Learning path 04 · New to Islam
Find your feet in Islam
Belief first, then the pillars, prayer and the Qur’an, learned slowly and with people beside you.
- At your own pace
- Five steps, at your own pace
- Beginner
- 5 steps
This path is for you if…
- You have recently taken your shahada.
- You are exploring Islam and want a calm place to start.
- You are helping a friend or family member who is new to Islam.
By the end, you will…
- Know the core beliefs of Islam and the five pillars.
- Make wudu and begin to pray, with help.
- Begin reading the Qur’an with Al-Fatihah.
- Know where to find a teacher and a community.
The plan
Step by step.
Welcome. There is no rush here. Take one step at a time: each one points you to the Qur’an, an authentic hadith or a trusted place to learn, and none of it has to be mastered in a week.
This path offers reading and practical guidance, not personal religious rulings. For questions about your own circumstances, a qualified teacher is the best guide.
- 1
Step 1
Begin with who Allah is, through Surah Al-Ikhlas.
Read Surah Al-Ikhlas in Arabic and in English. It is four short ayat about who Allah is. Then read our introductions to Islam and to tawhid, the belief in the oneness of Allah.
Tips
- Read slowly. There is no test and no rush.
- 2
Step 2
Learn the five pillars, and write down your questions.
Read about the five pillars of Islam and the six pillars of iman. Write down your questions as you go. They are a good start for a conversation with a teacher.
Tips
- Keep your questions in one place, such as a note on your phone.
- 3
Step 3
Learn wudu and salah from someone who can show you.
Read the wudu and salah guides, then practise with someone who can show you. Prayer is easiest to learn by watching and doing, and it is normal to learn the words over time.
Tips
- Ask at your local masjid; many have someone who helps new Muslims.
- Set the prayer times for your city so you know when each prayer begins.
- 4
Step 4
Read Al-Fatihah slowly, a few minutes at a time.
Begin with Al-Fatihah, the opening surah that is recited in every prayer. Read it slowly, in Arabic and in English, for a few minutes at a time that suits you.
Tips
- Listen to it recited, and read along with the English.
- 5
Step 5
Find a masjid or a teacher to keep learning with.
Find people to learn with. A local masjid or a qualified teacher can help with questions about your own situation, and our free WhatsApp programmes are a gentle way to keep learning.
Tips
- You do not have to walk this path alone.
Common questions
Before you begin.
Do I need to learn everything at once?
No. This path is made to be taken one step at a time, at your own pace.
Where can I ask questions about my own situation?
Speak to a qualified teacher or your local masjid, or send us a message and we will point you to someone who can help.
Keep going
Want a teacher and a group to learn with?
Our free programmes on WhatsApp go deeper, with lessons you can follow from home.
