Beyond Shahada
You don't have to navigate your first year of Islam alone. A free mentorship program connecting new Muslims with a supportive Muslim Mentor and the ASIA Center community.
Personal Support
Be paired with a caring Muslim Mentor who will check in regularly and be there for you.
Practical Guidance
Get help with prayer, wudu, and your questions, and learn about ASIA Center's classes and events.
A Welcoming Community
Feel connected, supported, and part of a community from the very beginning.
What Is Beyond Shahada?
Beyond Shahada is a free, one-year mentorship program for new Muslims 18+ who have already taken their shahada. You'll be paired with a trained Muslim Mentor who will walk alongside you, help you learn the basics, answer questions, and connect you with the ASIA Center community.
A Mentor Matched With You
We do our best to pair each new Muslim with a mentor who shares similar demographics and life experiences—considering factors such as age, cultural background, gender, and personality—so that the relationship feels natural and comfortable.
Your Muslim Mentor
Your mentor is here to support, encourage, and walk alongside you. They will:
- ✓ Check in at least once a week (by phone, text, or in person)
- ✓ Help you learn wudu and how to pray
- ✓ Answer your questions and provide encouragement
- ✓ Invite you to ASIA Center classes and events
- ✓ Help you become comfortable at the masjid
- ✓ Introduce you to the Muslim community
- ✓ Connect you with the imam or staff when needed
Your New Muslim Welcome Kit
When you join the Beyond Shahada program, you'll receive a special welcome kit which could include the following:
Your Mentor Doesn't Have Every Answer
If a question is beyond their knowledge, that's okay. They can help connect you with the imam, ASIA Center staff, or you can submit a question online.
More Than a Year
The program is structured for one year, with at least weekly check-ins. While the formal mentorship lasts a year, we hope that many mentor-mentee relationships grow into lifelong friendships.
COMMUNITY
BEGINS WITH
PEOPLE LIKE YOU.
For Our Mentors
Our mentors play a vital role in welcoming and supporting new Muslims. All mentors receive training and guidance before being paired with a new Muslim. Mentors are encouraged to attend classes and events, but it is not required. Mentors are not expected to financially support their mentees or provide additional gifts.
Sister Jennah
For questions about the Beyond Shahada program, please contact Sister Jennah.
[email protected]Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about Beyond Shahada? Here are some of the things new Muslims and mentors often want to know.
Who is Beyond Shahada for? +
Beyond Shahada is for new Muslims age 18 and older who have already taken their shahada and would like ongoing personal support as they learn and grow in Islam.
Do I need to know anything about Islam before joining? +
No. You do not need any previous Islamic knowledge or experience. Your mentor can help you with the basics, including wudu and prayer, while helping you become connected to the Muslim community.
How will I be matched with my mentor? +
We do our best to pair each new Muslim with a mentor who is a good fit based on factors such as gender, age, cultural background, and personality. Gender is always matched, while the other factors are considered where possible.
How often will my mentor check in with me? +
Mentors check in at least once a week. A check-in may happen by phone, text, or in person. Depending on the relationship, you may also spend time together at the masjid, attend an event, share a meal, or simply catch up.
How long does the mentorship last? +
The formal mentorship program lasts one year. We hope that the relationships built through Beyond Shahada continue beyond the program and grow into lifelong friendships.
What if my mentor doesn't know the answer? +
That's okay! Mentors are not expected to have every answer. If a question is beyond their knowledge, they can help connect you with the imam or ASIA Center staff. You can also submit a question online.
Does my mentor have to attend classes with me? +
Mentors are encouraged to attend ASIA Center classes and events, but they are not required to. Your mentor's role is to help you become connected to the community and encourage you to take part in opportunities that can help you grow.
Do I have to pay for a mentor? +
No. Beyond Shahada is free, and there is no cost to participate in the mentorship program.
What is included in the welcome kit? +
When you join Beyond Shahada, you'll receive a special welcome kit which could include a Qur'an, prayer mat, hijab or cap based on gender, tasbih, and a mini copy of Fortress of the Muslim for daily supplications.
Is my mentor expected to buy things for me? +
No. Mentors are not expected or required to financially support their mentees or provide additional gifts. A mentor may choose to spend their own money on something for their mentee, but this is completely optional.
How do I request a mentor? +
If you're ready to connect with a mentor, complete the Beyond Shahada application. When you apply, you'll be able to indicate that you are applying as a new Muslim. ASIA Center will review your information and work to connect you with an appropriate mentor.
How can I become a Muslim Mentor? +
Mentors must be age 18 or older and complete the mentor application process. New mentors will receive training and guidance before being paired with a new Muslim.