New Muslim Guide
Embracing Islam is the beginning of a beautiful journey. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the fundamentals of Islam and guide you through your first steps in this blessed path.
Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.
— Quran 2:222
The Five Pillars of Islam
Shahada (Declaration of Faith)
أَشْهَدُ أَلَّا إِلَه إِلَّا اللَّه، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنْ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللَّه
Ash-hadu `allā ilāha illallâh wa ash-hadu anna muḥammadan rasūlullâh
I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.
This is your testimony of faith and the gateway to Islam. It's a declaration of monotheism and acceptance of Muhammad ﷺ as Allah's final messenger.
Salah (Prayer)
The five daily prayers are your connection to Allah. They purify your heart and provide structure to your day.
The key to Paradise is prayer, and the key to prayer is purification.
— Sahih Muslim
Zakat (Charity)
Annual charity that purifies your wealth and helps those in need.
And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].
— Quran 2:43
Sawm (Fasting)
Fasting during Ramadan teaches self-discipline and consciousness of Allah.
Whoever fasts during Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.
— Sahih Al-Bukhari
Hajj (Pilgrimage)
The pilgrimage to Makkah that every able Muslim should perform once in their lifetime.
And complete the Hajj and 'umrah for Allah.
— Quran 2:196
The Six Articles of Faith
Belief in Allah
Understanding the Oneness of Allah (Tawheed)
Say, 'He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.'
— Quran 112:1-4
Belief in the Angels
Understanding the nature and roles of angels in Islam
Belief in the Divine Books
The Quran and previously revealed scriptures
Belief in the Prophets
All prophets from Adam to Muhammad (peace be upon them)
Belief in the Day of Judgment
Understanding accountability and the hereafter
Belief in Divine Decree
Understanding Qadr (divine predestination)
Essential Daily Practices
Personal Hygiene
Islam emphasizes cleanliness as part of faith
Wudu (Ablution)
Ritual purification before prayer
Before each prayer
Ghusl (Bath)
Complete ritual bath
When required and recommended times
Siwak/Miswak
Natural toothbrush
Multiple times daily, especially before prayer
Cleanliness is half of faith
— Sahih Muslim
Dietary Guidelines
Following Islamic dietary laws (Halal)
Halal Food
Permissible food and drinks
- Properly slaughtered meat
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Fish
Haram Food
Forbidden food and drinks
- Pork and its derivatives
- Alcohol
- Non-halal meat
O you who believe! Eat of the good things that We have provided for you.
— Quran 2:172
Islamic Etiquette & Character
Greeting Others
The Islamic way of greeting
السَّلامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكاتُهُ
Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh
May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you
Response:
وَعَلَيْكُمُ السَّلامُ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكاتُهُ
Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh
And upon you be peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah
Good Character
Essential Islamic virtues
Honesty
الصدقBeing truthful in words and deeds
Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise.
— Sahih Bukhari
Kindness
الرحمةShowing mercy and compassion to all
The merciful ones will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful.
— Sunan Abu Dawood
Patience
الصبرEnduring difficulties with steadfastness
O you who believe, seek help through patience and prayer.
— Quran 2:153