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New Muslim’s Guide to Oklahoma

Getting Started in Islam

Photo of khalid khalidOctober 11, 2025
0 5 12 minutes read

Introduction

As-salamu alaykum and welcome to Islam! Whether you just took your Shahadah (declaration of faith) or are considering embracing Islam, this guide is designed specifically for you as a new Muslim in Oklahoma. We understand that beginning this journey can feel overwhelming, so we’ve created this comprehensive resource to help you navigate your first steps as a Muslim in the Sooner State.

Taking the Shahadah is just the beginning of a beautiful, lifelong journey of faith, learning, and spiritual growth. You are not alone—Oklahoma has a welcoming, supportive Muslim community ready to help you every step of the way.

Your First Steps as a New Muslim

1. Understanding Your Shahadah

If you’ve already taken your Shahadah (testified that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His messenger), congratulations! This simple yet profound declaration makes you a Muslim. If you haven’t yet but are considering it, know that you can take your Shahadah:

  • At any mosque in Oklahoma (all mosques welcome new Muslims)
  • With any Muslim as a witness
  • Online with virtual support if needed
  • In your heart between you and Allah (though having witnesses is recommended)

The Shahadah in Arabic: “Ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Allah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasulu Allah”

In English: “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah”

2. Connect with a Mosque Immediately

Your first and most important step is connecting with a local mosque (masjid). Oklahoma mosques are welcoming communities eager to support new Muslims.

Why connecting with a mosque matters:

  • Provides mentorship and guidance
  • Offers structured learning opportunities
  • Connects you with other new Muslims
  • Gives you a spiritual home
  • Provides community support and friendship

Which mosque should you choose?

Choose the mosque closest to you or where you feel most comfortable:

First visit tips:

  • Visit during Friday prayer (Jumu’ah) around 12:30-1:30 PM
  • Introduce yourself to the imam or anyone at the front desk
  • Tell them you’re a new Muslim—they will be thrilled to meet you
  • Women should bring a headscarf (most mosques have extras available)
  • Remove shoes before entering the prayer area
  • Dress modestly (covered arms and legs)

3. Find a Mentor or Support Group

Most Oklahoma mosques have new Muslim programs or can connect you with:

  • New Muslim mentors: Experienced Muslims who guide new converts
  • New Muslim support groups: Meet others on the same journey
  • Sisters’ or brothers’ circles: Gender-specific study and support groups
  • Online communities: For additional support between mosque visits

Don’t hesitate to ask for help! The Muslim community understands that everything is new, and they genuinely want to support you.

Learning Your Faith: A Step-by-Step Approach

Month 1: The Essentials

Priority 1: Learn to Pray (Salah)

Prayer is the foundation of Islam and your direct connection to Allah. Don’t worry about perfection—start where you are.

What you need to learn:

  • The five daily prayers and their times
  • How to perform wudu (ablution/washing before prayer)
  • Basic prayer movements and positions
  • What to recite in prayer (start with short surahs)

Resources:

  • Ask your mosque for a prayer guide
  • Request a prayer buddy who can pray with you
  • Watch YouTube tutorials (search “how to pray salah for beginners”)
  • Download prayer apps: Muslim Pro, Athan, or Salat Time
  • Many mosques offer “Learn to Pray” classes

Start small:

  • Week 1: Learn wudu and one prayer
  • Week 2: Add another prayer
  • Week 3: Learn short surahs (Al-Fatihah, Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, An-Nas)
  • Week 4: Practice all five prayers (even if you’re still learning)

Important: It’s okay to pray in English at first while you learn Arabic. Allah understands your intention.

Priority 2: Learn About the Five Pillars

The Five Pillars are the foundation of Islamic practice:

  1. Shahadah (Declaration of Faith) – You’ve done this!
  2. Salah (Five Daily Prayers) – Your immediate focus
  3. Zakat (Charitable Giving) – 2.5% of savings annually (not required until you have wealth above a certain threshold)
  4. Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan) – Required after your first Ramadan as a Muslim
  5. Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca) – Required once in a lifetime if financially and physically able

Priority 3: Essential Beliefs (Iman)

Learn about the Six Articles of Faith:

  1. Belief in Allah (God)
  2. Belief in Angels
  3. Belief in Revelations (Quran, Torah, Gospel, Psalms, etc.)
  4. Belief in Prophets (Adam to Muhammad, peace be upon them all)
  5. Belief in the Day of Judgment
  6. Belief in Divine Decree (Qadr)

Months 2-3: Building Your Practice

Quranic Arabic Basics

  • Learn the Arabic alphabet
  • Practice reading Arabic (even if you don’t understand yet)
  • Memorize short surahs for prayer
  • Listen to Quran recitation daily

