“Unity in Conversion.”

“Convert” is the English word most often used for one who embraces a new religion after practicing another faith. A common definition of the word “convert” is “to change from one religion or belief to another.”

But among Muslims, you may hear people who have chosen to adopt Islam refer to themselves as “reverts” instead. Some use the two terms interchangeably, while others have strong opinions on which term best describes them. This distinction arises from the belief that everyone is born in a state of purity and Islam, so accepting Islam is viewed as a return to this original state.

• *Huda. “Do You “Convert” or “Revert” When Adopting Islam?” Learn Religions, May. 25, 2024, learnreligions.com/convert-or-revert-to-islam-2004197.

Those who prefer the term “revert” do so based on the Muslim belief that all people are born with a natural faith in God. According to Islam, children are born with an innate sense of submission to God, which is called the fitrah. Their parents may then raise them in a particular faith community, and they grow up to be Christians, Buddhists, or other religions.

The Prophet Muhammad once said: “No child is born except upon fitrah (i.e. as a Muslim). It is his parents who make him a Jew or a Christian or a polytheist.” (Sahih Muslim).

Some people, then, see their embrace of Islam as a “return” back to this original, pure faith in our Creator. A common definition of the word “revert” is to “return to a former condition or belief.” A revert is returning to that innate faith to which they were connected as young children—before being led away.

There are other Muslims who prefer the term “convert.” They feel that this term is more familiar to people and causes less confusion. They also feel that it is a stronger, more affirmative term that better describes the active choice they have made to adopt a life-changing path. They may not feel they have anything to “go back” to, perhaps because they had no strong sense of faith as a child, or perhaps because they were raised without religious beliefs at all.

• *Huda. “Do You “Convert” or “Revert” When Adopting Islam?” Learn Religions, May. 25, 2024, learnreligions.com/convert-or-revert-to-islam-2004197.

Both terms are commonly used to describe those who embrace Islam as adults after having been raised in or practicing a different faith system. In broad usage, the word “convert” is perhaps more appropriate because it is more familiar to people, while “revert” may be the better term to use when you are among Muslims, all of whom understand the usage of the term.

Some individuals feel a strong connection to the idea of “return” to their natural faith and may prefer to be known as “reverts” no matter what audience they are speaking to, but they should be willing to explain what they mean, since it may not be clear to many people. In writing, you might choose to use the term “revert/convert” to cover both positions without offending anyone. In spoken conversation, people will generally follow the lead of the person who is sharing the news of their conversion/ reversion.

Either way, it is always a cause for celebration when a new believer finds their faith:

Those to whom We sent the Book before this, they do believe in this revelation. And when it is recited to them, they say: ‘We believe therein, for it is the Truth from our Lord. Indeed we have been Muslims from before this.’ Twice will they be given their reward, for they have persevered, and they avert evil with good, and they spend in charity out of what We have given them. (Quran 28:51-54).

KEY TAKE AWAYS

Some Muslims prefer to use the term “revert” instead of “convert” to reflect the belief that all people are born with an innate faith in God.
The term “convert” is more commonly understood in other religions and emphasizes the active choice to embrace a new religion.
The choice between “convert” and “revert” depends on personal preference and context, with both terms valid and often used interchangeably.

• *Huda. “Do You “Convert” or “Revert” When Adopting Islam?” Learn Religions, May. 25, 2024, learnreligions.com/convert-or-revert-to-islam-2004197.

People interested in the teachings of Islam sometimes find that the religion and lifestyle resonate in a way that makes them consider converting to the faith in a formal way. If you find yourself believing in the teachings of Islam, Muslims welcome you to make a formal declaration of faith. After careful study and prayer, if you find that you want to embrace the faith, here is some information on how to do it.

Conversion to a new religion is not a step to be taken lightly, especially if the philosophy greatly differs from what you are familiar with. But if you have studied Islam and considered the issue carefully, there are prescribed steps you can follow to formally declare your Muslim faith.

Note: Many Muslims prefer to say that they have “reverted” rather than “converted” to Islam. Either term is generally accepted by the Muslim community.

Before embracing Islam, be sure to spend time studying the faith, reading books, and learning from other Muslims. Your decision to convert/revert to Islam should be based on knowledge, certainty, acceptance, submission, truthfulness, and sincerity.

It is not required to have Muslim witnesses to your conversion, but many prefer to have such support. Ultimately, though, Allah “God” is your final witness.

* Huda. “Converting to Islam.” Learn Religions, Feb. 8, 2021, learnreligions.com/how-to-convert-to-islam-2004198

In Islam, there is a very clearly defined procedure for making your conversion/reversion to the faith. For a Muslim, every action begins with your intention:

1. Quietly, to yourself, make the intention to embrace Islam as your faith. Say the following words with clarity of intention, firm faith, and belief:
2. Say: “Ash-hadu an la ilaha ill Allah.” (I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah.)
3. Say: “Wa ash-hadu ana Muhammad ar-rasullallah.” (And I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.)
4. Take a shower, symbolically cleansing yourself of your past life. (Some people prefer to shower before making the declaration of faith above; either way is acceptable.)

* Huda. “Converting to Islam.” Learn Religions, Feb. 8, 2021, learnreligions.com/how-to-convert-to-islam-2004198

Becoming a Muslim is a not a once-and-done process. It requires dedication to learning and practicing an acceptable Islamic lifestyle:

Pray and practice Islam in your daily life.
Continue to learn, study, and grow in your new faith. Seek support from Muslims if available.
Maintain your existing family relationships to the best of your ability. Some may have difficulty accepting your decision, but at all times try to keep the doors open and be a good example of humility, kindness, and patience.
Share your story to find camaraderie and to inspire others!

* Huda. “Converting to Islam.” Learn Religions, Feb. 8, 2021, learnreligions.com/how-to-convert-to-islam-2004198

If at some point you wish to go for Hajj (pilgrimage), a “certificate of Islam” may be required to prove that you are a Muslim (only Muslims are allowed to visit the city of Mecca.) — contact your local Islamic center to obtain one; they may ask you to repeat your declaration of faith in front of witnesses.

* Huda. “Converting to Islam.” Learn Religions, Feb. 8, 2021, learnreligions.com/how-to-convert-to-islam-2004198