First 5 Things to Learn as a New Muslim
A warm, practical guide to help you begin your journey with clarity, confidence, and ease.
Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Raheem
Taking your Shahada — the declaration of faith — is one of the most profound moments of your life. With just a few words, you have entered the fold of Islam, and your slate has been wiped completely clean. Every sin before this moment is forgiven. You stand before Allah as a newborn soul.
But now you might be wondering: What do I actually do next? That is exactly what this guide is here for.
It is completely normal to feel a mix of joy, peace, and perhaps a little overwhelmed. Islam is a complete way of life, and no one expects you to learn everything overnight. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "Make things easy and do not make them difficult." (Bukhari)
So let us keep it simple. Here are the first five things to focus on — in a logical, manageable order.
📋 In This Guide
Learn the Shahada and Understand What It Means
You have already said it — but understanding what the Shahada means is the foundation of everything in Islam.
This statement contains two core beliefs:
- Tawhid — the absolute oneness of Allah. There are no partners, no equals, no intermediaries. Your relationship with Allah is direct, personal, and always open.
- Risalah — the prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ. He is the final prophet and the model for how to live as a Muslim. Following his example (the Sunnah) is how we translate faith into daily life.
Learn How to Perform Wudu (Ritual Purification)
Before you can pray, you need to learn wudu — the ritual washing that purifies you before standing before Allah. Wudu is not just physical cleanliness; it is a spiritual reset. Many Muslims describe the feeling after wudu as one of calm and readiness.
The basic steps of wudu:
- Make the intention in your heart (niyyah) and say Bismillah
- Wash both hands up to the wrists, three times
- Rinse your mouth three times
- Sniff water into your nose and blow it out, three times
- Wash your face three times
- Wash your right arm up to the elbow, then the left, three times each
- Wipe the top of your head once with wet hands
- Wipe the inside and outside of both ears
- Wash your right foot up to the ankle, then the left, three times each
Learn the Five Daily Prayers (Salah)
Salah is the heartbeat of a Muslim's day. Allah has prescribed five prayers at specific times, and they are the second pillar of Islam — the most visible expression of your faith after the Shahada.
| Prayer | Time |
|---|---|
| Fajr | Before sunrise |
| Dhuhr | Midday |
| Asr | Afternoon |
| Maghrib | Just after sunset |
| Isha | Night |
Where to start:
- Learn Surah Al-Fatiha — it is recited in every unit of prayer and is your first essential memorisation
- Learn the basic Arabic phrases: Allahu Akbar, Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem, and the Tashahhud
- Download a free app like Muslim Pro or Athan to track prayer times in your city
- Watch a beginner salah tutorial — many mosques also offer free new Muslim classes
Begin Your Relationship With the Qur'an
The Qur'an is the direct word of Allah — revealed to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ over 23 years and preserved, unchanged, to this day. As a Muslim, building a relationship with the Qur'an is one of the most rewarding and transformative things you can do.
You do not need to be fluent in Arabic to begin. Start small:
- Step 1: Learn the Arabic alphabet. Apps like Iqra Tajweed or Noorani Qaida are excellent for absolute beginners
- Step 2: Start with short surahs — Surah Al-Fatiha, then Al-Ikhlas (just four verses!), Al-Falaq, and An-Nas
- Step 3: Read a translation in your language. Quran.com offers free, clear translations in dozens of languages
Learn the Basics of Halal and Haram
Islam provides clear guidance on what is permissible (halal) and what is prohibited (haram). As a new Muslim, you do not need to master every ruling — but knowing the key basics helps you start living your faith with confidence.
Food:
- Pork and pork products are haram
- Alcohol and intoxicants are haram
- Meat must be slaughtered in the Islamic manner (zabihah halal) to be permissible
- Seafood, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and grains are generally halal
Conduct and Character:
- Lowering the gaze and maintaining modesty are part of Islamic character
- Honesty, avoiding backbiting, and kindness are central to Muslim ethics
Financial Dealings:
- Riba (interest) is prohibited in Islam — as you grow in your faith, you will learn more about Islamic finance alternatives
A Du'a to Begin Your Journey
End each day with this beautiful supplication — the one the Prophet ﷺ taught his companions. It is perfect for someone beginning their journey in faith:
Say it every morning and evening. Let it become your compass as you begin this incredible, life-changing path.
You Are Not Alone on This Path
Thousands of people just like you take the Shahada every day. The 99 Halal Ways community exists to walk alongside you — with guides, resources, and content crafted especially for new and returning Muslims.
Explore More Guides →Note: This article draws on mainstream Sunni Islamic scholarship. Rulings may vary slightly across different schools of thought (madhabs). Always consult a knowledgeable scholar in your local community for personal guidance tailored to your circumstances. May Allah accept from all of us. Ameen.