The basic requirement to become a Muslim is to say, "Ashhadu an la ilaaha illa Allah wa ashhadu anna Mohammadan rasul Allah," which means: "I testify that there is no God but Allah and that Mohammad is the Messenger of Allah."

Anyone who says this phrase joins the ranks of the Muslim nations. However, saying this only begins the long physical and spiritual journey to practice all aspects of Islam in life and become one of those whom the Qur'an terms "the faithful" (mu’min). Although this journey is long, its rewards are numerous for those who embark on it with sincere will and intentions.

Practicing Islam requires learning the Islamic ideas, teachings, and practices, and then adapting to them - a process that does require some sacrifice. 'The necessity of sacrifice, however, should not be a deterrent since the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) has said that whenever someone gives up something for the sake of Allah, Allah will replace it with something better.

Sincerity of belief also develops over time. When Prophet Moharnmad (peace beupon him and his family) was first spreading the message of Islam, some people came to

him and informed him that they were believers. In reply, Allah revealed: "Say: 'You believe not, but say, 'We have submitted in Islam,' for faith has not yet entered your

hearts."' (49: 14)

The first successor to the Holy Prophet, Imam 'Ali (peace be upon him), has described

the dynamic process of following Islam: 

"I am defining Islam as no one has defined it before me: Islam is submission,

submission is conviction, conviction is affirmation, affirmation is

acknowledgement, acknowledgement is performance of obligations, and the

performance of obligations is good deeds."[1]

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