Try to hang out with pious, knowledgeable Muslims as often as possible—they'll be able to answer your questions casually.

Find out about and adhere to the Islamic dress code—it has many practical advantages as well as helping to identify you as a Muslim. If you are a female, you should cover your body parts (except hands, feet, and face) and not wear clothes that are too revealing or are see-through. See How to Wear a Hijab, a scarf or cloth covering your hair and/or neck. You can wear whatever you want at home and around your family, however.

You're never alone—there are many new converts to Islam all over the world. You may be able to meet up with some at your local mosque.

If you realize that you have made a mistake, then sincerely repent and pray for forgiveness, and Allah will listen to you.

Try to be conscious of the Creator and constantly do the best you can where ever you may be.

Always ask a knowledgeable Muslim when you have questions about your newly acquired faith. A second opinion is advisable, possibly from the Imam of your local mosque.

Don't rush into a life of Islam. You need to have a firm understanding of the laws that make a good Muslim before joining Islam. While there is much to learn, these laws should feel natural, as Islam is the religion of the "natural state."

Join the evening/weekend classes at your local mosque to learn more about Islam. Islam isn't just a religion—it's a way of life, providing guidance from birth to death.

Set aside time every day to read the Qu'ran and study Islam—study is a lifelong obligation and the more we know about our religion, the more we will benefit.

If you can, learn to read the Quran in Arabic. Besides remarkable spiritual benefits from reading in Arabic (even if you don't understand the meaning), the Arabic Quran is the exact words of Allah revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Additionally, the Quran original is written as beautiful poetry—something that's lost in translations.

• If you can't learn Arabic, try listening to the Qur'an recited in Arabic while reading the English translation.

It is vital to perform ablution before salah.

Always try to read books about the Prophets. This will increase your knowledge about Islam and will make you feel better.

Remember Allah at all times not only when you are in need or distress.

Not all Muslimahs wear a veil, depending on their interpretation of the Quran. If you choose not to wear one, that does not mean you can't still be modest.

Say the Athkar every morning and night, this will help you become very close to Allah, and make him love you even more, which will make everyone around you show respect to you. Some of the things in the athkar prevent you from going to hell, so that's a very easy way to do that. Just say them on the bus to school, walking home from work, or even in your kitchen cooking food.