Understanding the Quran

  • Get an English translation (recommended: Sahih International or Clear Quran)
  • Read a little each day with translation
  • Join a Quran study circle at your mosque
  • Many mosques offer Quran classes for beginners

Prophetic Traditions (Hadith)

  • Learn about the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
  • Read beginner hadith books like Riyadh as-Saliheen
  • Understand how hadith complement the Quran

Months 4-6: Deepening Your Knowledge

Islamic History and Scholarship

Practical Islamic Living

  • Learn about halal and haram (permissible and forbidden)
  • Understand Islamic dietary laws
  • Study Islamic manners and character (adab and akhlaq)
  • Learn about family life in Islam

Practical Life Changes

Dietary Adjustments

Understanding Halal (Permissible)

  • Most foods are halal by default
  • Meat must be zabiha (Islamically slaughtered) or kosher
  • Seafood is generally permissible (with some scholarly differences)
  • Vegetarian and vegan foods are usually safe

What to Avoid (Haram)

  • Pork and pork products (including gelatin from pork)
  • Alcohol and intoxicants
  • Meat not slaughtered according to Islamic law
  • Any food with haram ingredients

Where to Shop in Oklahoma:

Practical tips:

  • Read ingredient labels carefully
  • Look for kosher certification as an alternative
  • Many chain restaurants offer vegetarian options
  • Pack lunches until you find reliable halal options
  • Download apps like Zabihah to find halal restaurants

Dress Code (Hijab and Modest Clothing)

For Women:

  • Hijab (headscarf) is required in the presence of non-mahram (marriageable) men
  • Clothing should be loose, opaque, and cover everything except face and hands
  • Start at your own pace—many new Muslims gradually adopt hijab
  • Local Muslim women can help you learn to tie hijab
  • Oklahoma weather: lightweight fabrics for summer, layering for winter

For Men:

  • Cover from navel to knee minimum
  • Modest, non-revealing clothing
  • Many Muslim men wear thobes (long shirts) for prayer or special occasions

Where to shop:

  • Online: Modanisa, Haute Hijab, Lala Hijabs, SHUKR
  • Local: Check with mosque sisters for local modest clothing stores
  • Mainstream stores: Many carry modest options (maxi skirts, long sleeves, etc.)

Social Life Adjustments

Navigating Relationships:

  • Islam prohibits dating; courtship is for marriage purposes with family involvement
  • Friendships with opposite gender should be respectful and purposeful
  • Inform close friends and family about your faith transition
  • Set boundaries respectfully (declining alcohol, pork, etc.)

Family Dynamics:

  • Your family may struggle with your conversion—be patient
  • Demonstrate Islam through your improved character
  • Maintain family ties (Islam strongly encourages this)
  • Resources available for dealing with family challenges
  • Consider family counseling through Muslim organizations

Workplace Considerations:

  • Legally, employers must accommodate prayer time and Friday prayers
  • Communicate your needs professionally
  • CAIR Oklahoma can help with workplace discrimination
  • Many Oklahoma employers are accommodating

School Adjustments (for students):

Community Integration

Getting Involved

Mosque Activities:

  • Attend Friday prayers (Jumu’ah) regularly
  • Join educational classes and study circles
  • Volunteer for community service projects
  • Participate in social events and potlucks
  • Attend Ramadan iftar meals

Youth Programs (if applicable):

Social Connections:

  • Attend sisters’ or brothers’ gatherings
  • Join Islamic book clubs
  • Participate in community sports leagues
  • Connect through mosque social media groups

Making Muslim Friends

Why community matters:

  • Provides spiritual support and accountability
  • Offers practical help and advice
  • Creates sense of belonging
  • Helps you stay committed to your faith

How to build friendships:

  • Be consistent in mosque attendance
  • Volunteer for events
  • Ask questions and show genuine interest
  • Invite others for coffee or meals
  • Join social media groups for Oklahoma Muslims

Handling Challenges

Common Struggles for New Muslims

1. Feeling Overwhelmed

  • Solution: Take it one step at a time; Allah doesn’t burden you beyond your capacity
  • Focus on prayer first, then gradually add other practices
  • Remember: Islam is a marathon, not a sprint
  • Don’t compare yourself to born Muslims who’ve had years of practice

2. Making Mistakes

  • Solution: Allah is Most Forgiving; sincere repentance erases sins
  • Missing prayers, eating something haram accidentally, forgetting rules—it happens
  • Learn from mistakes and keep moving forward
  • Seek knowledge to avoid future mistakes

3. Family Opposition

  • Solution: Be patient, kind, and demonstrate Islam through your character
  • Don’t argue or become confrontational
  • Give them time to adjust
  • CAIR Oklahoma offers resources for new Muslims with family challenges
  • Join support groups with others facing similar situations

