New Muslim Guide – What to Do After Becoming Muslim

When a person first embraces Islam, it’s common to feel a surge of excitement and a desire to do everything at once. This intense eagerness can often lead to chaos, where trying to do too much results in nothing being done well. This can create frustration, waste a significant amount of time, and leave one feeling unproductive. Many of us have gone through this experience, which is why this article serves as a practical New Muslim Guide for those just beginning their journey.

So, what should you actually do when you first enter Islam? Here are a few recommendations that form the basis of this New Muslim Guide.

A New Muslim Guide to Building a Strong Foundation

After embracing Islam, your first and foremost priority should be to develop yourself into a better Muslim. To do this, focusing on a few key areas is essential.

Focus on Salat and Obligatory Duties

As much as possible, make arrangements to pray the five daily prayers (Salat) in congregation at the mosque. Approach this matter with the utmost sincerity. Alongside this, build the habit of avoiding all that is Haram (forbidden) and fulfilling all that is Fard (obligatory). These practices will strengthen the foundation of your faith (Deen). Allah Ta’ala says in the Quran:

اتْلُ مَا أُوحِيَ إِلَيْكَ مِنَ الْكِتَابِ وَأَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ ۖ إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ تَنْهَىٰ عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنكَرِ

“Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing.”

(Surah Al-Ankabut, 29:45)

The Importance of Tahajjud

Gradually try to make the Tahajjud (late-night voluntary) prayer a habit. Try to pray it at least once or twice a week. If that’s not possible, then aim for at least once a month. The Tahajjud prayer is one of the best ways to draw closer to Allah. Allah Ta’ala says:

وَمِنَ اللَّيْلِ فَتَهَجَّدْ بِهِ نَافِلَةً لَّكَ عَسَىٰ أَن يَبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامًا مَّحْمُودًا

“And from [part of] the night, pray with it as an additional [worship] for you; it is expected that your Lord will resurrect you to a praised station.”

(Surah Bani-Israil, 17:79)

Learning and Memorizing the Quran

It is essential to learn to recite the Quran correctly (with proper Tajweed) and memorize a few Surahs (chapters). The Quran is your spiritual nourishment that will keep your soul vibrant. Being able to memorize the Quran is crucial because your future life as a Muslim depends on it. Along with memorization, you can also read its translation and Tafsir (exegesis). In my view, connecting with the Quran is the foundational first step in any effective New Muslim Guide.

Living According to the Sunnah

An important issue is that many people stay up all night, pray Fajr (the dawn prayer), and then go to sleep. This should never be the practice. Instead, sleep early at night, then wake up for Tahajjud and Fajr. This is the Sunnah (the way of the Prophet ﷺ). Staying up late can negatively affect your health in the long run and goes against the Sunnah. It can be difficult to be a good Muslim if you don’t sleep early at night.

A New Muslim Guide to Acquiring Knowledge

Acquiring Islamic knowledge, or ‘Ilm, is a critical part of the second phase of your development.

If possible, you can enroll in an Islamic institution, such as a Madrasah (Islamic school) or another learning center, to gain knowledge. If that is not feasible, then acquire as much knowledge as you can by reading books on your own. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

“Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.”

(Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith No: 224)

Studying Seerah, Quran, and History

Be sure to read the Seerah (biography) of the Prophet (ﷺ) and the meaning of the Quran, along with its Tafsir. Keep a good collection of Islamic books and read them regularly. Most importantly, do not forget to study the history of Islam. It is vital to know how Islam progressed from the time of the four Caliphs to the present day. A key part of any comprehensive New Muslim Guide is understanding history, as it helps us learn from our past.

Keeping Yourself in an Islamic Environment

Surround yourself with a circle of Islamic friends. Avoid spending all your time with non-Islamic friends. Not all friends may be beneficial for you, so try to choose company that is supportive on your path of faith. A crucial piece of advice in this New Muslim Guide is that consistently being around practicing individuals will make it easier for you to remain steadfast in Islam. Righteous companionship will strengthen your Iman (faith). Allah Ta’ala says:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَكُونُوا مَعَ الصَّادِقِينَ

“O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are true.”

(Surah At-Tawbah, 9:119)

Guarding Your Tongue

Guard your tongue. Do not hurt anyone with your words. Avoid Gheebah (backbiting), lying, and useless talk. Be cautious when you speak. Remember that the proper use of the tongue is an important characteristic of a Muslim.

In this regard, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No: 6018; Sahih Muslim, Hadith No: 47)

Fulfilling Promises and Good Conduct

When you make a promise, be sure to fulfill it. Behave well with everyone, especially your parents. If necessary, endure their reprimands with a smile but never mistreat them. Your excellent character will be a testament to the beauty of Islam. Your behavior towards people is a reflection of your faith.

Regarding the importance of avoiding falsehood, the Prophet (ﷺ) also said:

“Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. A man continues to tell the truth until he is recorded with Allah as a truthful person (Siddiq). Falsehood leads to wickedness, and wickedness leads to the Hellfire. A man continues to tell lies until he is recorded with Allah as a liar.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No: 6094; Sahih Muslim, Hadith No: 2607)

Conclusion

It is natural to feel an initial excitement after embracing Islam. However, it is crucial to channel this excitement correctly. Be mindful not to let things get out of hand by trying to do everything at once. Following this New Muslim Guide is a process of gradual self-improvement that requires patience and perseverance. Structuring your life according to the Quran and Sunnah, acquiring Islamic knowledge, seeking righteous company, and practicing good character are the steps to progress as a Muslim. May Allah Ta’ala grant us all the strength to remain steadfast on this path. We pray that every step you take on this new journey in life is directed towards earning the pleasure of Allah.