In taking the step of becoming a Muslim you instantly become part of a global family of Islam.
All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action.
Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.
Remember, one day you will appear before God (The Creator) and you will answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.
Last Sermon of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
Living as a Muslim – where do I start? Life after the Shahadah (declaration of faith)
With the uttering of the Shahadah all your past sins are removed and you have a clean slate.
Some new Muslims fall in the trap of focusing on the outer changes (a Muslim name, learning the Arabic phrases or wearing a headscarf) before the inner changes. These may make you look and sound like a Muslim but not necessary make you a better Muslim. The truth is the inner will change the outer. Meaning that with understanding Islam and implementing it, you will find that obedience comes naturally. This comes with knowledge. My first suggestion for a new Muslim would be to find a study circle you feel comfortable with. I have been attending the same ones for years and I have not only gained knowledge but also friendships. The other vital key is prayer. Prayer is the cornerstone of our faith; it is our connection to our creator.
To some, the thought of praying 5 times a day seems excessive. Why set times, why so much, is it really necessary?
The truth is that most of us are very busy and we are constantly chasing deadlines and the thought of stopping for 10 minutes seems like doing the impossible. How do we find the time? The fact is you have to make the time.
In truth if it wasn’t for the set times I personally would rarely pray, that’s not to say I wouldn’t intend to, just that I would put it off feeling like there was something more pressing to do. I know this from experience. My relationship with Almighty God has always been important to me, long before I embraced Islam. By stopping 5 times to pray, it promotes God consciousness. Doesn’t Almighty God deserve some of our time?
It is He Who brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers when ye knew nothing; and He gave you hearing and sight and intelligence and affections: that ye may give thanks (to God). (Quran Chapter 16 verse 78)
However the salaah (the five daily prayers) is only part of our connection, Muslims also pray in their own words to Almighty God at any time of the day.
