With which one should begin upon embracing Islam; uttering the Two Shahadahs or performing Ghusl

A: It is Mashru` (Islamically prescribed) for anyone who wants to embrace Islam to first say Shahadah then perform Ghusl. This is according to many Hadiths. It was narrated by Qays ibn `Asim that when he wanted to embrace Islam, the Prophet (peace be upon him) ordered him to perform Ghusl using water and Sidr (lote tree/ lotus jujube). (Related by the Five Compilers of Hadith [Imams Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Al-Tirmidhy, Al-Nasa'y, and Ibn Majah] except for Ibn Majah) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.