Embracing Islam

If you are interested in Islam, considering becoming Muslim, or have already decided that you wish to embrace Islam, you are warmly welcome at the Islamic Foundation of Drogheda.

Becoming Muslim begins with sincere belief in Allah and acceptance of Muhammad ﷺ as His Messenger. The declaration of this belief is known as the Shahada.

Taking Your Shahada

You do not need to have extensive knowledge of Islam before becoming Muslim, nor do you need to know Arabic.

The Imam can meet with you, answer your questions and explain the meaning of the Shahada before you take it.

The Shahada is:

أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله وأشهد أن محمدًا رسول الله

Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan rasul Allah.

“I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”

For a person embracing Islam, particularly someone coming from a Christian background, the Imam may also include an additional declaration affirming the Islamic belief concerning Jesus (ʿIsa), peace be upon him:

وأشهد أن عيسى عبد الله ورسوله

Wa ashhadu anna Isa abdullahi wa rasuluh.

“And I bear witness that Jesus (Isa) is the servant of Allah and His Messenger.”

This affirms an essential Islamic belief: Muslims believe in and honour Jesus (ʿIsa ibn Maryam), peace be upon him, as the Messiah and one of the greatest Messengers of Allah. He was miraculously born to Mary (Maryam), performed miracles by Allah's permission, and called people to worship Allah alone.

Muslims do not believe that Jesus is God or the son of God. Rather, we believe that he is the honoured servant, Prophet and Messenger of Allah.

What Muslims Believe About Jesus (Isa) peace be upon him

Belief in Jesus (Isa ibn Maryam), peace be upon him, is an essential part of the Islamic faith.

Muslims believe that Jesus:

Was one of the greatest Prophets and Messengers of Allah
Was the Messiah (al-Masih)
Was born miraculously to the Virgin Mary (Maryam), without a human father
Performed miracles by the permission of Allah
Called people to worship Allah alone
Was a servant and Messenger of Allah, not God or the son of God
Will return before the end of time

Muslims deeply love and honour Jesus and his mother Mary, peace be upon them both. Mary even has an entire chapter of the Qur'an named after her: Surah Maryam.

Accepting Islam therefore does not mean rejecting Jesus. Rather, a Muslim accepts Jesus as he is understood within Islam: as the Messiah and a mighty Messenger of Allah who called humanity to the worship of the One God.

Belief in all of Allah's Prophets and Messengers — including Abraham (Ibrahim), Moses (Musa), Jesus (Isa) and Muhammad ﷺ — forms part of Muslim faith.

What Happens When I Take Shahada?

If you would like to take your Shahada at IFD, the Imam can guide you through the declaration and help you understand its meaning.

You will also have an opportunity to ask questions about beginning your life as a Muslim, including:

Learning the five daily prayers
Learning how to make Wudu (ablution)
Reading and learning the Qur'an
Ramadan and fasting
The basic beliefs of Islam
Learning more about the Prophets
Finding reliable Islamic learning resources
Becoming part of the local Muslim community

There is no charge for taking your Shahada.

Shahada Certificate

A Shahada certificate can be provided where requested as a record that the declaration of faith took place at IFD.

Please let the Imam know if you require a certificate.

After Your Shahada

Taking the Shahada is the beginning of your journey as a Muslim.

Nobody is expected to learn everything immediately. Islam is learned gradually, step by step.

IFD will endeavour to help new Muslims access appropriate Islamic learning, guidance and community support as they begin their journey.

Thinking About Islam?

You do not need to have decided to become Muslim before contacting us.

If you are simply curious about Islam, have questions about Muslim beliefs, or would like to understand Islam better, you are very welcome to speak with our Imam.

There is no obligation to become Muslim by contacting us or visiting the mosque.

Questions are always welcome.

Contact the Imam

To arrange your Shahada or an informal conversation about Islam:

Imam – Islamic Foundation of Drogheda
imam@masjiddrogheda.ie

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