Islam Embracing Service (Shahada)

What is Shahada?

The Shahada is the declaration of faith and the first of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is a simple yet profound statement affirming belief in the Oneness of God (Allah) and the Prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ.

Reciting the Shahada with sincere belief and understanding is all that is required to enter into Islam. There is no specific age, background, nationality, or prior knowledge needed. From that moment, a person becomes a Muslim, with the same rights, responsibilities, and standing in the community as any other Muslim.

What to Recite — Arabic, Pronunciation & Meaning

أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّٰهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللَّٰهِ

Ash-hadu al-lā ilāha illā-Llāh,

wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasūlu-Llāh

"I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah."

أَشْهَدُ Ash-hadu — "I bear witness / I testify"

أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّٰهُ an lā ilāha illā-Llāh — "that there is no god except Allah"

وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ wa ash-hadu anna — "and I bear witness that"

مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللَّٰهِ Muhammadan rasūlu-Llāh — "Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah"

Pronunciation guide: "ā" is a long "aa" sound (as in "far"). The apostrophe-like mark before "Llāh" represents a soft glottal stop. Don't worry about getting it perfect — our Imam will recite each phrase with you, slowly, and you simply repeat after him. Understanding the meaning in your heart matters far more than perfect pronunciation.

How the Islam Embracing Service Works

Reach Out to Us

Contact JMIC to let us know you'd like to take your Shahada, or that you have questions first. There's no obligation at this stage.
A Private Conversation

One of our scholars will meet with you privately to answer your questions, talk through your journey, and make sure you feel ready.
Choosing a Date and Setting

Take your Shahada straightaway, or arrange a time that suits you — privately, with family present, or during a congregational gathering.
The Declaration

In the presence of the Imam and one or two witnesses, you recite the Shahada in Arabic, guided phrase by phrase, with its meaning explained as you go.
Congratulations and Ongoing Support

You receive a signed Shahada certificate, plus guidance on prayer, belief, and connecting with our New Muslim support programme.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book an appointment?

It's helpful to contact us in advance so we can arrange an Imam and witnesses, but if you visit us and feel ready, we'll always do our best to accommodate you.

Do I need to know Arabic?

No. You'll be guided through the words phonetically, and the meaning will be explained clearly in English before and during the declaration.

Is there anything I need to prepare beforehand?

No formal preparation is required. Sincere belief in your heart is what matters most. We're happy to recommend reading material if it would help you feel more confident.

Can I take my Shahada in private?

Yes. While Islamic tradition encourages having witnesses present, this can be just one or two people — it doesn't need to be a public event.

Can family or friends attend?

Absolutely. You're welcome to invite anyone you wish, or keep it a private moment between you, the Imam, and witnesses.

Do I need to take a new name?

No, this is not a requirement. Some new Muslims choose a Muslim name later on, but it's entirely optional and a personal choice, not a condition of Shahada.

What happens after I take my Shahada?

You become a full member of the Muslim community immediately. We offer ongoing support through our New Muslim programme, including guidance on the five daily prayers and basic Islamic knowledge.

Will my Shahada be recognised officially?

Yes. JMIC issues a signed and dated Shahada certificate, which is widely recognised and can support future needs such as marriage or Hajj/Umrah documentation.

What if I still have doubts or questions?

That's completely normal. You don't need every question answered before taking this step, and our team is available to talk things through, before or after your Shahada.

Is there a cost for this service?

No, the Islam Embracing Service is provided free of charge as part of JMIC's community services.

Islam Embracing Service (Shahada)