Why Are People Converting to Islam?

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  1. according to my expereince, one of the main reasons of why many people convert to Islam is when they know Muslims in their neighborhoods, jobs and then they see a different picture of Muslims in the media as terrorists, uncivilzied people etc, they question and try to find themselves the truth. and in the way they end up learning about they true Islam and what it teaches.

  2. I am again shocked by the tone of this discussion, finding it arrogant and full of selfflattery. Am i as a converted muslim reading the Koran different than you. If you want a situation changed, then change yourself, change within. Do not call hatred to Allah, which to me means adapt mosques to the buildingstyle of the country you live in and maybe do not wear hijabs or niqabs. The discussion feels as if what to me was very important, is not understood, in the enddays all religions will meet eachother and learn from each other. What i hear is that muslims in this discussion still consider themselves as the better religion. That is not what is said in the Koran.Also one of the most important duties of a muslim, for me is to live in the world. Furthermore i found a lot of enemythinking in this discussion.

    • aslam alaikum Hayat, can’t explain how glad I am to know that you are reverted to Islam. Just a little thought about what you said about Muslims considering themselves as better than others. Did you not accept Islam because you thought that this is the true path, the true religion? what I think is that if I know that I am right about a statement or something else or I know the right answer then I am confident in presenting or speaking about it. This will lead me to take pride in presenting the answer. So I think the scholar is more proud than arrogant. I know arrogance can follow pride that is why Islam stresses a lot on humility.

      But I have to say that I was taken aback at one occasion during the discussion when he said something about only Muslims being resistant which Prof. Ramadan corrected immediately. Indeed there are several non-Muslims who are fighting for justice for Muslims and we can not just disregard them because they are not Muslims. But I would say that Dr. Tamimi is more of a proud Muslim than an arrogant one.

    • I think that this type of message or debate will not reinforce ‘the meaning of Islam?’. I have been brought up as a muslim but with lots and lots of ‘interdictions’ – and to be honest I do see muslims only as the best human being – I believe that we have to care for each other regardless of race, religion, colour or culture. Our religion can also be communicated via our love, our care for others. I know people that are not muslims but who really live with lots of love withing themselves. They are educated in a different way. Learning ‘Islam’ in third world countries is not always very easy especially the way is being taught and the message that is being conveyed to us. I do not think that by ‘flattering’ our religion or by ‘valorising’ ourselves, we will solve the problem of the planet or we will invite others to ‘convert’. I thought that Islam means tolerance, humility or modesty. Now may be I am totally wrong …….

    • I agree being muslims doesn´t make people necessarily better human beings. (wouldn’t that be great!) In fact, I know many non-muslims who understand the value of respect, human life and dignity better than muslims, who are hardened by their tough environment and background. People are formed by their circumstances, not only by their religion. That’s why I have always (before I came across Tariq Ramadan who articulates this so well) thought that islam and being western is a match made in heaven. I feel I am formed by influences from my western (middleclass) environment that teaches me to value life, love, friendship, beauty, nature, etc, but also by my islamically informed upbringing, which taught me about respecting boundaries and respecting the Unseen.

  3. AlHamduliAllah Dr. Ramadan Maa Shaa Allah for your wisdom and ‘’always outstanding’’ contributions. Thanks Dr. Tamimi for your relevant answers.
    I believe that one of the driving forces to, I would say ‘’ evolution’’ and not conversion to Islam is really THE LOGICS that shapes each fragment of its message.
    If my 9 y.o son tells me that he is proud to be a Muslim, because he believes indeed, that the one who created the universe (the sun, the moon, the galaxy, the oceans, the mountains..) is not a human being. And that powerful one who governs all, is only ONE not two or three, otherwise they will end up fighting as my son explains to me referring to what he sees in his PSP’s games  Imagine a child had perfectly understood the essence of ATTAWHHED which is a strong element in Islam.
    Another discussion with him, made it clear that the value of RESPECT and recognition of the other prophets, religions, races, animals, nature… is another attractive element. in the heart of the message of Islam ( yet I should mention that respect is also a value emphasized by other religions and other non religious thoughts) But I personally find this value much broader in Islam, think about it, do a muslim dare to draw insulting cartoons of Jesus PBUH?
    Therefore, I believe that those who embrace or grow their faith to the final and complete Abrahamic religion are simply catching all these elements with illuminated minds that illuminate their hearts.
    I agree that Islam is not imposed to anybody, it is explained and it is up to the other to take it or leave it. Compared to what I discover about some Christian evangelizing movements that act by bribing people ( in Muslim countries) in order to push them back in their faith to embrace Christianity (see link: http://quietube. com/v.php/ http:/www. youtube.com/ watch?v=c5dt- WREldg&feature=related
    Thus, Islam is a religion of simplicity, humility, discipline, respect, justice, cooperation… and a daily spirituality. But we must admit that they are not all the muslims and even worse the nowadays moslem leaders who are giving the best image of it!
    May Allah help the future generations, who are not necessarily getting always good examples to be proud of!
    Kindly and respectfully… Souad B.

