Persuaded by the Qur’an: Converting to Islam in Canada

Abstract

Canadian Muslim converts/reverts, as the fastest growing convert population in Canada, are shaping the religious landscape and challenging assumptions about Canadian and Canadian Muslim identity. Conversion is a complex phenomenon that affects individuals in all aspects of life. Muslim converts change their beliefs, attitudes, habits, clothing, behaviours, and even their names in some cases – all aspects which Islam, as a comprehensive way of life (deen) touches. Changing their religion not only involves switching personal beliefs and practices, but it also means altering the community they grow in/belong to. Dealing with many transformations in their inner and outer worlds is challenging. Thus, it requires facilitating mechanisms in the Muslim community to reduce the burden on converts by providing channels to learn their new religion of Islam, get them connected with the new community, and walk with them through their journey. This article aids with understanding motivations of Canadian converts coming to Islam, to capture their everyday life experiences, to explore where they struggle most in their conversion, and to understand how Muslim organizations can contribute to combatting those challenges and helping them integrate in the community.