Religion Change

Dear Client,

To legally convert from Hinduism to Islam in Navi Mumbai, you must first make a formal declaration of faith at a local mosque or Islamic center, following which you will receive a conversion certificate. You must then execute an affidavit on stamp paper declaring your change of religion and name, followed by publishing the change in two newspapers one in English and one in a regional language like Marathi.

After this, you must apply for a Gazette Notification of your name and religion change through the Department of Printing & Stationery, Government of Maharashtra. This entire process typically takes 1.5 to 2 months. Once you receive the Gazette Notification, you can apply for a fresh passport reflecting your new name and religion by submitting the conversion certificate, affidavit, newspaper advertisements, Gazette copy, and other ID/address proofs.

Dear Sir,

1. Voluntary Declaration of Faith (Shahada)

You should visit a local mosque and declare the Shahada (the Islamic testimony of faith) in front of an imam and two adult Muslim witnesses.

You’ll be given a conversion certificate or a religious affirmation letter by the mosque or a recognized Islamic organization.

2. Notarized Affidavit of Religion Change
Draft an affidavit on ₹100 non-judicial stamp paper, declaring:

Your old name and religion

Your new religion (Islam) and optionally your new name (if changed)

That you converted of your own free will

Date of conversion

Get it notarized by a Notary Public or 1st Class Judicial Magistrate.

3. Newspaper Publication
Publish a notice in two newspapers (one local, one national – in English and Marathi):

State your old name, old religion

State your new name (if changed) and new religion

Example: "I, Rajesh Kumar, s/o [father’s name], resident of [address], have voluntarily converted from Hinduism to Islam and shall henceforth be known as Rashid Khan.”

4. Gazette Notification (Optional but Recommended)
Apply for a change of religion notification in the Maharashtra Government Gazette.

Application is filed with the Department of Publications (General Administration Department) at Mantralaya, Mumbai.

Documents required for Gazette:
Application form

Affidavit

Newspaper cuttings

Conversion certificate from mosque

Photo ID and address proof

Passport-size photographs

Processing time: 30–45 days after submission.