?

6.      No one dared so far to claim creating, or being able to create, any single thing, even a hair!!

7.      The Creator and The Sustainer of all these Creatures is One only; if there were more than one there would have been confusion in the heavens and the earth! That One is Allah (the only true God).

8.      It is very logical, then, to acknowledge this fact, to know our Creator and Provider, to be grateful to Him, and to submit ourselves and our life to His Wise and Merciful Guidance.

9.      Our Creator has endowed us with intellect to understand, and with freedom to choose the right path.

10. Allah has showed us the right path through His Messengers sealed by Muhammad, and His Books completed by Al-Qur'an.

11. In front of us there are two ways: one is leading to bliss in this life and in the Hereafter, that is Islam.

12. The other is leading to misery and loss in this world, and to eternal punishment in the Hereafter. Choice is in our hands, what are we going to choose? May Allah guide us into the Right Path! Amen!

                              
II- ISLAM: WHY? FOR WHOM? WHEN?

Islam ... Why?

1.      Because Islam is the religion accepted by Allah for all humanity.

2.      Because Islam is the religion of all prophets since Adam to Muhammad (Peace be upon them all).

3.      Because Islam is the seal of all heavenly riligions, and

4.      Because the Messenger of Islam is the last of God’s apostles, and

5.      Because its Book (Al-Qur'an) is the last of Allah’s scriptures.

6.      Allah ta’ala (Glory be to Him) says:

)أَفَغَيْرَ دِينِ اللَّهِ يَبْغُونَ وَلَهُ أَسْلَمَ مَنْ فِي السَّمَوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ طَوْعًا وَكَرْهًا وَإِلَيْهِ يُرْجَعُونَ(

Meaning: "Do they seek other than the Deen (Religion) of Allah? - while all creatures in the heavens and on earth have, Willing or unwilling, bowed to His Will (accepted Islam), and to Him shall they All be brought back." [Al-Qur'an 3:83]

)وَمَنْ يَبْتَغِ غَيْرَ الإِسْلاَمِ دِينًا فَلَنْ يُقْبَلَ مِنْهُ وَهُوَ فِي الآخِرَةِ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ(

Meaning: "If anyone desires a Deen (Religion) other than Islam (submission to Allah) it never will be accepted from him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (everything)."
[Al-Qur'an 3:85]

 
Islam... for whom?

1.      For every person upon whom Allah has bestowed life and intellect.

2.      For those who can see the blessings of Allah.

3.      For those who can hear the Words of Allah.

4.      For those who can comprehend the signs of Allah.

5.      For those whose hearts are full of love and gratitude to Allah.

6.      For you, and for me, and for those whose blessed hearts are open to faith.

Islam ... When?

1.      Now, not tomorrow.

2.      Obey your heart’s call to faith.

3.      It is your life chance.

4.      A golden chance that might not strike your heart again.

5.      Answer Allah’s call. He summons you.

6.      Allah says:

)فَإِلَهُكُمْ إِلَهٌ وَاحِدٌ فَلَهُ أَسْلِمُوا وَبَشِّرِ الْمُخْبِتِينَ(

“But your God is one God, submit then your wills to Him (in Islam), and give the good news to those who humble themselves.” [Al-Qur'an 22:34].

 
III- THE GREAT TRIP

1.                           If you become convinced that Islam is the true religion,

2.                           Seek a trustworthy Islamic authority such as an Islamic Center, a mosque, or an Islamic Organization.

3.                           Contact the person in charge and tell him about your wish to embrace Islam.

4.                           The person in charge will ask you some questions to know how far you are convinced with Islam.

5.                           This pamphlet will provide you with answers for such questions.

6.                           Before you reach that honorable occasion, i.e., declaring conversion to Islam, wash the whole of your body with the intention of converting to Islam. It is also recommended for this very special occasion, to shave under-arm and pubic hair, dress up, and apply a pleasant-smelling perfume to the body.

IV- HOW TO DECLARE
YOUR CONVERSlON TO lSLAM?

1.      To achieve this, it is sufficient to say (in Arabic, if possible):

A.    'Ash-hadu 'an la ilaha 'illal-lah!

B.    Wa 'ash-hadu 'an-na Muhammadan rasulul-lah

C.    Wa 'ash-hadu 'an-na `Isa abdul-lahi wa rasuluh

D.   Bari'tu min kulli dinin yukhalifu dinal-Islam

The meaning of this is as follows:

A.    I bear witness that there is no (true) god except Allah.

B.    And I bear witness that Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger.

C.    And I bear witness that Jesus is the slave and messenger of Allah.

D.   I deny and refuse any religion except Islam.

Also you can say:

1.      I (firmly) believe in Allah, His Angels, His scriptures, His Messengers, the Last Day, the predestination of good or bad.

