How to become a Muslim

In order to become a Muslim, there are no specific religious rituals or customs that you need to perform, neither in specific areas nor in front of people. This is due to the fact that in Islam man has direct relationship with his Lord without any intermediaries.
Also you don’t need to exert great efforts [to enter its folds] you merely need to utter a few words, which are easy on the tongue, while understanding their great meanings.
One who has decided to become Muslim should utter Shahaadataan’ in order to enter the folds of Islam, which is:
“Ash-hadu an laa ilaaha ill-Allah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abd-ullahi wa rasooluh.
Meaning: I testify that there is no true god except Allah, and I testify that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.
This statement is the key to enter Islam. Whoever utters it shuns all other religions besides Islam and all beliefs which differ with it. Through this statement, he receives the rights which all Muslims receive, and he must fulfill the rights which all Muslims fulfill. His wealth, honor and blood become inviolable, except for that which is prescribed by Islam.
It is true that one is considered a Muslim by his apparent actions, but only Allah knows what is truly in the hearts…so what are the meanings of the Shahaadataan?