Lifestyles
How to Convert to Islam for Marriage: A Step-By-Step Guide
Converting to Islam for marriage requires significant preparation and commitment. The Islamic faith is a way of life that governs how its followers should live, eat, dress, interact with others, and worship. Marriage is one of life’s biggest mediums to convert oneself to marry a Muslim who adheres to the Islamic faith.
Today, we will explore how to convert to Islam for marriage, from speaking with an Imam to reciting the Shahada, taking a proper shower, and doing pre-marital counseling. So, keep reading to find out more about becoming Muslim for marriage.
How to Convert to Islam for Marriage: Guidelines to Follow
If you are a non-Muslim and plan to marry a Muslim, you may consider converting to Islam. Here are the steps you need to take to convert:
- Get to know Islam by talking to an imam
- Recite the shahada to confirm your conversion
- Take a proper shower to start your Muslim life
- Strengthen your relationship with pre-marital counseling
- Get married and live a dedicated Muslim life
Step 1: Get to Know Islam by Talking to an Imam
The first step to converting to Islam for marriage is to get to know the faith by communicating with an Imam. Visiting a mosque or Islamic center and speaking to an imam will allow you to ask questions and learn more about the religion and Muslim culture.
You should dress modestly when visiting a mosque or Islamic center to show respect for the community. Learning about Islam at a Muslim community center or a Muslim Student’s Association is also possible.
Step 2: Recite the Shahada to Confirm Your Conversion
The second step in converting to Islam is reciting the Shahada, Islam’s core declaration of faith. The Shahada is:
اَشْہَدُ اَنْ لَا اِلٰہَ اِلَّا اللّٰہُ وَ حْدَہٗ لَا شَرِیْکَ لَہٗ وَ اَشْھَدُ اَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُہٗ وَ رَسُوْلُہٗ
“Ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Allah, Wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan Rasulu-Allah”
Meaning: “I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah. He is One and has no partner. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His Servant and Messenger.”
The recitation of the Shahada should be done with a sincere desire to become Muslim. While Allah knows the intention, Muslims are encouraged to convert in the presence of three witnesses, two adult male believers, and an Imam.
Step 3: Take a Proper Shower to Start Your Muslim Life
After converting to Islam, performing a ritual or purity bath called “Fard Ghusl” is recommended. This involves washing yourself in a specific order. To make complete ghusl, follow a specific order when washing:
- Form the intention to purify yourself from major impurity.
- Say Bismillah and wash your hands three times (start with the right hand).
- Afterward, wash the pubic area and its surroundings with the left hand while holding water in the right hand. Wash any other area of the body that has semen or impurities.
- You should now wash your left hand thoroughly.
- Now you have to perform ablution according to the rules of ablution, but the two feet cannot be washed.
- At the end of ablution, water should be poured on the head three times.
- Now, to wash the whole body, pour water 3 times on the right and then 3 times on the left and wash well so that no part of the body or any hair remains dry. Navel, armpits, and other wrinkled areas should be washed with water.
- Finally, move to another place and wash your feet 3 times.
This important purification process will help you start your Muslim life on a clean slate.
Step 4: Strengthen Your Relationship with Pre-Marital Counseling
Pre-Nikah counseling from a religious counselor or imam is essential for new Muslims (both men and women) planning to get married. You can initiate pre-Nikah counseling by contacting your local imam or religious counselor (for women) and scheduling an appointment.
It provides an opportunity to discuss important aspects of the relationship before marriage and start the marriage on a solid foundation.
Step 5: Get Married and Live a Dedicated Muslim Life
Once the pre-Nikah counseling is complete, you can proceed with the marriage. Remember that becoming a Muslim means joining a strong community of believers who will guide you as you work on becoming a devout Muslim.
Living a dedicated Muslim life involves practicing the five pillars of Islam, observing Islamic traditions and values, and seeking knowledge about the faith.
Note: You will not be a Muslim if you also trust a faith of your past religion that conflicts with Islamic Shariah. Remember, to be a Muslim, you must recite Kalima Shahada again.
Why should I convert to Islam for marriage?
According to the Holy Quran and Hadith, a Muslim can only marry another Muslim or someone who has converted to Islam. This means a non-Muslim partner must embrace Islam before a union is possible.
Quranic Reference: “Do not marry polytheistic women until they believe; for a believing slave-woman is better than a free polytheist, even though she may look pleasant to you. And do not marry your women to polytheistic men until they believe, for a believing slave-man is better than a free polytheist, even though he may look pleasant to you. They invite ˹you˺ to the Fire while Allah invites you to Paradise and forgiveness by His grace. He makes His revelations clear to the people so perhaps they will be mindful.” [Surah Al-Bakarah: 221]
By converting to Islam, you can cultivate a harmonious relationship with Allah and lead a life that aligns with the Quran and Prophet Muhammad’s teachings (PBUH).
What does Islam say about converting for marriage?
Converting to Islamic belief for marriage is acceptable and considered virtuous. It is believed that by converting, one is taking the first step towards acknowledging the oneness of Allah and seeking to obey His command. Such a conversion is seen as a positive and righteous act that leads one towards salvation in the afterlife.
Can a man convert to Islam for marriage?
A man can convert to Islam for marriage. Islam is believed to have the power to transform individuals and inspire them to lead a life that aligns with the teachings of the Quran and the example of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Thus, even if a man converts to Islam with the sole intention of getting married, eventually, he’ll be inspired to become a good Muslim. Additionally, learning about the fundamental principles that guide Islam can be a deeply transformative experience for a man as he begins to apply them daily.
Convert to Islam and Create a Faithful Marriage
Upon converting to Islam for marriage, you can focus on developing a strong spiritual bond with your spouse and growing together in faith. Changing to Islam is not just about changing your religion; it is about embracing a way of life based on purity, devotion, and submission to Allah.
Following the Islamic Shariah guidelines will make the transition easier & you can build a lasting relationship founded on faith, love, and mutual respect. If you are considering returning to Islam for marriage, talk to an Imam and take steps to build a happy and fulfilling marriage.