2.      I promise Allah not to associate with Him (in worship) any other thing (whatsoever), and,

3.      I will steadfastly perform Salat (the Five Prayers), and

4.      I will give out Zakat (special Islamic system of charity), and

5.      I will never steal, and

6.      Never commit adultery (or fornication), and

7.      Never illegally kill a person, and

8.      Never disobey Allah.

9.      Praise be to Allah Who has guided me to belief!

Note: The person in charge, in front of whom a new Muslim has announced his conversion to Islam, prays Allah for him with such prayers: Allah may forgive me and you! And Allah may accept (submission) from me and you! O Allah! Accept him with those on whom You did bestow your Grace, of Prophets, the Sincere (lovers of Truth), the Witnesses, and the Righteous! What a beautiful Fellowship!

V- HOW TO DEVELOP YOUR ISLAM?
(See Also: "ABC Islam", and "Teach Yourself Islam" on this site)

1.      Becoming a Muslim after becoming convinced is opening a plain page in your deed record.

2.      Whatever bad deeds you have committed before, Allah will forgive because of your embracing Islam.

3.      Becoming a Muslim is like starting a new life.

4.      You have to grow and develop in Islam. How can you do so? By the following:

Firstly: Increasing your knowledge of Islam, through:

1.                              Reading Al-Qur'anic text.

2.                              Reading some interpretations of Al-Qur'an.

3.                              Reading Traditions (Sayings) of Prophet Muhammad (‘Alayhis-Salatu was-Salam).

4.                              Reading the biography of Prophet Muhammad (‘Alayhis-Salatu was-Salam).

5.                              Reading the biographies of the great Muslim figures among our righteous fore-Muslims who propagated Islam and proclaimed it to mankind.

6.                              Attending Jumu‘ah (Friday) congregational prayer, listening to its Khutbah (sermon) and praying with Muslims.

7.                              Attending the two ‘Eid (holiday) prayers.

8.                              Performing the five daily prayers in congregation at the mosque whenever you are able to do so.

9.                              Attending Islamic religious teaching sessions.

10. Contacting scholars, shaikhs, mosque imams (leaders) and preachers, introducing yourself to them and asking them about any Islamic matter you need to know. They are always happy to provide you with the required clarification.

11. Having one or more friends of good Muslims who are fairly knowledgeable about Islam to be your permanent reliable reference.

12. Read as much as you can of the basic sources of Islam (Al-Qur'an and As-Sunnah) and of the authentic and trustworthy writings about Islam to understand it more.

13. You will learn a lot about the laws and systems of Islam related to worship, family structure, life activities, manners, economic and public affairs.

14. You will know the ideology of Islam and its view in regard to creation, the universe, man, and life.

15. Islam is not rituals or morals only, it is in fact a comprehensive system for society, a constitution for the State and a way of life.

Secondly: Doing good deeds as much as you can:

1.                              Try to do good deeds more than the five basic duties mentioned before, such as:

2.                              Performing voluntary prayers, in addition to the compulsory five daily prayers.

3.                              Helping the poor and the needy by extra charity in addition to Zakat, or by assisting them in carrying out their necessary difficult duties.

4.                              Fasting a day or more other than in Ramadan.

5.                              Taking part in useful social projects aimed at reforming Muslim Society.

6.                              Inviting others to embrace Islam.

VI- HOW TO PROTECT YOUR ISLAM?

1.      Becoming a Muslim means that you have achieved a lot of good for yourself.

2.      It is like owning a valuable treasure.

3.      The owner of a treasure will have many enemies who strive to take his treasure away from him.

4.      And you have gained the treasure of Islam.

5.      Some people will try to drive you away from your Deen (Religion).

6.      Those people are the foes of Allah.

7.      The foes of Allah are devils whether from among Jinn (whom we do not see) or from among human beings.

8.      Human devils may try to mock at you.

9.      Or, they may try to persuade you by money so that you may turn back from your Religion.

10. They may accuse Islam of many things, or cloud your mind with some misconceptions.

11. You have to know that Allah has said in Al-Qur'an:

)وَلاَ يَأْتُونَكَ بِمَثَلٍ إِلاَّ جِئْنَاكَ بِالْحَقِّ وَأَحْسَنَ تَفْسِيرًا(

  Meaning: "And no question do they bring to you but We reveal to you the truth and the best explanation." [Al-Qur'an 25:33]

12. So, consult Muslim scholars about what Allah has revealed in Al-Qur'an to answer such misconceptions.

13. As for Jinn devils they whisper into your heart. “Would you desert your fathers’ and forefathers’ religion, and follow a different one?”

