Answer: There is no need for a new Muslim to change their names unless it has a negative meaning, or is the name of a deity in another religion (ex: Gautam, Ram, Shiva, etc). Names of any of the Prophets are acceptable names such as Jesus (Isa), David (Dawud), Mary (Maryam), Moses (Musa), etc. Many new Muslims do not officially change their names, but just go by an Islamic name with their friends. This is up to the individuals about what they want to do, if they want to officially change it or not.   It “may” be obligatory for you to change it (later), especially if it is a non-acceptable name, when you apply to go for hajj, or to marry a Muslim. They may require proof of your conversion (which you can obtain from an Islamic Centre or mosque near you at any time), and they can advise you about how to go about changing your name if you need to do it.

Answer: Becoming a Muslim is a simple and straight forward process. A person only needs to understand the fundamental beliefs intellectually and recite a sentence called the Testimony of Faith (Shahadah), which is:

“Ash’hado an La ilaha illa Allah, wa Ash’hado anna Muhammadar Rasoolullah.”

This means, “I testify, There is no true God but God (Allah), and Muhammad is the Prophet of God.” Once a person says the Shahadah with conviction and understanding of its meaning, they become a Muslim. However, to become a Shia Muslim, one should also recite:

“Wa Ash’hado anna Aliyyun Valiyyullah, wa Vasiyyo Rasoolillah, wa Khalifataho bila fasl,”

Which means: “I testify that Ali is the beloved of God, the Heir of the prophet of God, and his first Successor.”

It’s that easy! For more information or help, please feel free to call us at +44-7494 147465.

Answer: Apart from believing in oneness of God and in Muhammad (SAWAS) as His final prophet, A Muslim should also believe in the followings:

 Holy Quran as the word of God
 All other prophets before prophet Muhammad (SAWAS)
 All previous books, which are revealed to His Prophets.
 His Divine Justice
 The Divine Leadership (Imamah)
 The Resurrection Day.

These fundamental beliefs are known as “Usool ad- Deen” (Roots of Religion)

Answer: Islam is fundamentally rooted in the belief in a Creator, Allah, who is the origin and Sustainer of all existence. From this perspective, any interpretation of evolution must align with the acknowledgment of divine creation.

1. Evolution as a Divine Process:
   If the theory of evolution is understood as the idea that Allah created life in stages, allowing species to develop through His will and design, this concept does not inherently conflict with Islamic teachings. The Quran frequently mentions that creation occurred in phases:
   • "And He created you in stages." (Quran 71:14)
   • "Do they not see that Allah created the heavens and the earth and everything in between them in stages?" (Quran 46:3)

This aligns with the possibility of a divinely guided evolutionary process, where Allah remains the ultimate cause behind all natural phenomena.

   2. Rejection of Atheistic Evolution:
If the theory of evolution is presented as an explanation for the origins of life without a Creator—claiming that life emerged and progressed solely through random processes or the self-driven development of matter—Islam categorically rejects such a view. This perspective contradicts the foundational Islamic belief in Allah as the sole Creator of all existence.

The Quran explicitly states:

• "Were they created by nothing, or were they the creators [of themselves]?" (Quran 52:35)
• "Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is the Maintainer of everything." (Quran 39:62)

Such a view, denying the role of Allah in creation, is considered Kufr (disbelief), as it undermines the central tenet of faith in a purposeful and intentional Creator.

   3. Adam’s Creation and Human Evolution:
Islam asserts the special creation of Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) as the first human being, formed by Allah’s will and command:

• "Indeed, the example of Jesus to Allah is like that of Adam. He created him from dust; then He said to him, 'Be,' and he was." (Quran 3:59)

While this affirms the direct creation of Adam, it does not preclude the possibility of other forms of life developing through Allah's guidance before or alongside his creation. However, humans are unique in their spiritual and intellectual capacity, a distinction bestowed directly by Allah.

   4. Islamic Perspective on Science and Faith:
Islam encourages the pursuit of knowledge and reflection on the natural world as a means to appreciate Allah's greatness:

• "Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of the night and day, are signs for those of understanding." (Quran 3:190)

Scientific theories, including evolution, are tools to explore the mechanisms of Allah’s creation. However, they must not be mistaken for explanations that negate the divine role in the existence and development of life.

