There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is His Prophet

New Article by Ashmath

Tonight I stepped out in the cold night air, under an indigo sky peppered with sparkling stars and I took the shahada.

I had been planning to become a Muslim on some special day, in some really noteworthy way, but it began to feel a bit disingenuous – as though I was trying to fool Allah. I had been slowly coming to realize that I already believed what the shahada said, so that by putting off saying it officially I was actually just keeping myself from the duties of a Muslim. I realized that I was already Muslim in all but name.

After I came back inside after saying the shahada, I took a shower as I had read was recommended. Then my daughter requested that I sit down with her on the couch and spend time with her. So I did. And life continues as before.

Except I am now a Muslim. I feel that it is right and natural. I shall need to begin to pray and learn in earnest. And I shall also say it in front of the ummah, at a local masjid, as soon as I am able so that there will be witnesses.

Alhamdulillah!