4. Cultural vs. Religious Confusion

  • Solution: Learn to distinguish cultural practices from Islamic requirements
  • Not all Muslim cultural practices are religiously mandated
  • Focus on Quran and authentic Hadith as primary sources
  • Ask scholars when confused about what’s required vs. cultural

5. Loneliness

  • Solution: Actively seek community connections
  • Attend mosque events consistently
  • Reach out to new Muslim coordinators
  • Join online communities for additional support
  • Remember: Allah is always with you

6. Learning Arabic

  • Solution: Start with prayer Arabic, then expand gradually
  • Use transliteration at first
  • Watch videos, use apps, take classes
  • Many Oklahoma mosques offer Arabic classes
  • Remember: Understanding comes with time

When You Need Help

CAIR Oklahoma (Council on American-Islamic Relations)

  • Website: cairoklahoma.com
  • Provides legal help, advocacy, and resources
  • Can assist with discrimination issues
  • Offers educational materials

Local Imams and Scholars

  • Available at all major mosques
  • Can answer religious questions
  • Provide spiritual guidance
  • Offer counseling services

Mental Health Support

  • Seek Muslim counselors when possible (ask at mosque)
  • Mental health is important in Islam
  • Many therapists understand religious transitions
  • Don’t hesitate to seek professional help

Important Islamic Occasions

Weekly Events

Jumu’ah (Friday Prayer)

  • Congregational prayer with sermon (khutbah)
  • Replaces Dhuhr (noon) prayer on Fridays
  • Typically held around 12:30-1:30 PM
  • Attendance required for men, recommended for women
  • Great opportunity for community connection

Annual Celebrations

Ramadan (Fasting Month)

  • 9th month of Islamic calendar (dates vary yearly)
  • Fast from dawn to sunset
  • Special nightly prayers (Taraweeh)
  • Increased worship, charity, and Quran reading
  • Community iftar meals (breaking fast together)
  • Your first Ramadan: Ease into fasting, attend iftars, experience the spiritual atmosphere

Eid al-Fitr

  • Celebration marking end of Ramadan
  • Special morning prayer
  • Giving charity (Zakat al-Fitr)
  • Festive meals and gatherings
  • Exchanging gifts
  • Oklahoma mosques host large Eid prayers

Eid al-Adha

  • Celebration during Hajj season
  • Commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice
  • Special morning prayer
  • Animal sacrifice (Qurbani) shared with needy
  • Festive meals and family gatherings

Islamic New Year

  • First day of Muharram (1st Islamic month)
  • Quiet reflection, not a major celebration

Mawlid (Prophet’s Birthday)

  • Some Muslims celebrate, others don’t
  • Varies by community
  • Check with your local mosque

Essential Resources for New Muslims

Books for Beginners

Islamic Basics:

  • “Being Muslim: A Practical Guide” by Asad Tarsin
  • “The New Muslim Guide” by Fahd Salem Bahammam
  • “Even Angels Ask: A Journey to Islam in America” by Jeffrey Lang (for converts)
  • “Islam: A Short Introduction” by Karen Armstrong
  • “In the Footsteps of the Prophet” by Tariq Ramadan

Learning Prayer:

  • “A Simple Guide to Prayer in Islam” (various authors)
  • “My Prayer Book” (for visual learners)

Quran:

  • “The Clear Quran” translation by Dr. Mustafa Khattab
  • “The Study Quran” with commentary (for deeper understanding)
  • Start with shorter surahs (chapters) from the end of the Quran

Apps and Online Resources

Prayer & Quran Apps:

  • Muslim Pro (prayer times, Quran, qibla)
  • Athan (prayer reminders)
  • Quran.com (online Quran with translations)
  • Bayyinah TV (Arabic learning)

Learning Apps:

  • Quran Academy (Tajweed and memorization)
  • Arabic Alphabet (learning Arabic letters)
  • Islamic Relief (charity and giving)

Websites:

Oklahoma-Specific:

YouTube Channels

For New Muslims:

For Learning:

Your First Year Timeline

Month 1: Foundation

  • [ ] Take Shahadah (if not already)
  • [ ] Connect with local mosque (find mosques here)
  • [ ] Find a mentor
  • [ ] Learn wudu and one prayer
  • [ ] Start learning basic Islamic beliefs

Month 2-3: Building Blocks

  • [ ] Master all five daily prayers
  • [ ] Begin reading Quran with translation
  • [ ] Learn short surahs for prayer
  • [ ] Adjust diet to halal
  • [ ] Attend Friday prayers regularly

Month 4-6: Growing

  • [ ] Join study circles or classes
  • [ ] Make Muslim friends
  • [ ] Learn about Prophet Muhammad’s life
  • [ ] Begin learning Arabic alphabet
  • [ ] Volunteer at mosque

