Over and Out

This blog has allowed me to research and share with you information gathered on a community I have great respect for. I am grateful to be able to provide it as a resource to others for once, and I almost feel like my work might finally actually make a difference!

I have learnt that the internet can be a beneficial tool but sometimes problematical. It has certainly allowed me to look into areas I thought I’d never have access to until I’d met a real life Muslim convert. It has made me more theologically aware of my obligations towards a convert, key being making the offline experience as comfortable as the online one can perhaps be. I am aware as Muslims and non-Muslims we must respect the decision of a convert and help make the transition easier by supporting them in every way possible.

However I am also more aware of factors that affect how we research, access and validate the information we find in cyber-environments. This can lead to bias and a digital divide. Therefore I have tried to create a blog which could be read by anyone without causing offence. Instead of focusing too much on the internet as being a corrupting medium I have used it as a source of gaining information and applying this virtual material into the real world, by encouraging us all to impact a Muslim convert’s life for the better.  We need to indulge in convertsations and participate in programmes like New Muslim Care. Thanks for reading and engaging! Goodbye!

Problem Solved?

Does the internet address and help eradicate the problems faced by converts? Well it certainly made me aware of the issues and I believe it does to an extent help resolve some problems.  There are organisations that use their website offering support ranging from psychological to moral. It seems the virtual space represents real life problems and almost gives a feeling of hope for converts who are struggling to ‘fit in’ with the offline Muslim community. Converts seem to discuss their broad issues at ease and it’s easy to engage with likeminded converts of similar experiences. This alone offers a moral support for someone feeling a sense of isolation, therefore making the internet a useful tool allowing interaction and a sense of becoming part of a large online family. It is a familiar trait on forums which allow such discourses; however websites also seem to have Q&A sections where converts can usually enquire about their issues from imams – which are again useful for the new Muslim.

The internet gives access to support which can usually be extended into offline support and applied in mosques and Muslim centres. Of course there is support available on a ‘glocal’ level, allowing access to a wider support network.

Cyberspace is almost pivotal in accessing information about conversion and could be a starting point for an improved conversion experience – especially for women who often find some mosques don’t facilitate for women. However there are still issues such as learning to practise tajweed for Qur’an recital, which would usually require face to face interaction with a teacher that the internet cannot resolve. Initially I held the view that the internet couldn’t do much for the convert and would only confuse one more, it couldn’t tackle the problems but only highlight them. How wrong was I! I’d call myself an advocate of its usefulness for the convert, however I am aware it cannot solve all the problems. The internet can however act as a basis to tackle some problems but one must also be careful of false virtual identities where people can fake their ‘problematic conversion experiences’. Finally a list of websites demonstrating support projects and forums in which dialogue between converts is seen – indicating that bonding I was talking about earlier!

Websites:

·         http://www.newmuslimsproject.com/

·         http://www.mwcsg.org/index.php/Sisters/welcometosisterspages.html

·         http://www.islamicdiversity.org.uk/about_us.asp

·         http://convertstoislam.org/

Forums:

·         http://www.123muslim.com/muslim-converts/

·         http://www.experienceproject.com/stories/Am-A-Convert-To-Islam/2552762

·         http://www.revertmuslims.com/



Top Ten Problems

In history the main problem faced by converts to Islam was persecution. Today however the problems aren’t as extreme (well openly anyway) but can themselves have regretful impacts. The internet suggests these problems are faced by a large number of converts, regardless of their gender, and are in fact common and showing a trend in the similarity of the problems through various websites. Most are a by-product of the ethnicization of mosques where people are judged by culture and race rather than religious ethics. During this post I want to highlight the key problems faced by Muslim converts, with my following post indicating solutions to eradicate these problems as an Ummah. These ideas have been gathered from blogs and forums where people have noted the problems they face. One blog in particular did a good job of simply summing up the problems, but failed to advise how to effectively stop them.  

