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Is there some sort of test, ritual or certificate?
No ritual, no ceremony, no indoctrination, no test, no certificate, no joining a Mosque. it is only between the person and God(swt)
A person need only say the Shahadah with conviction and sincerity. It can be said in Arabic or in the language of the Person. It need not be in front of witnesses and can be said alone only to God(swt).
It only takes about 10 seconds to become a Muslim but it is a lifetime to be a Muslim.
If a person who had never even seen a Muslim in person were to say the Shahadah He is just as much a Muslim as one who has lived his entire life as a Muslim.
So, if I want to enter a Muslim mosque or Mecca, would that be enough to get me in?
You are already permitted to enter a Mosque. We have no criteria as to who can enter one. Although it is good to let some one at the Mosque know you are not Muslim so accommodations can be made for you. As typically there is no furniture in a Mosque, but as a non-Muslim a chair will be provide to you if you desire.
The requirement to enter Mecca is to be Muslim. If you have said the shahadah you are considered Muslim and may enter Mecca. You may have to validate this by repeating the shahadah if questioned.
However if you plan to go into Mecca during Hajj you will need to make arraignments several years in advance. The city can only hold about 1 Million at a time and each year about 5 to 10 million apply to enter. about the only way to get in during Hajj is to make arraignments with a travel agent far in advance.
I am planning to visit the Dome of Rock. Everything I read doesn't seem to permit regular tourist to enter unless the tourist is a Muslim.
Atually that is an Israeli Restriction. According to Judaism no one is to enter the region until after the 3rd Temple is Built. You have to enter from the Palestinian sector. You do not have to be a Muslim to enter the Mosque, but it is Doubtful Israel will allow you to enter the Palestinian sector..
You may be able to as part of a tour:
Quote:
In the middle of the 19th century Al-Aqsa Mosque was opened for Non-Muslim visitors. For Non-Muslims, the Mosque is open during fixed times on weekday mornings and afternoons on payment of an entrance fees. The Mosque is closed to Non-Muslims on Fridays throughout the year and all Muslim holidays.
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