  4. I have to agree with Hayat that the discussion did appeared to be some what arrogant, furthermore Muslims are not the only ones condemning the greed of the bankers , recently the Archbishop of Canterbury has commented on it.
    Perhaps as a Christian I should be rejoicing that more folks are becoming Muslims as we do share in the Ultimate Truth- that God exists with a common adversary being the likes of Dawkins who doesn’t believe in this Ultimate Truth
    At the beginning of 2010 ,addressing more than 21,000 college students, from over 30 countries, in Atlanta Georgia USA, Baptist pastor John Piper posed the question on whether God is an egomaniac and he said this “God demands that we all get on our face and worship Him, admire Him, treasure Him and count Him as the supreme value in the universe and He’s angry when we don’t”
    I imagine that an imam would say something similar at a Friday sermon.

    • being a Muslim I believe that an imam might say something like this in a friday sermon but for sure it will not be in that tone. Quran says many times that God does not need our prayers, does not need us to admire Him or praise Him. Also, our (Muslims) five prayers per day mostly constitute of asking God for things that we need and are definitely not entirely of praising God and all. We praise God cuz we thank Him for His bounties and for several other reasons. Also, as per my own experience I have found myself more disciplined in my daily life by sticking to the scheduled prayer timings. I have found my grades to go up in university, i am able to manage time more effectively in my daily life. I am volunteering in my community because of this discipline. On the whole I have found myself a better person. (I am sorry I just finished applying for a job so I will stop self-praising myself now). but what I am trying to say here that I have found in the worship of God discipline in this life.

  5. I found the discussion to be a bit self-flattery from Dr. Azzam Tamimi, but Dr, Ramadan talked openly about the state of affairs of Muslims.
    Dr Ramadan did his best to correct Dr. Tamimi such as when he spoke about Muslims leading the world in resisting Imperialism.
    Personally I don’t see where Muslims are leading in the world today whether it’s in the area of resistance to Imperialism or science or business or any important facets of life.
    When Tariq Ramadan commented about what Muslims are giving the world today quoting someone telling him “Yes, Muslims gave to science but what are they giving today?” Dr Tamimi’s answer to that was “there is the hereafter” which didn’t make sense and contradicted an earlier statement he made: “He who doesn’t concern with the affairs of Muslims isn’t one of them”

    I am an Algerian-born Canadian who has been living in Alberta, Canada for over 21 years, and I don’t see better behaviors of Muslims here in Edmonton than I used to see in Algeria. They focus on technicalities such as hijab or separation of men and women and worse they marginalize women by putting them in a backroom where they cannot even address the Imam or participate in the discussion.
    Men expect women to lower their gaze but don’t lower theirs.
    During Fridays’ prayers as soon as the sermon is done in Arabic, women start talking preventing those like my daughter who don’t understand Arabic, from listening. This is so rude and defeats the purpose of them attending the prayers.
    Other examples of rude behavior I’ve witnessed many times:

    • Men block cars in the parking lot of the Mosque and instead of leaving after the prayers to move their vehicle they take their time to chat with others.

    • Women answer their cell phones during Khutba.

    • People being always late at events such as Aid during Aid prayers, talk during Khutba to the point where it cannot be heard, then when done rush and push their way when leaving instead of being polite.

    We need to improve ourselves and our image.
    We need more leaders like Tariq Ramadan who can inspire the new generation of Muslims.

    • aslam alaikum sister Naima, just wanted to share my expereince of women in Masjid. I often have to stop by a masjid to pray because I am travelling from my home and uni during prayer timings. I live in Toronto and been in several masajids in Toronto. I know that people sometimes do not respect the place but I have also come to realize that while it is a place of worship, it is also a place for Muslim community to mingle with eachother. It is also a place where Muslim community come together. I have made so many friends in Masjid and I know if I did not talk to anyone I would not have been able to do that.
      Also, in the masjid where I go and I know there are several other masajids sisters’ area is on the second floor and not immediately behind the men’s area. what I find really stricking in some Muslim women (and please no offense to you)that they complaint about being in the back. I have never seen a brother complaing about praying on the first floor while sisters are praying on the second. there are literally above them. I also have access to the Imam of the masjid. He is available if i make an appointment and is very forthcoming to my inquiries. I have been to some masajids where things are not too decieplined so I do not go there because I do not feel comfortable. Nobody is perfect (us included)and I think we need to love and care about people while being aware of thier deficiencies.

