Q. Is it enough that just by reciting the Shahadah one will enter Jannah.
A. First we must understand the meaning of 'Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah' because it is on this statement that you make the contract between you and Allah. Before you make or sign any contract you must read it very carefully making sure you understand every word in it.

Its meaning is 'I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah'. This worship does not confine itself only to prayer but taking into consideration that everything for the Muslim is an act of Ibadah - worship - it therefore encompasses everything that Allah enjoined upon the Muslim, that which is pleasing to Him and endears His servant to Him. You have given your word to Allah and the responsibility now lies with you.

The Qur'an reminds us 'Truly, my prayer and my sacrifice, my life and my death are all for God the Cherisher and Sustainer of all the worlds' (6 - 162). How then are we to dedicate our lives to Allah if we do not do what He has requested of us and leave what He abhors until our meeting with Him, which must be the ultimate purpose of all our lives.

We are also reminded to die in the state of Islam - having made the contract with Allah we must carry out our duties as a Muslim until the moment of death - only then are we released from our contract.
Q. Is it necessary to have a Shahadah certificate as proof of your being a Muslim?
A. There is nothing in Islam, in the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions, nor do the scholars advocate the provision of Shahadah certificates to those who accept Islam. It should be quite clearly understood that such a certificate has nothing to do with taking Shahadah. If there is another reason however, like the need for such a provision for travelling, legal purpose or to convince stubborn family members of your commitment to Islam, then it should be available to those who need it.

Q. What is the opinion on circumcision - is it recommended or compulsory?
A. We must refer to the sources - the Qur'an, where there is no mention of anything relating to circumcision, and the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad where we find our evidence. Here we find that it is a Sunnah - it is recommended in that it is a good thing to do but that it is not a must.

For a Muslim society where children are born into Islam it should be part of normal practice. For those who become Muslim, and are mature of age or old and find it difficult for them to contemplate or do, they have the option to choose not to do it. This is the opinion of Imam Hanbal and since there is nothing in theSunnah of the Prophet PBUH that circumcision is a must we should accept it. He is also of the opinion that in a Muslim society where parents have neglected to carry out this duty for their son who has now matured, he too is not obliged at this stage to have it done.

It is enough that those new to Islam are made aware of the fact that it is Sunnah - that it is liked. Thereafter the decision lies with the individual.