How can you join the Nation of Islam?
It depends on what you mean.
---------
If you are refering to Nation of Islam (NOI), this is a distinct
African-American Religion. And it must be understood that there are
big differences between the Nation of Islam (NOI) and mainstream
Islam. To convert the Nation of Islam, you must first NOT be White
or Jewish, since they reject both as being acceptable members of
the faith. You then approach a local Nation of Islam Mosque and ask
to speak to an Imam. When he is satisfied with your beliefs, you
are accepted into the religion. It is important to note that those
belonging to NOI are not considered as true Muslims. Refer to
question below.
---------
If you are using the term "Nation of Islam" to refer to the Umma
or the collective Islamic World, then to join Islam is very simple.
You repeat the words of the Shahada or Testimony of Belief:
"Ash-hadu al-la ilaha illallahu, wahdahu la sharika lahu wa
ash-hadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa Rasuluh." This means: "I bear
witness that there is no object of adoration besides Allah, Who is
One and has no associate and I bear witness that Muhammad is His
servant and His Messenger."
Other converts to Islam add the following as a nice aside:
"Astagh firullaha Rabbi min kulli zambinw wa atubu ilaihi, Rabbi
inni zalamtu nafsi wa'taraftu bi-zambi faghfirli zunubi fa-innahu
la yagh firuz-zunuba illa anta." This means: "I ask forgiveness of
Allah for all my sins and to Him I turn. I have been cruel to
myself, O Lord, and I confess my sins. So be merciful to forgive my
sins; for no one forgives sins except Thyself."
As soon as you finish reciting the words of the Testimony of
Belief, you are a Muslim (unless you don't belief contrary to what
Islam teaches). After that you will slowly have to learn how to
pray and how to follow the rest of the teachings of Islam.
The Main beliefs of Islam are:
To believe in the Oneness of God.
To believe in all His Angels.
To believe in all His Books.
To believe in all His Prophets. (Jesus is not God; he is a
prophet of God.)
To believe in the Day of Resurrection.
To believe in the Decree of God.
Refer to related question below for more information.