Chicagoland & online
GainPeace
Ask for one-to-one mentorship, new Muslim classes, or help finding community.
Find supportA WELCOME FOR EVERY JOURNEY
A place for new Muslims to find their people, ask questions, and take the next step in faith with someone by their side.
Starting in Chicagoland, with room to grow.
01 CONNECTION
Meet someone who understands what it’s like to be new, find a mentor, or get in touch with an organization ready to help.
Chicagoland & online
Ask for one-to-one mentorship, new Muslim classes, or help finding community.
Find supportBridgeview, Illinois
Contact the local mosque about a first visit, community programs, or speaking with an imam.
Visit the mosque siteOnline
Browse beginner-friendly courses on belief and daily Muslim practice.
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MEMBER MAP
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Broad regions only. No live location or addresses.
02 LEARNING
Start here if you’re exploring Islam or are new to the faith. Each short lesson includes a practical next step.
Muslims believe in one God, the Creator, who alone is worthy of worship. Allah is the Arabic word for God. The oneness of God is called tawḥīd.
Try this Read the short chapter Al-Ikhlāṣ and note what it says about God.
Read Qur’an 112The shahada is the testimony that none is worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is His messenger. The other pillars are the five daily prayers, obligatory almsgiving (zakāh), fasting in Ramadan, and pilgrimage to Makkah for those able to undertake it.
Try this Try explaining each pillar in one sentence. Bring your questions to a mentor.
Read the Hadith of Gabriel (English)Ṣalāh is the prescribed prayer. Muslims pray at five times throughout the day and face the Kaaba in Makkah. Wuḍūʾ is the ritual washing commonly performed before prayer. Al-Fātiḥah is the opening chapter of the Qur’an and a core recitation in the prayer.
Try this Listen to Al-Fātiḥah while reading its meaning. Ask someone to walk you through the movements and recitation.
Listen to and read Al-FātiḥahMuslims believe the Qur’an is revelation from God to Prophet Muhammad, the final messenger. The Sunnah is his example. Hadith are reports that preserve his teachings and practices.
Try this Read a short passage in a language you understand. Write down one question to explore.
Explore the Qur’anIn Ramadan, Muslims who are required to fast abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset. There are exemptions in situations such as illness and travel. Ramadan is also a time for prayer, generosity, and reflection.
Try this Read the passage about fasting. A local mentor can help you prepare for your first Ramadan.
Read Qur’an 2:183Islam calls Muslims to worship God and treat people with honesty, care, and generosity. Zakāh is obligatory for those who meet its conditions. Ṣadaqah is voluntary charity and can include acts of kindness.
Try this Choose one small act of service this week. Ask a friend to join you.
Read Qur’an 49:13Build a foundation in belief, prayer, and everyday practice at your own pace.
See lessonsPractice sharing Islam with wisdom, empathy, and respect for the person in front of you.
See lessonsCompare viewpoints fairly, check sources, and stay constructive when you disagree.
See lessonsStart with the meaning of the shahada, learning how to pray, and finding someone you trust to ask questions. Pick one short lesson for today and write down one question for a mentor.
New Muslim AcademyAsk a mentor to walk through wudu and a prayer with you. If you feel comfortable, arrange a first mosque visit together and ask what to expect.
GainPeace mentoringAsk what brought up the question. Repeat what you heard and check that you understood it. Ask whether the other person would like to hear the Muslim perspective.
Qur’an 16:125In a minute, explain what Muslims mean by worshipping God alone. Try it with a partner and ask which words felt unclear. If a question goes beyond what you know, offer to look it up together.
iERA outreach resourcesIn a practice dialogue, have each person state the other’s position in their own words. Let the other person correct it before you raise an objection. Name one point of agreement.
Qur’an 29:46Write one conclusion, the premises supporting it, and the strongest objection you can find. Separate claims about history from claims about theology. Check quotations in context and identify which premise remains disputed.
Qur’an 16:125RESOURCE LIBRARY
Browse beginner-friendly books, video channels, and podcasts. Each resource shows its language.
Asad Tarsin’s guide to belief and everyday practice for new Muslims.
Read and listen to the Qur’an in Arabic.
Read the full Spanish edition online, including an introduction to basic beliefs and practices.
Read a Spanish translation and listen to the Arabic recitation.
Talks and series on the Qur’an, Islamic history, and spiritual life.
Spanish-language talks, community stories, and introductions to Islam.
Yaqeen’s series of conversations reflecting on sections of the Qur’an.
Spanish-language conversations on Islam and Muslim life, with links to podcast apps.
03 COMMUNITY SERVICE
Find a way to serve with your time. Check current dates and requirements with each organizer.
Greater Chicago Food Depository · Chicago, IL
Help sort and repack groceries for distribution. Register directly for an available shift.
View volunteer opportunitiesRefugeeOne · Chicago, IL
Explore volunteer roles supporting refugees as they settle in Chicago. Check the time commitments for each role.
View volunteer opportunities04 COMMUNITY FORUM
Ask a question, share an idea, or talk with others about learning, service, and da’wah. English, Spanish, and Arabic are welcome.
Disagree with ideas respectfully. Keep personal details out of posts. Your profile display name appears with each post.
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