Answer
Short Answer:
- Simply partaking in rituals without belief in them or believing in the absolute Oneness of God and acceptance of His last and final Messenger Muhammad, of course, does not make you a Muslim.
- Becoming a Muslim is an honor granted to sincere seekers who truly wholeheartedly desire it. Islam is not a false religion like you were told. Rather, Islam is the same religion and the only religion that the Creator has sent from the beginning of time.
- God doesn’t change His mind, nor send several contradictory religions. God sent the same message of pure monotheism (Tawheed: pure submission to Him alone) with all His Messengers.
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Hello Sir,
Thank you for sending us your question and for wanting to double-check information and learn more about Islam humbly, sincerely and eagerly. Your efforts are appreciated. May The Almighty One & Only God guide you to answers that soothe your heart and mind, and bring you all goodness in this life and the next.
Can a non-Muslim have a hands-on experience of Islam?
Yes, of course. People from all backgrounds are most welcome to learn thoroughly about Islam directly from primary sources: from the Quran (the Direct Word of God) and from Muslims and knowledgeable scholars of Islam. The best way to learn about someone is from them directly to hear their own perspectives because this gives the most accurate understanding.
Please know that we all have the same One & Only Creator that we worship. Muslims (which means in Arabic those who submit to The One & Only God), direct their hearts, minds, and limbs in prayer every day to the One Deity of the Heavens and the Earth and everything therein.
{And your god is one God. There is no deity [worthy of worship] except Him, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.} (Quran 2:163)
Allah in Arabic means ‘The God’, The One & Only Deity of all mankind. The knowledge about Him in the Quran and in the sayings of Prophet Muhammad really enrich the soul as it gives a full and clear understanding of who He is and what He wants from us, and this gives meaning and tranquility to the mind and the heart. You can read about the Beautiful Names and Attributes of Allah.
One idea for you is to call your nearest mosque/Islamic center and ask them to arrange an introductory session for you about Allah, Islam, and its rituals.
Does partaking in rituals mean you’ve become Muslim?
Simply partaking in rituals without belief in them or believing in the absolute Oneness of God and acceptance of His last and final Messenger Muhammad, of course, does not make you a Muslim.
Becoming a Muslim is an honor granted to sincere seekers who truly wholeheartedly desire it. It is not merely granted by doing some rituals without sincere belief. It is not like people will be ‘captured’ once they do some Islamic rituals. Rather, Allah (God Almighty) wants from people their hearts and their sincerity. And the Noble Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Verily actions are by intentions, and for every person is what he intended.” [Sahih al Bukhari]
If you don’t intend to be a Muslim and you don’t intend by the practices sincere devotion to God and following of His final Revelation and submission to Him, then, of course, you won’t be a Muslim and it won’t be an act rewarded the same way Muslims are rewarded for their acts of worship.
Islam is not about void or empty words or practices, it is about one’s true state of submission to the One & Only Creator, Sustainer and Master of all the worlds without associating anyone or anything with Him, and to accept His Direct Verbatim Revelation (the Quran) and accept all His Messengers.
Common Ground
And there is a lot of common ground between us. Muslims pray even the same way Jesus (peace be upon him) prayed while putting his forehead on the ground in humble prostration and submission to his Lord.
Throughout the Quran, you will realize that it is God’s Direct Word addressing all mankind.
{O mankind, there has come to you instruction from your Lord and healing for what is in the chests and guidance and mercy for the believers.} (Quran 10:57)
{O mankind, the Messenger has come to you with the truth from your Lord, so believe; it is better for you. But if you disbelieve – then indeed, to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and earth. And ever is Allah Knowing and Wise.} (Quran 4:170)
{O mankind! Remember Allah’s grace toward you! Is there any creator other than Allah who provides for you from the sky and the earth? There is no deity [worthy of worship] except Him, how then are you turning away?} (Quran: 35:3)
{This [Quran] is a clear statement to [all] the people and a guidance and instruction for those conscious of God.} (Quran 3:138)
Is Islam a false religion?
Islam is not a false religion like you were told. Rather, Islam is the same religion and the only religion that the Creator has sent from the beginning of time. He Almighty is All-Wise, He doesn’t change His mind, nor send several contradictory religions.
God sent the same message of pure monotheism (Tawheed: pure submission to Him alone) with all His Messengers.
Islam is the state of humble submission to the Creator, the realization of His unrivaled Power and acknowledgment of man’s purpose in life and purpose of creation which is to deeply know, connect with and worship The One God alone. We believe in all Prophets and all of them; from Adam to Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all) all of them were Muslims (i.e. submitting to The Creator).
He Almighty sent revelations before like the Torah to Prophet Moses and the Gospels (Injeel) to Prophet Jesus (peace be upon them). However, it is academically known that these scriptures currently (Torah & Gospels) have been edited, and they are not in their pure form as the Direct Word of God.
This is why He sent the last and final message, which is the Quran, and it has been preserved in its original form, absolutely protected, unedited for all mankind to hear the Direct Word of God Himself.
For your learning journey, here is a free online Quran website. You can listen to the Quran as it is essentially a ‘Recitation’ to be heard. Navigate through it with an open heart and mind. You can start with the Opening Chapter, called The Opener.
Other recommended resources
The Quran Explained to non-Muslims
Explanation of the Beautiful Names Of Allah (Part 1) – ALLAH- By Ustadh Muhammad Tim Humble
Nouman Ali Khan – Quran Speaks: A Message for Humanity