14. Would you follow a religion that tasks you with prayers, fasting and giving others your property? And that deprives you from wine… etc.”

15. In fact, many people grow up, and find themselves traditionally following and venerating their parents’ religions and beliefs.

16. All followers of true, or false religions are like that,

17. But the problem is: which of these religions is the true one and which is the false?

18. Surely, Islam is the only Deen (Religion) which is pure and free from all types of superstitions, polytheism and paganism.

19. It is the Deen of pure Monotheism.

20. When you feel these whispers of Jinn devils, recite:

)وَقُلْ رَبِّ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ هَمَزَاتِ الشَّيَاطِينِ *
وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ رَبِّ أَنْ يَحْضُرُونِ(

 (Rabbi 'a`udhu bika min hamazatish-Shayatin, Wa 'a`udhu bika rabbi 'an yahdurun).

Meaning: "O my Lord ! I seek refuge with you from the suggestions of the Evil Ones. And I seek refuge with You, O my Lord!, lest they should come near me."
[Al-Qur'an 23:97-98]

22. And recite also the chapters: Al-Falaq and An-Nas, of the Qur'an. These are included in Appendix (1) with transliteration.

VII- HOW TO INVITE OTHERS TO ISLAM?

1.      Our noble Prophet Muhammad (Sallal-lahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: “If Allah guides one person through you to Islam, it is better for you, than having (the greatest wealth).”

2.      He also said: “Whoever calls (others) to guidance has the same reward as the rewards of those who follow him, without decreasing anything from their rewards.”

3.      Therefore be keen to invite to Islam those non-Muslims whom you know.

4.      Start with people who are closest to you, such as: your parents, wife, son, daughter, brother, then relatives and friends.

5.      Allah (Glory be to Him) said to His Messenger Muhammad (Sallal-lahu `alayhi wa sallam):

)وَأَنْذِرْ عَشِيرَتَكَ الأَقْرَبِينَ(

Meaning: "And admonish your nearest Kinsmen." [Al-Qur'an 26:214]

6.      Make clear to them the right religion, and make them interested in it!

7.      Tell them of the glad tidings of which Allah has promised, and the blessings and favors that Allah shall endow upon them in this world and the next if they follow Islam.

8.      Warn them of Allah’s wrath upon them if they disbelieve in the Holy Qur'an which He has revealed to be a guidance to humanity.

9.      Or if they disbelieve in Prophet Muhammad (Sallal-lahu `alayhi wa sallam) whom He has sent as a mercy to the worlds.

10. Invite them with love and sincerity.

11. And you, yourself, should be an example of good character.

12. Be quick in doing good and in helping others.

13. If you do so:

a.                            You will be a propagator of Islam by your actions as well as your words.

b.                            Your friends will be quick to accept what you invite them to, and then Allah will lead them to guidance.

c.                             They will come to know that what you say is the truth.

d.                            They will consequently accept Islam and love this religion and love you too.

14. You must know well the wise approach of inviting others to Islam and teaching them. Thus you should speak what is suitable for every occasion.

15. One of the wise sayings of Arabs is: “There is suitable speech for each situation.“

16. Allah (Glory be to Him) says in
Al-Qur’an:

)ادْعُ إِلَى سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِالْحِكْمَةِ وَالْمَوْعِظَةِ الْحَسَنَةِ وَجَادِلْهُمْ بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَنْ ضَلَّ عَنْ سَبِيلِهِ وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِِالْمُهْتَدِينَ(

Meaning: "Invite (all) to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching, and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious, for your Lord knows best who have strayed from His path and who receive guidance." [Al-Qur'an 16:125]

17. If you do not know Arabic, it is strongly advisable for you to learn that language so as to be able to understand Islam through its original sources.

18. If you do so, you will be able to speak with confidence about Islam, because you have direct knowledge of Allah’s words, of the sayings of His messenger Muhammad (Sallal-lahu `alayhi wa sallam) and of the statements of Muslim scholars.

19. Presenting copies of this booklet to those whom you would like to invite to Islam will help you a lot in propagating this religion of Allah.