You Are Welcome Here

New Muslims & Shahadas

Whether you are curious, exploring, or ready to take the next step, our doors are open to you.

No pressure. No judgment. Just guidance at your own pace.

Your Journey

Wherever You Are, You Are Welcome

People come to us at different stages. Tell us where you are and we will guide you from there.

I Am Curious

No commitment needed

You have questions about Islam. Maybe you have Muslim friends, or you have been reading online. You just want to understand more. That is a perfectly good place to start.

  • Ask any question, big or small
  • No obligation to do anything
  • Speak with the Imam in confidence
Get in Touch

I Am Ready

Take the next step

You have made your decision. You want to take the Shahada and begin your life as a Muslim. Alhamdulillah. We are honoured to be part of this moment.

  • We will guide you through the Shahada
  • Support available before and after
  • A community ready to welcome you
Contact Us Today

The Declaration of Faith

What is the Shahada?

The Shahada is the Islamic declaration of faith. It is the first of the Five Pillars of Islam and the gateway to becoming a Muslim. It is a simple but profound statement that everything in your life will flow from.

Taking the Shahada is a personal moment between you and Allah. It requires sincerity of heart and a genuine belief in what you are saying. That is all.

The process itself is simple. In the presence of witnesses, you repeat the declaration in Arabic and its meaning in English. We will guide you through every word.

أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللهِ

Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasulullah

I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.

The Process

What Happens Next?

There is no rush. Each step happens when you are ready.

  1. 1

    Reach Out

    Contact us by email, visit the masjid, or simply turn up. Tell us where you are on your journey. We will take it from there.

  2. 2

    Meet With the Imam

    We will arrange a relaxed and private conversation with the Imam. Ask every question you have. There is nothing too big or too small.

  3. 3

    Take Your Time

    There is no deadline. Learn at your own pace. Join our learning circles if you wish. We are here whenever you are ready.

  4. 4

    Take the Shahada

    When you are ready, the Shahada is a short, moving ceremony. We will guide you through every word. Witnesses will be present. It is a moment you will never forget.

  5. 5

    Join Our Community

    After the Shahada, the journey truly begins. We will support you with learning to pray, understanding the basics of Islam, and connecting with others who have walked this path.

A warm gathering of women sharing coffee and conversation
Regular Event

Revert Sisters Coffee Morning

A warm and welcoming gathering for revert and new Muslim sisters. This is a relaxed space to connect, make new friends, ask questions, and build supportive relationships within the community.

Whether you are newly exploring Islam, recently reverted, or have been Muslim for some time, you are warmly welcome. Come and enjoy good company, refreshments, and meaningful conversation.

  • Open to all sisters (new Muslims and reverts welcome)
  • Refreshments provided. Just bring yourself
  • Old Hill Masjid, 221 Halesowen Road, Cradley Heath
  • Runs monthly — contact us or follow our social channels for the next date

After the Shahada

You Are Not Alone

Taking the Shahada is just the beginning. We are committed to supporting you every step of the way.

Learning to Pray

We will teach you how to make wudu and perform salah step by step. No prior knowledge assumed. We start from the very beginning.

Community Connection

You will be welcomed into our community. We will introduce you to other reverts and long-standing community members who are happy to support you.

Islamic Education

Access to our adult learning programmes so you can build your Islamic knowledge at your own pace, in a welcoming and non-judgmental environment.

Ongoing Pastoral Care

The Imam is available for private conversations whenever you need guidance, reassurance, or simply someone to talk to about your journey.

Common Questions

Questions We Are Often Asked

If your question is not here, please contact us. There is no question too simple.

Do I need to know anything about Islam before taking the Shahada?

No. Many people take the Shahada with very little prior knowledge. What matters is sincerity: a genuine belief in Allah and in the Prophet Muhammad as His messenger. We will teach you everything else after.

Does taking the Shahada mean I have to change everything about my life immediately?

Islam is a journey, not an overnight transformation. You do not need to have everything figured out before you begin. Take one step at a time. Allah is the Most Merciful and Most Patient.

Will anyone judge me for the questions I ask?

Absolutely not. We welcome every question with respect and patience. There is no such thing as a foolish question when you are learning. Our Imam has supported many people through this journey and understands the doubts and uncertainties that come with it.

Can I take the Shahada privately without a large ceremony?

Yes. The Shahada requires witnesses but it does not have to be a large event. We can arrange a small, private ceremony with just the Imam and two witnesses if that is what you prefer. Your comfort comes first.

I am a woman. Is there support specifically for me?

Yes. Our Revert Sisters Coffee Morning is a dedicated space for sisters. We also have female community members who are happy to support new Muslim sisters. Please contact us and we will connect you with the right person.

What if I take the Shahada and then have doubts later?

Doubts are a normal part of faith for many Muslims, both new and lifelong. Having doubts does not make you a bad Muslim. Speak with the Imam in confidence. We are here to support you through every part of the journey, including the difficult parts.

Take the First Step

Whatever stage you are at, reaching out costs nothing. We promise a warm, private, and pressure-free response.

Email us at a.rahman@oldhillmasjid.org or visit the masjid in person. You do not need an appointment. Just come.

May Allah guide us all to what is true and keep us firm upon it. Ameen.