So, typical problems discussed online are:

·         Sharing the news of conversion with family/friends/colleagues

·         Perceptions of others and identifying as a new Muslim

·         Extended shahadas

·         Becoming part of a minority

·         Finding a place/community to practice the faith in and/or with

·         Exploited by ‘extremist’ organizations early after conversion

·         Susceptible to varying beliefs leading to confusion over doctrines/school of thought to follow

·         Practical issues e.g. marriage, relationship with non-Muslims

·         Issues of alienation/isolation/belonging

·         Lack of counselling support/ facilities for converts

This list isn’t a worthy indication of all the problems faced by converts. Believe it or not there are many more and vary with people's experiences. That’s not to say Islam is a problematic religion or unwelcoming. And for anyone who asks “why bother?” well this blog should give you a good indication as to why! There are wonderful and welcoming born Muslims that are not hard to find (I myself being one!). I believe the main problem is once the celebration of becoming a Muslim is over people tend to become careless and let converts deal with the drastic changes to their lives on their own – leading to that sense of isolation mentioned earlier which is the last thing they need – as sometimes they are forced to leave their families behind them anyway! Embracing Islam isn’t just about practices to better oneself – there is a whole issue of responsibilities and kindness to others. Put yourself for a moment in the shoes of a convert, whether to Islam or any other religion - how would you feel if you were singled out and/or not considered a real believer by the members of your new faith? If you weren't offered that moral support to keep you firm on this faith..would you think twice about the decision you just made? Would you even consider bowing out....again?  

The Rise of the Female Convert

I came across an article highlighting the simple fact that there are more Muslim female converts than male. Being a woman and all, and knowing how the majority of ‘outsiders’ perceive Islam and its treatment for women, I was curious to know why. Why is it that more females would turn to Islam when almost everyone believes women are being ill-treated, victimised, disrespected and subjected to abuse and inequality? I know a lot of people who accept all the horrible stories they read or hear of the abuse Muslim women face.. ‘Forced to wear hijab’ ‘forced to stay at home and look after the family’ ‘no education, social life and freedom of speech’ ‘involuntary execution of a modest dress code’ and to be frank it’s all as far from the truth as it can get. I'd advise people to do some field research and speak to Muslim women. I can guarantee you a large amount will say they are happy to live certain lifestyles and do so in accordance with sharia’s rules which are not extremist, but somewhat logical.

Nonetheless female converts have the right tools so to speak for research. They have come to understand that Islam does not subjugate, oppress and disrespect women. As a matter of fact it gives importance to the role of the mother over the father, offers shares in inheritance for the daughter, provides greater financial security for a woman, allows the right to exercise freedom in matters of marriage etc.  There is so much that Islam offers a woman – the list is never-ending! That’s not to say Islam is a feminist religion.. it doesn’t need feminists! It offers both men and women almost equal rights. However a man’s responsibilities and mind-set I believe makes his going tougher.

I stumbled across a forum in which one man suggests that Islam offers women a different approach to things that are prevalent in British society. His wording may not have been politically correct but it seems he was right, as research conducted by Kevin Brice displays similar reasons for women wanting to get away from things like ‘sexual permissiveness and unconstrained consumerism’. Islam does offer a sense of protection and an identity that isn’t graded on your ‘sexiness’.

Of course there are obvious shortcomings for women who are born within a western culture. An example would be mosques that don’t facilitate for women. It should be noted that there are more now than there were in the past, but its critical to point out that personal interaction on a face to face basis would be ideal and welcoming to a new Muslim who is seeking guidance and comprehension in religion. A lack of facilities for women often means more and more are turning to the internet or culture as a source of understanding and implementing religion – here lays the problem! Culture making its way and replacing the real religious values will in the long term have negative consequences. I myself being a born Muslim tend to keep away from culture – Islam and its teachings are my priority! Needless to say then there are two things I have learnt from the growing number of female converts, ‘curiosity killed the cat’ but ‘satisfaction brought it back’.

Converts in Britain - Past and Present

When researching the history of Muslim converts in Britain there are topical issues ranging from:

·         Historical overviews

·         Record number of Britain’s converting to Islam

·         Lists of high profile converts

·         Works by academics on Muslim conversion

·         Articles on links to terrorism for new converts too!

The Mosque, fallen into disrepair.



The prayer hall



 

‘Muslims of London: a great historical overview’ gives a brief account of the rise of Islam in Britain and shows famous converts that have impacted the lives of British Muslims today, by making significant achievements in history. I want to draw upon one of the listed- Abdullah Quilliam, formerly known as William Henry Quilliam. A 19thCentury convert from Christianity to Islam, he was noted for founding the first Mosque and Islamic centre in Liverpool, England. Why I have highlighted his achievement?  Well it is important to note that this guy was a convert, not a birth born Muslim! His difficult endeavour, as stated on the BBC news, has allowed Mosques to be open in almost every city in England! His legacy lives today through a charity possessing the historic building, a society dedicated to him amongst other numerous small projects. A wonderful documentary, highlighting his work amongst others including Muhammed Pickthall, by the BBC was my starting reference and here it is - worth watching!

