What Does Converting to Islam Mean?
Converting to Islam simply means declaring, in your own words and with a sincere heart, that you believe in one God (Allah) and that Muhammad is His messenger. There is no committee, no exam, and no one standing in judgment of you. Whether you have been quietly reading about Islam for years or you made up your mind last week, the door is open, and it is meant to be a warm, welcoming step rather than a difficult or stressful one.
How Do You Say the Shahada (Declaration of Faith)?
The process of converting to Islam and becoming a new Muslim is not difficult at all. It is considered simple because, if summarized briefly, there are only two steps. The first step is to calm your mind and be aware of what you are about to say. The second step is to recite a specific statement called the “Declaration of Faith.” That’s it, you’re done. This is the simple process of converting to Islam and becoming a new Muslim.
The declaration that must be recited is:
“Ashhadu alla ilaha illallah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan rasulullah,”
which means:
“I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His messenger.”
Once you have recited this declaration, you have become a new Muslim.
Do You Need Witnesses or Documents to Convert to Islam?
Is it necessary to have witnesses or documents to convert to Islam? While it is not required to have witnesses in practice, since this is a matter between you and Allah, witnesses become necessary when you need documentation. If you require such documents, there will be additional paperwork involved.
Another aspect of having witnesses is that it can make certain religious activities that require your Muslim status, such as marriage or Nikah, easier. If you have a witness who is a respected figure known to the Muslim family, it can facilitate a smoother wedding process. The person conducting the Nikah will know that you have already converted to Islam through a familiar figure, ensuring that the ceremony is in accordance with religious principles. This brings peace of mind to all parties involved. See Nikah in Thailand with ARAYA NIKAH.
What Are Your Options for Converting to Islam?
You can convert to Islam anywhere — at home, at a mosque, or any other location. There are a few common paths, depending on how much support and documentation you want along the way.
Option 1: By Yourself, at Home
If you simply want to recite the shahada quietly, in your own time and space, you can read the step-by-step guide here.
Option 2: Online, with a Certificate
Nowadays, ARAYA NIKAH has developed an online self-conversion process that can be completed remotely, with a certificate issued afterward. Details are available here.
However, arranging witnesses and practical learning differs from doing it entirely alone. Some witnesses prefer to confirm that you are converting with true intention, so they may ask questions about your Islamic studies or the religious teachers you consulted before agreeing to be a witness.
Option 3: A 3-Day Private Course
ARAYA has also developed a combined Islamic studies and conversion program, run over three days and designed for multicultural families. This ensures that couples who go through this program will understand both the practices and beliefs of Islam and be able to live harmoniously in a Muslim family and society, while still caring for their non-Muslim families warmly. You can learn more about the private Islamic studies course here.
This course comes with Islamic studies, the conversion process with a certificate issued by the company, and the arrangement of an officiant for couples planning an Islamic wedding with ARAYA.
There is also a free, self-paced course you can take at your own convenience: Convert to Islam by Yourself (free course). Please note this course is taught in Thai.
Converting to Islam and learning about Islam are different concepts. Although the conversion process is concise and simple, learning about Islam is a lifelong journey. Best wishes to all future new Muslims.
What Happens After You Convert?
Reciting the shahada is the beginning, not the end, of the journey. A few things new Muslims usually think about next:
- Continued learning — Islam is a lifelong journey of study and practice. ARAYA’s Learning Islam & Shahada course covers the fundamentals in person, at your own pace, in a safe space with no pressure, plus a certificate of completion when you’re done.
- Choosing a Muslim name — Some new Muslims choose to adopt a Muslim name, though this is optional, not required. You can read more in these reference articles (in Thai): how to choose a Muslim name and a list of Muslim names and meanings.
- Community — Getting to know other Muslims, attending a mosque, and finding a study group can make the transition feel less isolating.
- Family — Many new Muslims worry about how to tell their family. It is worth taking this slowly and with patience; most families need time to adjust, and continuing to care for and respect your non-Muslim family is very much part of being a good Muslim.
Want Guidance in Person?
Reading the steps is one thing — having a teacher walk you through them, in a calm and respectful room, is another. ARAYA’s Learning Islam & Shahada course covers everything above in person, at your own pace, in a safe space with no pressure — plus a certificate of completion when you’re done.
Have questions, or want to talk it through first? Message ARAYA directly and we’ll guide you (pricing and scheduling are shared during the consultation).
A Note from ARAYA’s Founder
“We intend that ARAYA’s activities will aim to assist humanity in living together peacefully and harmoniously, even with religious differences, while supporting those interested in Islam to experience and learn about it without facing coercion or distress.”
Yaoharee Lahtee, Founder
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