New Muslims
Interested in Islam
If you are interested to know the pure truth of Islam, read the Qur'an. I was taught that life was a coincidence yet when I read the words of Allah, I knew that was untrue. I fell in love with Allah through the pages of the Qur'an. If you are English speaking, I suggest you read translations of the Holy Qur'an written by; Abdullah Yousaf Al or Mohammad Marmaduke Pikthall. These may be purchased in Muslim book stores or are available to download in pdf format from
Other translations of the Qur'an are available from
Becoming a Muslim
If you wish to become a Muslim, study a book called 'Islam Beliefs and Teachings' written by Ghulam Sarwar. It explains the basic principles involved in becoming a Muslim.
Joining the Muslim Community
If you wish to join a Muslim community within your area, you may
- Contact Masjids (Mosques) regarding prayer times, then start attending during these times.
-Contact a local college or university about studying Arabic as a language. Arabic is very important as the prayers are recited in Arabic. However, prayers may be recited in English until you have a sufficient grasp of Arabic. You will find that you befriend other Muslim and non Muslim students on the course.
- Contact Masjids, regarding courses teaching Islam. These courses are called Alim courses (for men) and Alimah courses (for women). These courses run on weekends, evenings or during the day. Enrol on one which suits you. Be friendly with the other students and eventually you will have email addreses and telephone numbers of other Muslims. You may also find other new Muslims attending the courses who are in a similar situation to yourself.
-Most colleges and Universities have Islamic groups running study circles. If you are young and studying, then perhaps you will find this more appropriate.
I am a little critical of Islamic teaching within Masjids. There is a lot of brainwashing and very little emphasis on analysis and individuality. I think it is wonderful to have people of varying cultures entering the fold of Islam. I hope they will continue to bring something positive for their varying backgrounds and not become a brainwashed sheeple after undertaking Islamic study.
Note; prior to studying any intensive Alim/ah course, new Muslims should always indicate how much knowledge they have of the Arabic language to their tutors.