On this page we would like to addres new muslims and everything they encounter in the beginning of their lives as a Muslim, for example we would like to explain all kind of situations, events and also new words and rituals.

As a New Muslim(ah) you might have a lot of questions.
There are some questions we hear more often than others. Here are some of the most heard:

Q: As a New Muslim, do I have to change my name?
A: There is no need to change your name, only when your (birth) name has a bad meaning in Arabic or if it is related to an other religion. But if you feel like changing your name there is no reason why you should not. Because when you become a Muslim you feel all new and a new name might just feel right.

Q:What does "Al Hamdoulilah" mean?
A:Alhamdulillah means "Praise to God" in Arabic.In everyday speech it simply means "Thank God!"
The phrase is first found in the second verse of the first surah of the Qur'an.
In Islam, Alhamdulillah is used in the following situations:
After sneezing:
Alhamdu lillahi 'ala kull-lee ha-leen
Thanks and all praise be to Allah under all conditions.
Waking up:
Alhamdulillah-hillathee ah-yana ba'da ma ama tana wa ilayhi nushoor.
Many thanks to Allah who has given us life after having giving us death (sleep) and that our final return (on the Day of Qiyaamah End of the world) is to Him.

Q:What does "Insha Allah" mean?
A:Insha'Allah is an Arabic phrase evoked by Muslims to indicate hope for an aforementioned event to occur in the future. The closest equivalent English phrase is "God willing", though the Arabic term bears a stronger religious connotation.
Usage of Insha'Allah derives from Islamic scripture, Surat Al Kahf (18):23 : "And never say of anything, 'I shall do such and such thing tomorrow. Except (with the saying): 'If Allah wills!' And remember your lord when you forget..."

Q: What does "Masha' Allah" mean?
A: Masha'Allah is an Arabic phrase evoked by Muslims to indicate appreciation for an aforementioned individual or event. The closest English translation is "God has willed it," the past tense of God's will accentuating the essential Islamic doctrine of belief in fate. It is used to show joy and praise.

Q: What does" Subhan'Allah" mean?
A: Subhan'allah is an Arabic phrase literally meaning "Perfect Glory is to God". It is commonly used by Muslims as an exclamation of joy or relief after tenuous times. It is to be understood in same sense as "hallelujah" in a Christian church.