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Many people throughout the world today are searching for the truth; they search for meaning in their lives, and wonder what life is all about. Men and women ask the question, why am I here? In the midst of suffering and pain, humankind calls out silently or loudly asking for relief, or understanding. In the midst of pleasure often, a person seeks to understand the source of such elation. Sometimes people contemplate accepting Islam as their true religion but find some obstacles.

In life's most joyous moments or darkest hours, a person's most instinctive reaction is to reach out for a connection to some sort of Supreme Being, to God. Even those who would consider themselves atheists or non-believers have at some stage in their lives experienced that innate sense of being part of a grand plan.

It is comforting to think that our trials, tribulations, and triumphs in this life are not random acts of a cruel unorganised universe. Belief in God, belief in One God, the Creator, and Sustainer of all that exists is a fundamental right. Knowing with certainty that our existence is part of a well-ordered world and that life is unfolding as it should is a concept that brings serenity and peace.

Sadly in this brave new century, we continue to push the boundaries and rediscover the world in all its glory but have forgotten the Creator, and forgotten that life really was meant to be easy. Finding our connection to God and establishing a relationship with Him is paramount if we are to live peacefully and throw off the shackles binding us to pain, psychological turmoil and sadness.

The religion of Islam is based on one core belief, that there is One God. He alone is the Sustainer and Creator of the Universe. He is without partners, children, or associates. He is the Most Merciful, the Most Wise, and the Most Just. He is the all Hearer, all Seer, and the All Knowing. He is the First, He is the Last.

Many people believe that their sins are too big and too frequent for God to ever forgive them. They hesitate to accept what they know is the truth because they fear they will not be able to control themselves and give up committing sins or crimes. Islam however is the religion of forgiveness and God loves to forgive. Although the sins of humankind may reach the clouds in the sky, God will forgive and go on forgiving until the Final Hour is almost upon us.

If a person truly believes that there is no god but God, he or she should accept Islam without delay. Even if they believe they will continue to sin, or if there are some aspects of Islam they do not fully understand. Belief in one God is the most fundamental belief in Islam and once a person establishes a connection with God changes will occur in their lives; changes they would not have believed possible.

God is the Most Merciful, oft Forgiving.

"And to God belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. He forgives whom He wills, and punishes whom He wills. And God is oft Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Quran 3:129)

There is however, one sin that God will not forgive and that is the sin of ascribing partners or associates to God. A Muslim believes that God is One, without partners, offspring, or associates. He is the only One worthy of worship.

"Say (O Muhammad), He is Allah, (the) One. Allah-us-Samad (The Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, He neither eats nor drinks). He begets not, nor was He begotten; And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him." (Quran 112)

"Verily, God forgives not that partners should be set up with Him (in worship), but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He wills." (Quran 4:48)

It may seem strange to say that God is the Most Merciful, and stress that Islam is the religion of forgiveness while also saying that there is one unforgivable sin. This is not a strange or unreliable concept when you understand that this grave sin is only unforgivable if a person dies without repenting to God. At any time, up until a sinful person draws his last breath he or she may turn sincerely to God and ask for forgiveness, knowing that God truly is the Most Merciful Oft Forgiving. Sincere repentance assures God's forgiveness.

"Say to those who have disbelieved, if they cease (from disbelief), their past will be forgiven." (Quran 8:38)

Prophet Muhammad, may God praise him, said: "God will accept His slave's repentance so long as the death rattle has not yet reached his throat." Prophet Muhammad also said, "Islam destroys that which came before it (sins)".

Accepting Islam and pronouncing the words known as the Shahada or testimony of faith, (I testify "La ilah illa Allah, Muhammad rasoolu Allah."), wipes a person's slate clean. He or she becomes like a newborn baby, completely free from sin. It is a new beginning, where one's past sins can no longer hold a person captive. There is no need to be haunted by past sins. Every new Muslim becomes unburdened and free to live a life based on the fundamental belief that God is One.

Once a person has accepted the truth of Islam, thus accepting that there is no god but God alone, there is time for him to learn about his religion. There is time for him to understand the inspirational beauty and ease of Islam, and to learn about all the prophets and messengers of Islam including the last prophet, Muhammad. If God should decree that a person's life would end soon after accepting Islam it could be seen as a sign of the mercy of God; for a person as pure as a newborn baby would be destined for eternal paradise; by the mercy of God, and His infinite wisdom.

When a person is contemplating accepting Islam, many of the barriers that he or she perceives are nothing more than illusions and tricks from Satan. It is clear that once a person has been chosen by God, Satan will do his upmost to lead that person astray and bombard them with small whispers and doubts. The religion of Islam is a gift, and just like any other gift it must be accepted, and opened before the true worth of its contents can be revealed. Islam is a way of life that makes eternal bliss in the hereafter an achievable dream. There is no god but God, the One the Only, the First and the Last. Knowing Him is the key to success and accepting Islam is the first step on a journey to the Hereafter... :)