Alexandria, VA – February 20, 2026
The 64th Conversion to Islam marks a meaningful milestone in a journey that has unfolded over the last 20 years. When someone wants to convert to Islam, I go through a rigorous process. I ask questions and follow up with additional inquiries to ensure they understand what Islam is, without any pressure or incentives from others.
It is the 64th conversion to Islam in the last 20 years, and one more is lined up.
Individuals choose to embrace Islam after it appeals to their intellect. According to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), if you are an Amin, or a trustworthy and exemplary citizen, it appeals to others to appreciate your character and may inspire them to consider Islam. The question of who is a Muslim is further explored in the article listed below.
The Conversion Ceremony of Nicholas
Today, I met Nicholas in my office with his fiancé and 2 witnesses.
We always start everything we do with Bismillah Hir Rahma Nir Rahim.
I begin the proceeding in the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
This is the conversion ceremony for Nicholas.
Nicholas has voluntarily embraced Islam by taking the Shahadah, the declaration of faith that affirms the oneness of God (Tawhid) and that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His prophet.
I, Dr. Mike Mohamed Ghouse, led the ceremony by reciting Surah Al-Fatiha and sharing its English translation.
Surah Al-Fatiha – The Opening
Surah Al-Fatiha, also known as “The Opening,” is the first and most important chapter of the Quran. It consists of seven verses that encapsulate the essence of the Quran, summarizing core Islamic beliefs such as Tawheed (the oneness of God), worship, and the afterlife.
This chapter is a fundamental prayer that is recited daily, seeking guidance, mercy, and devotion. It serves as a universal prayer for all.
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ
ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
مَـٰلِكِ يَوْمِ ٱلدِّينِ
إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ
ٱهْدِنَا ٱلصِّرَٰطَ ٱلْمُسْتَقِيمَ
صِرَٰطَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ ٱلْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا ٱلضَّآلِّينَ
The English Translation
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful
All praise is due to God, the Lord of the universe,
The Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful,
Master of the Day of Judgment,
You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.
Guide us walk the right path.
The path of those upon whom You have showered your blessings.
The Shahadah – Declaration of Faith
The following is the testimony of faith that one must pronounce to embrace Islam. It reflects the truth, beauty, and simplicity of the Islamic faith:
“I testify that there is no God but Allah, and I further testify that Muhammad – peace be upon him – is the messenger of Allah.”
Ush hadu an la ilaha ilal lahu, o ush haddu anna Muhamddur rasool Allah
It will be repeated three times. Dr. Ghouse then recites Sura Ikhlas thrice.
Congratulations, you are a Muslim now, and I will share your responsibilities as a Muslim.
Sura Al-Ikhlāṣ – Declaration of God’s Unity
Sura Al-Ikhlāṣ, also known as the Declaration of God’s Unity and al-Tawhid, is the 112th chapter of the Quran. According to George Sale, this chapter is held in particular veneration by Muslims and declared, by Islamic tradition, to be equal in value to a third part of the whole Quran.
قُلۡ هُوَ ٱللَّهُ أَحَدٌ
ٱللَّهُ ٱلصَّمَدُ
لَمۡ یَلِدۡ وَلَمۡ یُولَدۡ
وَلَمۡ یَكُن لَّهُۥ كُفُوًا أَحَدُۢ
“He is the One God,
God the Eternal, the Uncaused Cause of All Being,
He begets not, and neither is He born,
and there is nothing that could be compared with Him.”
Essence of Islam – Understanding the Core Principles
The essence of Islam is the concept of peace, which represents a state of harmony.
God has programmed the universe to operate in perfect order; the planets, the Earth, the plants, and all forms of life function according to this divine programming. However, unlike the rest of creation, God has granted humans free will and intelligence, enabling us to cultivate peace and harmony.
This free will, while it can sometimes lead to conflicts within families, communities, and nations, also has the power to foster tranquility, security, and peace for all of humanity. Therefore, it is our responsibility to create harmony within us and with fellow humans, animals, plants, and the environment, for our own well-being.
The ultimate goal of humanity is to live freely and securely; we are driven to it. All that God wants is harmony in His creation.
Who Is a Muslim?
If you subscribe to the following ideals, you are identified as a subscriber, a submitter (traditional word) to the laws of nature, or a Muslim, as referenced in Quran 2:62:
- A belief in a creator known as Allah in Arabic
- Accountability of your actions
- Caring for everything in Allah’s universe
These are the basics – who is a Muslim and what is Islam.
Core Responsibilities of a Muslim
1. Be Grateful
Acknowledge and be thankful to the Creator for all the blessings we receive — nurturing from a mother, joy from siblings, health, friendships, food, and the necessities of life. Notably, a compatible spouse who fosters peace and harmony is also a blessing.
In Islam, the Creator is called Allah; other faiths may refer to the same divine entity by different names. It is recommended to read Chapter 55 of the Quran, known as Sura Rahman, especially verses 1 through 13, and reflect on each verse.
2. Be Accountable
Understand that accountability for your actions is essential. No one goes scot-free and no one escapes judgment. There will be a Day of Judgment when everyone will be assessed for their deeds.
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) encouraged living a regret-free life.
3. Show Care and Compassion
Demonstrate care and compassion towards fellow humans, animals, and the environment. All are part of God’s creation.
The goal of Islam is universal peace.
4. Be an Exemplary Citizen – Al-Amin
A Muslim is an exemplary citizen, the Al-Amin, who cares for others, tells the truth, stands up for justice, and protects the environment.
5. Uphold Core Values
Truthfulness, justice, forgiveness, and compassion are vital to being a good Muslim.
6. Promote Cohesion and Peace
Islam aims to foster cohesive and peaceful societies where everyone feels secure. The mission of Prophet Muhammad was to nurture peace and resolve conflicts.
7. Think in Terms of Universality
God is the Rabbul Aalameen, the creator, sustainer and recycler of the entire universe:
ٱلۡحَمۡدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلۡعَـٰلَمِینَ
Muhammad is mercy to humanity:
وَمَاۤ أَرۡسَلۡنَـٰكَ إِلَّا رَحۡمَةࣰ لِّلۡعَـٰلَمِینَ
As followers, we must be the Mukhlooqul Aalameen:
مخلوق لِّلۡعَـٰلَمِینَ
A being for the good of all humanity.
Certification and Recognition
The signatures of all parties, along with mine, will follow, and a certificate will be issued. Similar certificates have previously been accepted at the Saudi and Iranian embassies.
About Dr. Mike Mohamed Ghouse
Dr. Mike Mohamed Ghouse
Interfaith and Muslim Wedding Officiant (Madhun)
Washington DC
Author of American Muslim Agenda
Licensed Interfaith Marriage Minister by the American Marriage Ministries
Supporter of Muslims for Progressive Values
Director at the think tank World Muslim Congress
More about him at:
www.TheGhouseDiary.com
