arni@cse.uta.edu (Nandraj Arni) (06/27/91)
I would like to know what does a man need to do to convert to Islam, apart from accepting Allha as only God and Mohammed(PBUH) be his prophet. Is circum-cision to be done? What is the procedure for changing name? Are there any other things? Thanks, Nandraj Arni
mmdh@cbnewsf.cb.att.com (Mamdouh Maher) (06/29/91)
ssalamu `alaykum, In article <1991Jun27.133949.27602@wpi.WPI.EDU> arni@cse.uta.edu (Nandraj Arni) writes: > > I would like to know what does a man need to do to convert >to Islam, apart from accepting Allha as only God and Mohammed(PBUH) >be his prophet. Is circum-cision to be done? What is the procedure >for changing name? Are there any other things? In order to accept Islam, one has to bear witness that there is no deity but God and that Mohammad (PBUH) is his messenger. That is it. Circumcision is not necessary. I do not know if it is recommended to an adult, perhapse another netter can answer that part of the question, but it is certainly not necessary. The Muslim is typically proud of Islam. When one accepts Islam, one does not have to take a Muslim name, but it is traditional to do so. Muslims usually say one day: 'Please start calling me Omar'. If after time they wish to change their name formally, the U.S. court system allows for that without unnecessary hassles. "Islam is built on five", the messenger teaches us, a person who misses one or more of the last four is still a Muslim, but a Muslim neglecting a mandatory part of Islam: 1- Bearing witness that there is no deity but God. [In Arabic, the word for God is Allah.] 2- Prayer [Five prayers a day are mandatory.] 3- Paying Alms [A portion of one's wealth belongs to the needy and must be given to them.] 4- Fasting [During one month a year, the able Muslim refrains from food, drink and marital sexual relationship every day from dawn to sunset.] 5- Pilgrimage to whoever is able physically and financially at least once once in a lifetime. These five 'pillars' of Islam are mandatory. Islam is a way of life, so Islam teaches us how to deal with others, how to work, learn, play and speak. These teachings can be learnt over time from the Qur'an and the teachings of the messenger (PBUH). I have clearly barely touched on the five 'pillars'. I am willing to write a separate article on each of the five pillars if you wish. To a person who recently accepted Islam, I would recommend not to rush to learn everything, Islam is a religion of easiness, not difficulty. There is a lot to learn and God does not impose a burden that cannot be carried. By learning Islam slowly, the Muslim can absorbe Islam, enjoy it and not be overwhelmed. May Allah guide us to Islam and help us follow it. Assalamu `alaykum, Mamdouh Maher