Women Converted to Islam
A recent study put the number of Britons embracing Islam at 100,000 with two-thirds of them women. Sarah Joseph speaks to five converts about their journey to Islam.
Given the perception of Islam as a strange and foreign faith, I am intrigued by how many times converts tell me, “It was what I already believed in”, “It answered the questions that had always bothered me”, “It wasn’t anything new.” Whilst the change in faith may lead to some lifestyle shifts, the essence of the faith seems almost familiar.
Having made a conscious choice to be Muslim the new converts often struggle with those closest to them in order to articulate their decision. The constant questions of loved ones, who are often suffering their own sense of confusion and bereavement, can lead to conflict; but it can also facilitate an increased strength of conviction, and a deeper, more profound faith.
The convert sits between two worlds, both reconciled within their consciousness. They are thus able to act as a bridge if they can be true to the journey of where they have come from, and where they going.
Sarah Joseph
--------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Myriam Francois Cerrah, Oxford University DPhil student in Middle East Politics, and regular contributor on current affairs, embraced Islam in 2003 aged 21
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Denise Horsley, teaching assistant and dance teacher, embraced Islam in 2009 aged 25.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Henrietta Szovati, marriage counsellor at Barefoot Institute, embraced Islam in 2001 aged 26.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Katerina Nordin-Phillips, a History graduate from SOAS, embraced Islam in 2003 aged 14.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Nabila Fowles-Gutierrez, midwife and musician, embraced Islam in 1999 aged 26.
Reply With Quote