Conversion to Islam
Declaration of Faith (Shahadah)
Since the establishment of Cornwall Islamic Community Centre, over 30 individuals have visited and requested to accept the Declaration of Faith (Shahādah). The procedure towards becoming a Muslim is very simple. All one has to do is to pronounce the Declaration of Islamic Faith. This, however, must be done with sincere belief and conviction from ones own willingness and must not be via coercion or force for it to be a valid acceptance of the faith.
Upon entering the fold of Islam purely for the Pleasure of God, all of one’s previous sins are forgiven, and one starts a new life of piety and righteousness. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said to a person whose desire was to accept Islam, that God would forgive all his past sins: “Do you not know that accepting Islam, forgives all sins which come before it?” (Muslim).
Declaration of the Testimony
The testimony can be declared by saying the following statement with conviction and understanding its meaning:
” Ashhadu anna Laa ilaaha illaa Allah, wa anna Muhammadan rasulu Allah.”
The translation of which is:
“I testify that there is no true god [deity] but God [Allah], and Muhammad is the Messenger and servant of God.”
The first part of the testimony consists of the most important truth that God revealed to mankind: that there is nothing divine or worthy of worship except Almighty God.
God states in the Qur’an:
“We did not send the Messenger before you without revealing to him: ‘none has the right to be worshipped except I, therefore worship Me.'” ( 21:25)
Shahada Service
We provide this conversion (Reversion) service and it is usually carried out by an Imam or a senior member of the Community Centre who speaks with individuals before assisting them in the Arabic transliteration of the Shahādah, which they then follow with the English translation and a description of the main articles of faith which they then choose to accept.
The certificate which guides the recitation is then completed, approved and stamped by the Community Centre and presented to the new Muslim. Literature and advice are made available to new Muslims and many return to learn more and all are welcome. Anyone wishing to accept Islam or just wishing to learn more may get in contact with one of the members or visit the centre on Fridays to guarantee the centre is open.
If you become convinced that Islam is the right way of life, and you have decided to embrace Islam, will need to book an appointment. This is a free service; it usually takes place in the main prayer hall or in one of the private rooms with an Imam or a member of the Centre.
The applicant must provide a proof of his/her original ID (passport or full Driving Licence).
Important Reminder!
It is important to note that there is no compulsion in religion which means no one can force you to change your religion or to make you convert to Islam. This must be your own independent decision.