How to Convert to Islam

After studying Islam, you may find that you believe in it and want to be a Muslim. This leads to the next step - how do you formally embrace the faith?

ere's How:

1. For a Muslim, every action begins with your intention. Quietly, to yourself, make the intention to embrace Islam as your faith.
2. Say the following words with clarity of intention, firm faith and belief:
3. Say: "Ash-hadu an la ilaha ill Allah." (I bear witness that there is no diety but Allah.)
4. Say: "Wa ash-hadu ana Muhammad ar-rasullallah." (And I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.)
5. Take a shower, symbolically cleansing yourself of your past life.
6. Learn how to pray and practice Islam in your daily life.
7. Continue to learn, study, and grow in your new faith.
8. Ask Allah continually to guide you and make your steps firm on His path.

Tips:

1. Before embracing Islam, be sure to spend time studying the faith, reading books, and learning from other Muslims.
2. Your conversion should be based on knowledge, certainty, acceptance, submission, truthfulness, and sincerity.
3. It is not required to have Muslim witnesses to your conversion, but many prefer to have such support.
4. After making the declaration of faith, your past sins are wiped clean. Strive to practice Islam fully for the remainder of your life.
5. It is helpful, but not necessary, to get a certificate from a local mosque confirming your conversion. You may need to submit such "proof" when going for pilgrimage.
6. Be aware that Muslims believe that every newborn child is naturally a muslim. Therefore, many people prefer to use the word "revert" rather than "convert" to describe their faith journey. The belief is that they have not changed to a new faith, but rather returned to the natural faith with which they were born.

http://islam.about.com/library/howto/htconvert.htm