Month 7-9: Deepening

  • [ ] Study Islamic history
  • [ ] Memorize more Quran
  • [ ] Increase voluntary worship
  • [ ] Give charity regularly
  • [ ] Share Islam with respectful discussions

Month 10-12: Maturing

  • [ ] Experience your first Ramadan
  • [ ] Celebrate Eid with community
  • [ ] Consider taking formal classes
  • [ ] Mentor newer Muslims if possible
  • [ ] Reflect on your growth

Special Considerations

For Different Demographics

Young Professionals:

  • Balancing work and prayer
  • Building Muslim social networks
  • Finding halal lunch options
  • Professional Muslim networking groups

College Students:

  • Join MSA immediately (OU, OSU, UCO, TU)
  • Prayer on campus
  • Halal dining options
  • Islamic student activities and retreats

Parents with Children:

  • Teaching Islam to kids
  • Finding Islamic schools or Sunday schools
  • Muslim children’s activities
  • Parenting in Islam classes

Seniors:

  • Adjusting to new faith later in life
  • Finding age-appropriate learning
  • Building community connections
  • Health considerations for worship

Married Couples (where one converts):

  • Navigating interfaith marriage temporarily
  • Encouraging spouse gently
  • Raising children with Islamic values
  • Seeking couples counseling if needed

For Those with Special Circumstances

Converts with Christian/Jewish Background:

  • Understanding commonalities between faiths
  • Maintaining family relationships
  • Explaining Islam to family
  • Resources specific to former Christians/Jews

African American Muslims:

  • Rich history of Islam in African American community
  • Connecting with historically Black mosques (like Masjid Mu’min in OKC)
  • Learning about Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, and other prominent figures

Latino/Hispanic Muslims:

  • Growing Latino Muslim community
  • Spanish-language Islamic resources
  • Cultural considerations and maintaining heritage

LGBTQ+ Individuals:

  • Navigating Islamic teachings and personal identity
  • Finding supportive communities
  • Seeking knowledgeable scholars for guidance
  • Mental health support

Long-Term Growth

Continuing Education

Formal Islamic Education:

Specialized Knowledge:

Giving Back

Ways to Serve:

  • Volunteer at mosque
  • Teach new Muslim classes
  • Mentor newer converts
  • Participate in community service
  • Support Muslim charities
  • Engage in dawah (inviting others to Islam)

Setting Goals

Spiritual Goals:

  • Memorize certain amount of Quran
  • Pray voluntary night prayers
  • Complete reading entire Quran
  • Increase in charity
  • Perform Hajj or Umrah

Knowledge Goals:

  • Complete Islamic studies program
  • Learn Arabic fluently
  • Study with scholars
  • Read classical Islamic texts
  • Understand Islamic sciences

Emergency Contacts & Support

When You Need Immediate Help

CAIR Oklahoma

Local Mosque Imams

  • Available for spiritual emergencies
  • Can provide immediate guidance
  • Often have 24/7 contact numbers

Mental Health Crisis

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
  • Muslim-specific crisis support: Khalil Center (online)
  • Local emergency services: 911

Domestic Violence

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
  • Oklahoma has Muslim resources; ask at mosque discreetly

Final Encouragement

Dear New Muslim,

Your decision to embrace Islam is one of the most significant choices of your life. The path ahead is beautiful, challenging, rewarding, and transformative. You will grow in ways you never imagined, find peace in your heart, and build connections with a global community of over 1.8 billion Muslims.

Remember these truths:

  1. Allah loves you more than you can comprehend. He guided you to Islam because He wants good for you.
  2. Mistakes don’t define you. Every Muslim struggles, learns, and grows. Perfection isn’t expected—sincere effort is.
  3. You are not alone. Oklahoma’s Muslim community is here for you. Reach out, connect, and let others support you.
  4. Take it one day at a time. Islam is a lifelong journey. Focus on today’s prayers, today’s good deeds, today’s learning.
  5. Your past is forgiven. Accepting Islam wipes away all previous sins. You start with a clean slate.
  6. Trust the process. Things that seem difficult now will become natural with time and practice.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, while there is good in both.” (Muslim)

Be strong in your faith, patient with yourself, and hopeful about your journey.

Welcome to Islam. Welcome home.

Contact MuslimOK.org

Have questions? Need help connecting with resources? Experiencing challenges? We’re here for you.

  • Email: info@muslimok.org
  • Submit Your Story: Share your journey with other new Muslims
  • Request a Mentor: We can connect you with experienced Muslims in your area

May Allah make your journey easy, increase you in knowledge and faith, and surround you with righteous companionship.

As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh
(Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you)


Have suggestions for this guide? Contact us—we’re always improving our resources for new Muslims.

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Photo of khalid khalidOctober 11, 2025
0 5 12 minutes read
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