Start with the basics and go step by step: learn how to pray, find a local mosque or community, begin reading the Quran in a translation and ask questions. Nobody expects a new Muslim to change everything in one day.
A simple plan: first, learn the five prayers, the way to wash for them and a few short chapters of the Quran. Second, learn what is forbidden, such as pork, alcohol and interest, and stop them gradually. Third, find a friend or a mentor and a place to learn, in person or online. This website has the prayer times, Qibla finder, adhkar and the Quran in 18 languages to help.
The Prophet ﷺ said, 'The most beloved deeds to God are the most regular, even if few.' Take it slowly, be kind to yourself and keep good relations with your family. Many new Muslims make mistakes, and Islam teaches that sincere effort is rewarded, and any mistake can be forgiven by repentance.
The authentic hadith behind this answer, from Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim and the Sunan with the grade of the scholars of hadith. Open a reference to read it in the hadith library of this site.
حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الْعَزِيزِ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، حَدَّثَنَا سُلَيْمَانُ، عَنْ مُوسَى بْنِ عُقْبَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي سَلَمَةَ بْنِ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ " سَدِّدُوا وَقَارِبُوا، وَاعْلَمُوا أَنْ لَنْ يُدْخِلَ أَحَدَكُمْ عَمَلُهُ الْجَنَّةَ، وَأَنَّ أَحَبَّ الأَعْمَالِ أَدْوَمُهَا إِلَى اللَّهِ، وَإِنْ قَلَّ "
This answer follows the mainstream Sunni understanding and is general learning, not a fatwa. Where Muslims differ, the answer says so. Have a question of your own? Write to us.
