I received an email yesterday with regards to conversion certificates for new Muslims who want to go for Umrah.
There are no formal requirements when you become Muslim. You can say the shahada (testimony of faith) in any place with a couple of witnesses. Islam is in your heart rather than on paper… that is until you have to go for Umrah.
For those who convert to Islam having a certificate of conversion is essential if they want to go for Umrah or Hajj. It is their proof that they are Muslims since only Muslims are allowed in Makkah and Medinah.
When I became a Muslim I didn’t have one. I said my Shahada with few friends and never bothered going to the mosque to issue one. Until one day I needed to issue my visa and prove I am a Muslim. Since my hijab is not a strong evidence of being a Muslim I went to my local mosque and requested one.
Usually there will be at least one mosque that can provide you with a certificate and it is vital to receive one.
When I went to issue my conversion certificate the process was simple. I was asked to say the shahada again in front of the Imam and the administration. That’s it. It took less than 10 minutes and they even backdated it to the date I became Muslim. It was a nice gesture.
Now every time I apply for an Umrah visa I need to submit my conversion certificate again. So if you are a convert it is important to have one and keep it safe.
My advice will be to also make a copy of it since last time the agency almost didn’t return the original.
- Call couple of local mosques and ask them if they issue a certificate, many will do because it is needed for marriage and Umrah.
- If you say your shahada in a mosque, ask them to provide you with one.
- Keep a copy of your certificate and give that instead of your original
- You also don’t have to change your name if you don’t want ( they asked me what my Muslim name will be and I said Elena 😉 )
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Hardika
Monday 6th of March 2023
Assalamualaekum. I am a revert Alhamdulillah. And I want to go for umrah but I don’t have a Muslim Mehram. How can I perform umrah? Please help me.
Muslim Travel Girl
Saturday 11th of March 2023
Yes you can go on your own
Marvelyn Ruiz FUENTES
Wednesday 1st of March 2023
Assalamu alaikum I converted as Muslim since 2020 but I don't have certification being converted B'coz I did shahadat to my boss daughter. How can I get? And I want to go for umrah I am married in Christian bfore but already separated it is possible I can go for umrah?
Muslim Travel Girl
Saturday 11th of March 2023
You can go to Umrah yes but if you want the certificate you can go to the local mosque and do it there, its what i did and it was easy.
Nitu
Monday 25th of July 2022
Assalam Alaikum I m conerted to Islam n married to a Muslim boy, can go for umrah? Nikahanama n conversion certificate is notarized from court.
Muslim Travel Girl
Monday 25th of July 2022
Yes, you can. If you are holding EU, American or other passports eligible for tourist visa it is even easier. check out the article on the tourist visa
Aayat khan
Sunday 13th of December 2020
Assalawalekum appi. I want to know that my husband is a converted muslim and we want to go for hajj inshallah. He has his shahada certificate that we got from a mosque but in his ID card his name is hindu and religion is hindu and we could not change it due to his job. Can we still go for hajj?
Muslim Travel Girl
Tuesday 22nd of December 2020
Your agent will know best, but I don't see why.
Hamran
Saturday 14th of March 2020
When I converted, I was given a certificate and an affidavit to show that I am Muslim. But, I misplaced them while I was moving to another city. Will it be possible for to me to replace them both? Or what can I do to have them replaced?
Muslim Travel Girl
Tuesday 17th of March 2020
The best way is to go get a new one. They were kind enough to let me backdate mine so they might do that too. If you have a local mosque just go there.