In this article we will talk about how to convert to Islam in the modern world, what reasons can induce a person to become a follower of this religion, and also a little about Islam itself. In addition, we will mention features of the life of Muslims, which can look like both advantages and disadvantages.
How to convert to Islam?
Before talking about how to become a follower of the teachings of Muhammad, it is worth remembering about him. Islam is by no means a fundamentally new faith - the fact is that it is the only true teaching that says that there is only one God, and it is he who should be worshiped. This idea was transmitted through many prophets: among them were the first man Adam, Noah, King Solomon, John the Baptist, Jesus Christ. Thus, Islam has always existed. By the way, the word "Islam" itself is translated from Arabic as "obedience", that is, loy alty to God's laws, thanks to which a person can find peace with himself and the Lord.
The coming of the prophet
However, inIn the course of history, the teachings sent down by God were modified and distorted - it is for this reason that more and more prophets were sent to Earth. Firstly, indeed, faith in the One Creator was questioned, and secondly, each messenger told people a little more about God - but only as much as they are able to accept at their stage of development. So, the books in which Divine revelation is set forth can no longer be a reliable guide to action for sincere believers, and even they have already departed from the only true teaching. Then, six hundred years after the coming of Jesus to Earth, Allah sent his prophet Muhammad, who became the last in the numerous chain of God's messengers (there were about one hundred and twenty-four in all). It was he who transmitted to people the finally formed teaching, which his followers adhere to to this day. The first to convert to Islam was Abu Bakr, but the very first follower and companion of the prophet was his beloved wife Khadija.
Preparing for adoption
Many outsiders tend to treat Islam more negatively than positively - in their minds there are enough unpleasant stereotypes about the followers of this ancient religion. However, everything changes when one learns more about the tradition and the people who follow it. Often, the interest in an unusual culture, which is inextricably linked with religion, leads to the fact that he agrees with the basic provisions of Islam and becomes morally ready to accept it. Then the question arises: Howto convert to Islam? After all, if you have come across other religions before, then you know that in most of them there is sometimes a very complicated procedure for acceptance. For many, this becomes a stumbling block.
Before thinking directly about the procedure, it is worth understanding why a person needs it, what exactly he is looking for in religion. Of course, this is a personal matter for everyone.
In the future, it is necessary to study the basic provisions of Islam, the main book of tradition - the Koran. In many cities there are special centers where you can attend courses for those interested in Islam. Perhaps it would be wise to communicate with Muslims you know, if there are such people in your environment, or get to know them in reality or on the Internet. Communication with the followers of religion, of course, will allow you to better understand its specifics. By the way, communication with new believers also helps in finding your own path - their experience will allow you to assess the options for developing your own future. In addition, it is often important for a neophyte to understand what kind of people converted to Islam, what they are. Nevertheless, the environment plays an important role in making such a responsible decision as the choice of religion. In addition, much depends on the year in which these people converted to Islam. Many claim that their life has changed significantly for the better after this important step, that they have become much happier, that their view of the events from the “past” life has changed a lot. Faith in Allah helped them to believe in themselves as well, that they are really capable of following the right path, making fewer mistakes and transforming themselves into a strong personality,worthy of heaven.
In order to become a follower of the Prophet Muhammad, you must first of all be sure that this is really your religion. Of course, this question arises when a person decides whether to accept Islam, but the answer to it must be truthful, because it is given to Allah, not to people. In addition, a person must believe in God and in no one but him, believe that the Holy Quran is the word of Allah, believe in the prophets and angels, and also that the Day of Judgment will come sooner or later, as promised.
Acceptance procedure
Actually, converting to Islam is very easy at first glance. In this religion, there are no special examinations or rituals to become its follower, as happens in Christianity or Judaism. In order to learn how to convert to Islam, it is enough to read or recite the testimony of faith - al-shahada, as it is called in Arabic. An approximate translation of this short text: "There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet." But, of course, just saying this phrase is not enough. It is necessary to understand its meaning and really believe in it - for the most part, the followers of Islam believe that thoughtlessly reciting the shahada is not enough to become a follower of the teachings of Muhammad, otherwise everything would be too simple.
