Convert · New Muslim Guide
New Muslim Checklist
Welcome to Islam. This checklist will help you take your first steps with clarity and confidence — without feeling overwhelmed. Take it one step at a time.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "The religion is ease. Whoever makes the religion too difficult for himself will be overwhelmed by it. So take the middle course." — Sahih Bukhari. This checklist is a guide, not a burden. Allah is with you every step of the way.
🤍Immediately After the Shahada
Take a full ritual bath (Ghusl)
This is recommended for anyone who has just embraced Islam. It symbolises a fresh start and purification.
Learn the Shahada by heart
Ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Allah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasul Allah. These are the most important words you will ever say.
Tell someone you trust
You do not have to announce it publicly. Tell one trusted person — a friend, family member, or a local mosque.
Find a local mosque or Islamic centre
Many mosques have dedicated new Muslim support. You are not alone in this journey.
🙏Learn to Pray — First Priority
Learn how to make Wudu
Wudu is the ritual purification required before prayer. It takes about 2 minutes once you know the steps.
Learn the times of the five daily prayers
Fajr (dawn), Dhuhr (midday), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), Isha (night). Use our Prayer Times tool for your city.
Learn the movements and words of Salah
Start with Al-Fatihah — it is recited in every prayer. Learn one prayer at a time and be patient with yourself.
Begin praying as soon as you can
Even if your Arabic is not perfect yet — Allah accepts the effort of someone learning. Pray what you know.
Set reminders for prayer times
Use a prayer times app or our Prayer Times tool until the times become natural to you.
📖Begin Learning About Islam
Read a translation of the Quran
Start with the short surahs at the end (Juz Amma — from Surah 78 onward). They are short, powerful, and easy to memorise.
Learn about the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
His life is the practical example of how to live Islam. Read our guide: This is Muhammad ﷺ.
Learn the six articles of faith
Belief in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and divine decree (Qadar).
Learn the five pillars of Islam
Shahada, Salah, Zakah, Sawm (fasting), and Hajj. These are the foundation of your practice.
Find one reliable Islamic teacher or scholar
Online or local. Learning from a qualified teacher protects you from misinformation and confusion.
🌙Practical Steps in Your First Month
Remove alcohol and pork from your diet
These are prohibited in Islam. Read labels — pork derivatives appear in many processed foods.
Learn what is halal and haram in food
Halal meat, seafood, vegetables, dairy and eggs are all permitted. Start simple.
Learn the basic etiquettes of Islam
Saying Bismillah before eating, Alhamdulillah after, greeting with Assalamu Alaikum, using your right hand.
Begin dressing modestly
Islam encourages modesty for both men and women. This is a journey — take it at your own pace.
Remove anything from your home that is clearly prohibited
This includes statues worshipped as idols, alcohol. Take your time and do not feel overwhelmed.
💛Protect Your Faith and Wellbeing
Be patient with yourself
Islam was not built in a day. The Prophet ﷺ said: The religion is ease. No one should make it unnecessarily difficult.
Find Muslim community
Attending Friday Jumu'ah prayer at a mosque is one of the best ways to connect with other Muslims.
Be careful about who you take knowledge from
Not everyone online represents Islam correctly. Stick to qualified scholars and trusted sources.
Tell your family when you are ready
There is no obligation to announce your Islam immediately. Pray for the right time and the right words.
Make dua every day
Talk to Allah directly in your own language. He hears everything. Ask Him to make the journey easy for you.
📅Within Your First Year
Learn to recite Al-Fatihah in Arabic
This surah is the heart of every prayer — 17 times a day. It is worth memorising early.
Memorise the last 10 surahs of the Quran
Short, powerful and used daily in prayer. Start with Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas.
Fast in Ramadan
Your first Ramadan is a special and powerful experience. The entire Muslim world fasts together — you will not be alone.
Pay Zakah if you are financially able
2.5% of savings held for one lunar year. Consult a local scholar for the details of your situation.
Learn the basic rules of Islamic finance
Interest (riba) is prohibited. Many Islamic banks and finance options now exist in most countries.
Consider Umrah when you are ready
Performing Umrah is a deeply moving experience for new Muslims. Many go within their first year.
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.
Quran 2:201