Conclusion: Islam does not inherently oppose the concept of evolution if it is viewed as a process guided by Allah’s will. However, atheistic interpretations of evolution that deny the Creator are incompatible with Islamic belief. Muslims are encouraged to engage with science while firmly grounding their understanding in the recognition of Allah as the ultimate Creator and Sustainer of all things.

Answer: “NO” Nature is a created thing and God is its Creator. The two cannot be the same.

Answer: He is son of Abdullah and Amina, from the clan of Hashim, tribe of Quraish, in Makkah. He is the Last of the Prophets sent by Allah to lead mankind onto the right path. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him & his progeny) was born in Makkah in A.D. 570 and died in Madinah in A.D. 632. To learn more about him, please follow the link: https://books.findtruth.co.uk/ebooks/the-life-of-muhammad-the-greatest-liberator-the-holiest-prophet

Answer: Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him &his progeny) began his mission of prophet hood at the age of 40 by divine wisdom and command. This timing allowed the people of Arabia to witness and fully appreciate his impeccable character, integrity, and truthfulness before he proclaimed his divine mission. For 40 years, he lived among them, earning their trust and admiration through his honesty, justice, and exemplary behaviour. This foundation ensured that, when he announced his prophet hood, no one could credibly accuse him of being untrustworthy or an imposter.

Even after he declared his mission, some of his opponents in Makkah accused him of being a poet, a sorcerer, or a man influenced by magic. However, none could deny his reputation as Al-Ameen (the Trustworthy) or Al-Sadiq (the Truthful). Remarkably, even as they plotted against him, many of his adversaries continued to entrust their valuables to him, confident in his reliability. This profound level of trust and respect would not have been possible if he had declared his prophet hood at an earlier stage in life when such trust had not yet been firmly established.

The timing also ensured that his community could not dismiss his claim as a youthful ambition or impulsive endeavour. Instead, his years of demonstrated wisdom, patience, and leadership became a testament to the authenticity of his message. Thus, Allah's decision to reveal his prophet hood at the age of 40 was a strategic choice that strengthened the credibility and effectiveness of his mission to guide humanity.
 

Answer: A Muslim should practice all duties set by God in the holy Quran and explained by the holy Prophet. There are 10 main obligatory acts in Islam known as “Furu’ al-Deen” (Branches of Islam):

1.  Salat (Prayer): The mandatory daily prayers performed five times a day, which serve as a direct link between the worshipper and Allah.
2. Sawm (Fasting): Observing fasts during the month of Ramadan, refraining from eating, drinking, and other specific actions from dawn until sunset.
3. Hajj (Pilgrimage): The pilgrimage to Mecca, which is required at least once in a lifetime for those who are physically and financially able.
4. Zakat (Almsgiving): Giving a fixed portion of one's wealth to the poor and needy, purifying one’s wealth and aiding those in need.
5. Khums (One-fifth Tax): An annual tax of 20% on surplus income, given to religious authorities to be used for community welfare and the support of religious scholars.
6. Jihad (Struggle): Striving in the way of Allah, this can be through fighting against oppression and injustice, as well as personal struggles for self-improvement and piety.
7. Amr bil Ma'ruf (Enjoining Good): Encouraging others to perform righteous and good deeds, promoting moral and ethical behaviour.
8. Nahy anil Munkar (Forbidding Wrong): Preventing and discouraging evil and sinful actions within the community.
9. Tawalla (Loving the Ahl al-Bayt): Expressing love and loyalty towards the family of the Prophet Muhammad and following their teachings.
10. Tabarra (Disassociating from the Enemies of Ahl al-Bayt): Disassociating from those who oppose or show hostility towards the family of the Prophet Muhammad.

Answer: The most God-fearing person is the one who obeys all the commands of God and abstains from all forbidden things

Answer: The Furu' al-Deen provides a comprehensive framework for Muslims to practice their faith in their daily lives, covering aspects of worship, social justice, and moral conduct. Engaging in these practices is believed to enhance one’s spirituality, strengthen one’s relationship with Allah, and contribute to personal and communal well-being. Many of these principles emphasize social welfare, justice, and community support, highlighting the interconnectedness of individual and collective duties in Islam.

In summary, the Furu' al-Deen represents the essential practical duties that Shia Muslims are expected to follow, guiding their worship, ethical behaviour, and social responsibilities.