Converting to Islam, does it take a long time to do?

[ElizabethWakefield]

What I really mean is there some sort of study that you have to do first, or can you just turn up one day at a Mosque and that is it?

Also would you normally be allowed to get married on the same day as you convert?

Why are you asking? I am not a convert but have been married to a Muslim for many years and have seen many women convert for a man, rather than for themselves and with very little knowledge on what the religion entails. If you are going to convert you should learn as much as you can about Islam before you do and only do so if you truly believe it is the right path for you to follow in your heart. Also if you are Jewish or Christian you do not have to convert to marry a Muslim man.

I converted to Islam about 6 years ago..didn't do it formally at the Mosque although I should do at some point as if I ever go to Hajj, I will need proof

Converting to Islam involves the declaration of the Shahhadah...but, you can't just say it...your intention to convert to Islam has to be pure and for the right reasons..

I confess that I am wondering if you are under pressure to convert so you are able to marry someone??

Sorry no, it is not for me.

One of DP's close friend's contacted him yesterday to say at the weekend he converted to Islam and got married (has been with this now DW for a few years) but he is saying that he never told/invited anyone, parents, sibling, friends etc, as it was "a last minute thing done in a rush"

His DW however had about 200 relatives there

I admit I don't know much about converting, but I didn't imagine it would be something that could be done on a last minute spur of the moment thing. He was a catholic btw.

Sorry should have explained more in my OP

Ahh I see....well, a Muslim women is not allowed to marry a non Muslim man so perhaps this was a factor in his conversion, but its not for me to speculate as only Allah knows what a person's intentions are

My conversion happened at my desk in work!! Had been married to DH for about 6/7 years and learning more and more about Islam, wanting to convert but never quite feeling it was the right moment...then, one day I was at my desk reading an e-mail from a Canadian convert to Islam and I thought if died today, I wouldn't want to die a non-Muslim so converted there and then!

I know technically you should do a ritual wash (wudu) and have it done in the mosque but I know my intention then was right and I had to go with it when it felt right for me

I see, thanks very much for the information and for sharing your experience So it is a very personal thing and not a ceremony or anything then?

DP and his friend's family and friends are all a little bit upset that he seems to have kept it a secret from them, as I think they would liked to have shared in his special day. And DP I think was doubtful that it was all a last minute rushed thing like it was being made out.

Although both the friend and his new wife are still living apart and have no intentions to live together as yet (both still with parents) which seemed a little unusual to me, but each to their own.

It is what you make it - some people convert at the mosque with friends and family present, others do it quietly. I know a friend of a friend coverted at an Iftar (breaking fast) meal during Ramadan..just did the Shahhadah at the table - so the form it takes can vary

To be honest, with all the anti Islam feeling around of late, I can't blame people for keeping it quiet can you?!

Aww...Insha'Allah (God willing) they will be very happy together.

If you have any questions, just shout and I'll do my best to answer them

Thanks very much, I do know what you mean about all the anti Islamic feeling, I guess that could play a large part in why it was all kept quiet.

I think the friend's family are now trying to talk them into having some sort of party so that everyone who missed the wedding can now celebrate with them, but the couple don't seem overly keen so far

Thanks again

Congratulations to your husbands friends!

i converted in a mosque, 6 yrs ago. i went to visit some Muslim ladies i'd met and they ran through the beliefs with me again, made sure i understood, then we went to the mosque together and the Imam came and i said my 'shahada' (declaration of faith) in front of a few witnesses. It was so simple and such a nice feeling.

i love this video so i thought i'd put it on this thread

British man converts to Islam

Thanks umayma

I am unable to watch your clip in work, but I will watch later. Thanks for sharing your experience.

think it's more oddd that this man and woman are still living with their respective parents than that he converted to islam.

I think that is very odd too, but they have said they have no plans to change that in the near future. So to be honest, I'm not sure I understand why they have got married at this time.

Don't get me wrong, I am happy that they are happy, but not sure why they haven't waited. But I guess it's none of my business.

Hi Puss - found your messages after I searched 'conversion to Islam'.

A female friend, married, late 40s with 2 DCs has converted to Islam. I have no problem with this at all, but have a lot of questions.

Can you recommend any websites/further reading which offer a basic guide, as I do not want to insult her by my lack of knowledge and I have not been able to find any really useful resources.

Thanks!

hello LightShinesInTheDarkness

i'm not sure what the best websites are but i came across this one first time today

www.inspiredbymuhammad.com/ it seems very good but i've not read it all

i also like this one

www.islamreligion.com/

i'd be happy to try and answer your questions God willing. if you like i could give you my email address x

if anyone would like to read a few small verses from the Qur'an there are some here

Holy Qur'an Verses