    • I agree with many comments that us Muslims should practice what we preach. And I think that is our problem. Look at our leaders; I don’t think that I can name one real Muslim. Abusing their power to serve themselves and their entourage, oppressing their people so that they stay in power, no freedom of speech…

      Some comments on this discussion confirm the misunderstanding or misinterpretation of many Muslims; one of them is chatting or answering your phone during khutba – you are just not allowed to speak or do anything. You have to listen to the Imam otherwise your prayer is for nothing. Yes, make friend in the mosque but after prayers and don’t stay chatting knowing that you parked your car where you shouldn’t. I agree with sister Naima in those points.

      The other comments about arrogance – we shouldn’t say that Christianity or Judaism are wrong. These are religions from God that came at a certain time to serve a certain purpose. Who are we to judge that?

      I believe in Jesus & Moses and all prophets mentioned in the Quran And I respect every person with religion or without. I am proud to be Muslim and I do think that it is the perfect religion – if you want to label “proud” “arrogant” that’s your opinion and I respect that.

      Coming back to the main question; Why Are People Converting to Islam?

      Despite the western media and the hidden forces behind the Hollywood movies to portray Muslims as terrorists and despite the Muslims shortcomings we are seeing many converting to Islam.

      I think that Islam and the Quran are the main reason. The Quran is a book written centuries ago full of modern scientific facts (Human Embryonic Development, astronomy, creation, Seas and Rivers, Clouds…) that until recently were not discovered. So anyone who understands the Quran properly will certainly convert.

  6. To reply to those who posted about their conversion to Islam and who found the picture of islam in the video a little distorted. Well I don’t think there was arrogance here. There only was an attempt to explain why people were attracted to islam, although we all know the picture given in the media is one that presents a religion linked to violence… As professor Tariq Ramadan concluded, what is interesting is the paradox between a religion which is feared on the one hand, and a religion that still appeals to many people on the other hand… I don’t think that has something to do with being arrogant.
    Yes, Islam encourages modesty, humility, and a sense of caring for all the human kind.

    PS: By the way, this is the first time I’ve seen your show. Does it appear on a regular basis? thank you.

    Salam wa rahmatu llah to Tariq and the people who help you with making this site work.

  7. It is actually the fact that there is a lot of hate and fear spreading in Europe about Islam and Muslims. And I see this as the main root of why people are converting to Islam. In many countries in Europe and Switzerland is one example where I live, people don’t really take religion as a serious matter and for most of the new generation their daily action send an indirect message that there is nothing serious about religion and the afterlife and so on. And then they are confronted with those people who have so strong believe , who are praying 5 times a day, who are accepting to fast 30 days even without drinking water, who are going away from their desires because of their commitment to ISLAM. This raises a lot of question about those people and their religion. Adding to this the ready European culture which encourage free thinking and debate , research and discussion, many of those European act on their culture and investigate the matter and many of them found his/her way in Islam , the same way which they missed in all other religions and concepts.

  8. Alslam Alikum
    brothers and sisters Islam ma shaa ALLAH growing very fast in US and Europe but the government hiding the true numbers of the real Muslim .. we need to find a way to show the real numbers especially in the USA i know i was there and i hear it from every Muslim there…thanks

    عرب سوفت

  9. what I miss in this discussion is the fact that most of the people who convert are women. I think a big reason why these women convert is because they find a respect for femininity in islam, that’s lost in western society, and a protection of women (at least in theory) and womanhood. islam stresses on the importance of women being women, i think that’s very attractive to the more feminine women.

    • Assalamu Alaykum. I reverted to Islam in 1991. I did so because I had no choice. I was given a Quran because I asked for one. I read the beautiful book one verse at a time. Sometimes, one verse was all my heart could handle. I would read the words and feel filled with the presence of Allah Subhannahu wa Ta’ala.I would have to close the book and weep. Why did I weep? I wept out of relief. Relief that all that I had believed in my soul was finally revealed to me in this Holy Book. Relieved that all I had prayed in the quiet by myself as a child was validated by the Quran al-Kareem. The more I read, the more I wanted to read. The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn. The more knowledge I absorbed, the more I knew how much I did not know. I had no choice but to accept Islam as my religion because this book showed me that I was already muslim, I just didn’t know what to call it. Not people. Not television. It was this book and I must give credit to Ahmed Deedat, may Allah be pleased with him, that led me to the right path. Alhamdullillahi Rabbil Alameen. Peace.

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