Often, converts to Islam are diligent followers

HACKENSACK, N.J. — Conversion to Islam officially begins with this simple step: a declaration that there is just one God, and that Muhammad is his prophet.

The declaration of faith, known as the Shahadah, is recited before witnesses, often congregants in a mosque, said Mohammed Qatanani, the spiritual leader of the Islamic Center of Passaic County in Paterson, N.J.

"If someone tells me they're willing to convert to Islam, I will try to make sure it is a voluntary act," said Qatanani, adding that the mosque gets about three or four converts a month. "I try to make sure that the person is not doing it for any gain but because the person believes in it. Then the person makes the declaration, and they become a Muslim."

Waheed Khalid, president of the Darul Islah mosque in Teaneck, N.J., says the conversions tend to be emotionally charged.

"In some cases, the person is leaving everything behind," Khalid said. "The mother or father or family may not approve of the decision. After the declaration, often people in the congregation will come up to the person and say congratulations and offer encouragement."

Mosques encourage converts to learn about Islam, and invite them to classes where they can learn about the faith, learn Arabic and study the Quran.

Some also offer support groups for converts, Khalid said.

As in the case of other religions, converts often are among the most diligent followers of their new faith, said Aref Assaf, president of the American Arab Forum.

Muslims are expected to do such things as avoid alcohol and pork, and make a pilgrimage to Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, at least once in their lifetime, as long as they are healthy and can afford the trip, which tends to cost thousands of dollars.

"Sometimes (converts) get frustrated with other Muslims because they don't think they practice it the way they should," Assaf said. "Like everyone else, we have the very faithful Muslims, and we also have Muslims who don't pray and who don't go to the mosque but they say they are Muslims."

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.