Pointing out the pillars of Islam and Iman for those who want to embrace Islam

A: The Messenger of Allah used to order those who wanted to embrace Islam to testify that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, and if they respond he would invite them to the rest of the Islamic Laws. Al-Bukhari and Muslim (may Allah be merciful to them) related on the authority of Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) that when the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) sent Mu`adh to Yemen (as governor), he told him: You will come upon People of the Book (Jews and Christians), the first thing you should invite them to is to testify that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah and in another narration call them to Tawhid (Monotheism) and in a third narration: invite them to testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and that I am His Messenger. If they obey you, inform them that Allah had ordained for them five prayers each day and night. If they obey you, tell them that Allah has made it obligatory for them to pay Zakah (Part No. 3; Page No. 385) which will be taken from the rich among them and given to the poor among them. If they obey you in that, avoid taking the best of their possessions, and be afraid of the curse of an oppressed person because there is no screen between his invocation and Allah. It is also related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim on the authority of Sahl ibn Sa`d Al-Sa`idy that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said to `Aly (may Allah be pleased with him) when he gave him the banner on the Day of Khaybar Advance cautiously until you reach their open places; thereafter, invite them to Islam and inform them what is obligatory for them from the Rights of Allah, for, by Allah, if Allah guides even one person through you that is better for you than possessing a whole lot of red camels. And in another narration: Invite them to testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the Messenger of Allah. It is related by Abu Dawud and Al-Nasa'y on the authority of Qays ibn `Asim a Hadith that indicates the legality of performing Ghusl (ritual bath) for whoever wants to embrace Islam. Those two people should perform ghusl, testify that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger. They should also be taken to the Masjid after performing the ritual bath, and appear before an Islamic (Shari`ah) Court to attest their conversion to Islam. With regard to circumcision, it is obligatory for men and an act of Sunnah for women. It is permissible for whoever wants to embrace Islam to delay (Part No. 3; Page No. 386) circumcision until he believes with all his heart.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.