Stereotypes about the acceptance process
There is an opinion that it is important where to accept Islam. Some believe that the only right place for this will be a mosque, and it is necessary that people be in it at that time,who could testify to a newly arrived member of the ummah - the Muslim community. Of course, this is ideal, but it is not fundamentally important to observe this moment. However, it is good that at least one Muslim hears a person pronouncing words that introduce Islam.
In addition, some believe that in order for a man to become a Muslim, it is necessary to be circumcised. This is not entirely true - for a Muslim, this action is mandatory, but this can be done after the moment when a man comes to Islam.
The same applies to a thorough full ablution - indeed, it must be performed after the shahada is pronounced in order to start your first prayer. But before accepting Islam, ablution is optional.
Note for women
Many people have a question: “How can a girl convert to Islam?” The adoption process is common for both men and women. Of course, it is worth considering the consequences - after all, the position of women in Islam is rather peculiar and unusual for European women, and at first glance it may seem completely wild. Therefore, a girl should study gender issues well and think over her decision more than once, which will have a strong impact on her life and worldview.
Advantages of Islam
Followers of this religion can give numerous examples of how Islam, in their opinion, is much better than other possible options. Let's take a look at some of them.
So, in Islam, a person turns to Allah directly, without intermediaries, establishing, in such a wayway, a personal relationship with God. He always remembers that the Almighty knows about his life, and he, if necessary, can come to the rescue.
Islam contains the answers to almost all questions that a person may have throughout life, allowing you to know exactly what behavior or decision will be correct in a particular situation. Islam in this sense is very specific in itself, and the options for actions are almost always unambiguous.
Interestingly, unlike followers of other religions, Muslims do not need to turn to an intermediary in order to repent of their sins, if such were committed. Since we have already said that personal contact with God is established here, the process of repentance should be as sincere as possible - only in this case, merciful Allah will forgive sins. By the way, absolutely all committed offenses are forgiven to a person who converted to Islam. In fact, after coming to this religion, he starts life anew, from scratch.
Future life
There is also no doubt that if a person finds himself in Islam, then he receives peace and tranquility in his soul. However, such an argument can be made in favor of any religion - after all, a sincere believer always finds what he is looking for. And of course, by coming to Islam, a person saves himself from hellish torments, and if he leads a good life, he will be able to win the mercy of Allah in the future and get a place in paradise. According to the Muslim faith, life there will be much better than on Earth, but, interestingly, everything will be clothed inthe same, in fact, physical flesh as in this world. Paradise is no less, but even more real, than Earth.
Russian Muslims
Russians who converted to Islam are far from such a rare phenomenon as it might seem at first glance. The reasons leading ethnic Russians to Islam are numerous. This is personal sympathy, and the weakness of the Christian tradition in the family, and marriages with Muslims, who represent a significant stratum of the population in our country. It is worth noting that the number of Russians who converted to Islam increased significantly in the post-perestroika period.
Examples from history
In the history of Russia of previous eras, there are not so many such examples, after all, the traditional religion, Christianity, was too strong. However, there have always been exceptions to the rules - in the context of this topic, one can recall another story from the annals about how Prince Vladimir made the choice of religion. As everyone remembers, Islam was among several options, but, according to legend, the prince rejected it, since this religion prohibits the use of alcoholic beverages. In later times, voluntary conversion to Islam remained rare, but during the course of the war with the predominantly Muslim countries, some prisoners of war converted to Islam: some voluntarily, others forcibly. And in the Council Code of 1649 there was even a note on the strict prohibition of the inclination of the Orthodox to the Muslim faith. At the beginning of the 20th century, the situation changed dramatically, and examples of conversion to Islam began to appear more and more often. The very peakas already mentioned, fell on the 1990s.
Protest religion
In many ways, for Russians, Islam looks like a religion of protest against Orthodoxy - especially for some young people who have not found answers to their questions in Christian churches and consider traditional religion to be something unpopular and even, perhaps, dangerous in the turbulent modern world. But in general, Islam is positioned as a universal religion that is able to provide answers to all problematic questions, which is always relevant, and which is based purely on common sense. By the way, for some Muslims, the fact that ethnic Russians come to Islam is proof that this is a general and the only true religion for any person, regardless of ethnicity and race.
