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New to Islam

Curious, thinking it over, or just taken your shahada: the door is open, and the imams have time for you.

The front of the masjid on Old Commercial Road, behind its gate piers and railings

أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُAsh-hadu an la ilaha illallahI bear witness that there is no god but Allah,

وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللهِwa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasulullahand I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.

Say them, and mean them

That is all becoming Muslim takes: no fee, no test and nothing to learn first. When you are ready, say them with the imam, after a prayer or at a time that suits you, and he will sit with you afterwards to help with what comes next.

Arrange your shahada
The wooden minbar beside the mihrab, where the imam leads the prayer
The carpeted prayer hall with its white pillars and green walls

Your first visit, and what to expect

Let us know you're coming
Call or WhatsApp an imam and say you'd like to visit. He will meet you and show you round.
Come on a Friday
The talk before Jumu'ah is in English, from 1:00pm. Sit at the back and listen; no one will expect you to join in.
Shoes off at the door
The prayer hall is carpeted, so shoes come off as you go in. Wear something loose and modest.
Ask anything
Find an imam after the prayer. No question is too small, and none is asked too often.

Questions people ask

Can I come in if I'm not Muslim?
Yes. Come to look around, sit in on Jumu'ah, or ask an imam a question. Schools and groups visit too.
Do I need to speak Arabic?
No. The imams speak English, and so does the talk before Jumu'ah. The Arabic of the prayer is learned a little at a time.
Do I have to change my name?
No. Most people keep the name they have. If you are unsure about yours, ask the imam.
What happens at a shahada?
You say the two lines above with the imam, with a few people there as witnesses. It takes a minute, and afterwards there is time to sit and talk.
Can I talk to someone privately?
Yes. Mufti Sahib gives private time to anyone who asks, about faith, family or anything else on your mind.
What should I read first?
The masjid shop has Qur'ans and books on the deen, and the imams can suggest where to begin.

Talk to an imam or teacher

Call, message on WhatsApp, or leave your question here and we'll call you back. Whatever you share stays with them.

or call 07473 626797