Reasons for Conversion to Islam Among Women in the United States
Abstract
Nine reported reasons for converting to Islam were quantitatively assessed regarding prevalence and importance among 304 women in the United States. The appeal of Muslim moral values and dissatisfaction with one’s former faith were primary reasons, followed closely by enhanced sense of identity and alignment with cultural views (regarding ethnic diversity and gender roles). Active (theological and personal) reasons for conversion were more important and prevalent than passive (social) reasons. Qualitative analyses of additional write-in responses suggested four other reasons for conversion, including the appeal of Muslim tenets and an increased sense of significance/meaning. Findings are discussed in terms of implications for future research.