The 2017 Pew Research study indicates that conversions will be a major factor in Islam overtaking Christianity as the world’s largest religion by 2075. Interestingly, a significant portion of these new Muslims in Europe and America are women.
American women are 4 times more likely than men to convert to Islam, according to surveys conducted through the Council on American Islamic Relations.
And in Britain, around 75% of the 5,000 people who embrace Islam annually are women, as reported by the Independent.
But why do British and American women convert to Islam? What draws educated, independent western women from secular societies to a faith frequently misrepresented in mainstream media?
Western Women are Converting to Islam in Search of Genuine Dignity
In an era where the objectification of women is a prevalent issue in Western societies, the true essence of womanhood is often distorted and exploited.
Contrary to popular misconceptions in the west, Islam grants women a high status. The stories of western women converts, such as former British television presenter Kristiane Backer, offer a clear illustration.
Backer, who embraced Islam in 1995, faced a barrage of criticism, associating the faith with oppression and forced marriage. However, she astutely distinguished between cultural practices and the core tenets of Islam, stating,
“I always try to explain to people that I converted to the faith of Islam, not to any other culture. Islam is about dignity and self-respect, and respect for women above all.”
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said,
“Woman are counterpart of men.”
And in his farewell sermon, he proclaimed:
“Treat women kindly, for they are your partners and committed helpers.”
Also, he emphasized treating wives with kindness and dignity:
“The best of you are those who are best to their wives.”
(Tirmidhi).
Many Western Women Find True Liberation in Islamic Teaching of Modesty
Many western women feel uncomfortable with the prevalent over-sexualization of women in Western societies and find that Islam offers a more dignified and respectful way of life. This appeal is often linked to a perceived decline of traditional values in the West, where modesty and family values are sometimes seen as outdated.
In contrast, Islam’s strong moral framework provides a sense of stability and guidance that resonates with many western women.
The hijab, the Islamic headscarf, is a powerful symbol of modesty and piety. Many Western women choose to wear the hijab as an expression of their faith and commitment to Islamic values. One woman explained, “they often report that for the first time…they were treated with a respect and a dignity that they never experienced before.” This shows how wearing a hijab can actually be freeing and empowering for western women, allowing them to be valued for their intellect and character rather than their physical appearance.
Western Women Are Converting to Islam to Find Truth
Many Western women are drawn to Islam because they find its teachings logical, consistent, and compelling.
They may have explored other religions or philosophies but found that Islam offered a more complete and satisfying explanation of the world.
The concept of Tawhid, the oneness of God, resonates deeply with many Western women. They find it to be a more rational and coherent belief system than the concept of the Trinity in Christianity. One convert shared on Reddit,
“I was raised Catholic and the trinity always made no sense to me. What really really struck me about hearing the Quran recited for the first time (I think it was Ayat Kursi) is the overwhelm of emotion.”
Western Women Are Converting to Islam Seeking Spiritual Fulfillment and Meaning
Many western women convert to Islam in pursuit of a deeper sense of spiritual fulfillment and meaning in their lives.
Some western women may have been raised in secular or Christian environments but felt a void within these traditions, unable to find the answers they sought.
In Islam, western women discover a faith that offers a clear purpose in life: to worship Allah and align their lives with His will. The concept of submitting to Allah’s will can be empowering for women who feel burdened by the pressures of modern life. By surrendering to a higher power, they find peace and tranquility that may have eluded them before. This sense of purpose can be particularly appealing to those who feel lost or lack direction in the modern world.
Islam presents a comprehensive framework for understanding the world and one’s place within it, offering a defined set of moral values and principles for leading a righteous life.
This can be particularly attractive to women disillusioned with the materialism and consumerism prevalent in many Western societies.
For instance, one woman shared her experience, stating,
“To bring yourself back to earth five times a day and sit before your creator really reminds you how small you and your problems are, in the grand scheme of things.”
Praying and submitting to Allah can help you feel grounded and see things in a new light.
The Quran states this sense of finding inner peace:
“Those who believe, and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah. Is it not with the remembrance of Allah that hearts are satisfied.”
Western Women and Their Longing for a Sense of Belonging in Islam
The increasing number of Western women converting to Islam points to a deeper societal longing. Islam’s emphasis on community (the Ummah) provides an antidote to Western individualism.
The concept of sisterhood in Islam is very attractive to many Western women. Western women who convert to Islam often say that they found solace and support in this close-knit network of fellow believers.
The Prophet (PBUH) said,
“You see the believers as regards their being merciful among themselves and showing love among themselves and being kind, resembling one body, so that, if any part of the body is not well then the whole body shares the sleeplessness (insomnia) and fever with it.”
The Prophet also said,
“None of you will believe until you love for your brother what you love for yourself.”
This solidarity attracts western women seeking meaningful connections in an increasingly fragmented world.
Moreover, the shared experiences of prayer, fasting during Ramadan, and celebrating Islamic holidays create a powerful sense of belonging.
Islam’s Emphasis on Family Values Attracts Many Western Women
Islam also really values family, marriage, and raising kids. This is something that appeals to many Western women who are looking for stability and strong family structures, given the increasing rates of family fragmentation and disintegration in Western societies.
The Quran states the importance of marriage as a source of tranquility and love:
“And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.”
This Brings Us to the Conclusion That…
The choice of these western women to embrace Islam is a conscious decision to embrace a faith that aligns with their values and aspirations.
These western women find in Islam a path to truth, fulfillment, and liberation.
These women are rewriting the narrative surrounding Islam, demonstrating that it is a religion of peace, equality, and spiritual fulfillment, a faith that welcomes all who seek truth and a deeper connection with their Creator.
It is a testament to the universality of Islam’s message, a message that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries.
If you are interested in learning more about Islam or connecting with converts in your community, we encourage you to reach out to your local mosque or Islamic center. If you want a fair picture, hear it from Muslims themselves.