Different websites displaying lists of famous converts can be found on the internet, along with profiles of some. However what encapsulated my mind the most during my research was the articles related to increasing no of Muslim converts in Britain today. You’d think after 9/11, the controversy and negative media footage would cause the numbers to decrease… but no! Seems like the media coverage has had an adverse effect to some extent. Contrary to this however, an article in The Guardian suggests these figures are unreliable and often exaggerated or even false. Which does make you wonder… Nevertheless here is a list of websites discussing the rise in the number of converts in Britain. I have also added a report which I found to be very informative that draws upon stats, reasons for conversion and almost everything else someone like me and you would want to know-also by a convert, Kevin Brice. Very insightful indeed. Enjoy the reading list. ;)

·         http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12075931

·         http://www.brin.ac.uk/news/2010/converts-to-islam/

·         http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/the-islamification-of-britain-record-numbers-embrace-muslim-faith-2175178.html

·         http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/01/05/growing-numbers-in-britain-convert-to-islam-91466-27934151/

·         ‘A Minority Within A Minority’ report: http://faith-matters.org/images/stories/fm-reports/a-minority-within-a-minority-a-report-on-converts-to-islam-in-the-uk.pdf



Need for a new name...?

Not all converts decide to change their name and this is perhaps due to the confusion surrounding its legal requirement. The majority of websites I accessed agree that a name change isn’t essential unless its meaning suggests worship of someone or something other than Allah. A very useful website I came across supplies:

·         ahadith regarding the Islamic system of naming

·         lists of prohibited, makruh (disliked) and better names

·         Islamic male/female names

·         Advice on how to change your name legally

·         Frequently asked questions and answers

This website pretty much answers most questions converts are likely to ask. It does however fail to recognise the benefits or drawbacks of legally changing the name or using it just amongst Muslims. Another website states choosing a new name and asking others to use it, whilst keeping your official name as it were is perfectly acceptable. Changing your name officially it seems can be a tricky situation and some solicitors also advice against this. Which brings me to my next few points – why do converts generally retain their surnames? Is there a ruling behind this? What is a ‘Muslim name’ or is there even such a thing? I came across a wonderful blog in which a convert argues why he felt it necessary to retain both his Christian names. He believes being a Muslim is defined upon one’s religious precedence rather than donning a foreign identity. Also the debate of having an Arabized name leads to the false assumption of Arab culture as the only valid Muslim culture. My research proved retaining the surname is in fact necessary due to the necessity of attributing the linage to the biological father as Allah says in surah Ahzaab (33:5) and there are many ahadith in regards to this. Furthermore the Prophet did not always change converted companion's names with some websites suggesting the companions replaced their first names while keeping their tribal names. Converts have sometimes changed their names for reasons other than religious symbolism as listed in this blog. 

  

Convert or Revert? New Muslim perhaps...?

Dr. Zakir Naik

Shaykh Riyadh Ul Haq

Due to the confusion surrounding the correct term in which to use when describing a new member to Islam, I have decided to dedicate an entire post. Having searched forums, websites and watched online videos I am still struggling to conclude what the correct term is.  A Sunni forum represents voices of both opinions with people justifying why they believe either convert or revert is the correct term to use. One person also provided a link to a video in which contemporary Shaykh Riyadh Ul Haq refutes Dr Zakir Naik’s claim the term used is revert. He claims the hadith (tradition) used is commonly misinterpreted and suggests the belief that children have become apostates in such a young stage. For him this is absurd and to be honest it is a valid point. However ‘convert’ actually means to change the nature, purpose or function of something and in this case a person who has been converted to another religious or political belief. Notice the use of the word convert in the definition too? Of course there are many definitions of this word but my point being that convert can be used across all religions whereas revert is exclusive to Muslims who believe that every child is born in the state of fitra (one of nature or purity). Therefore in this regard revert seems appropriate. Some born Muslims who have previously neglected their faith in practise also refer to themselves as reverts. However terms such as ‘New Muslim’ have also been used  online and are similar in meaning to revert. There is no definitive answer to this as how long can a Muslim be called ‘new’? what does the state of fitrah actually mean? And where does religious tolerance come into this? For arguments sake I will use the term convert throughout this blog. My next point is names.. Is it important to change your name when converting to Islam? And to what extent..formally perhaps? It seems the internet doesn't really clarify this one - but it generally never does!