Why would a non-forced woman choose to become a Muslim or stay a Muslim?

Question

I am seriously wanting to know...from a Muslim point of view.

I mean, I know that in Afghanistan, if you convert from Islam to another religion, it would be incredibly shameful and your own family would likely kill you, especially if you were female. This happens all the time...and women are literally burned to death.

And, I know that converting TO Islam is often completely forced...or perhaps, for marriage purposes, etc...

But I am curious about the women in the "open" countries who freely embrace Islam...? What on earth or in heaven could your motive possibly be? Do you have any idea what life is like for a Muslim woman...or what "heaven" is (supposedly) for a Muslim woman?

Right now, I could only think that it would stem from either ignorance or deception, or a combination of them both.

So, I ask this question with sincere interest...to learn something and gain some insight on these things...

Thanks in advance.

So far, I really do appreciate the answers. Like I said, I am sincere and looking for answers...

I have researched and AM researching this issue, even now...with this question...

And for those that tell me to do such...and ask Muslims about this...what do you think THIS is...???

And I have been to Afghanistan - and lived among Muslims. And I heard firsthand stories of men AND women being killed by their own family when they became Christians.

And I do agree the media distorts much, but here is your chance to "enlighten" people...including myself...!?!

And for those that have, why would you just hurl mindless insults, instead...?

Does the Quaran encourage you to be so hateful...and hurl insults at people who don't understand...?

Will you kill me, too...?

-

Answer 1

Women convert to Islam for a lot of reasons. One reason is they have a Muslim boyfriend, so they want to have the same faith as him(Dating is forbidden in Islam as is male and female contact unless a close relative). Or her husband is a Muslim and so she converts because the husband might be concerned about a non Muslim raising his children.

Most converts to Islam are from a Christian background. Islam makes a lot more sense than Christianity so a Christian will find believing in one G-d only rather than the trinity a lot more easier to believe, plus continue to believe in Jesus except rather than as a god, he becomes a prophet.

Islam also has rules that all must abide by while Christianity the laws often change(such as usury once being a heavy sin to now being accepted) so this stability is another reason for converting. Also women in the west may see Islam as bringing women back to a traditional role.

As for women born into Islam, they may see nothing wrong with Islam since they were born into it, so it is normal to them. Now if they wanted to leave Islam it would not be that easy since there family would never accept that, they rely on there family and would never want to hurt them.

Answer 2

I have never heard of anyone being forced to convert. That would be ridiculous because Islam is a religion whose foundation is based on intention. There is no reward for our deeds without proper intention and there is certainly no true conversion without the intention to follow God through a belief in the prophethood of Muhammad.

The answer to your question will remain baffling to you, no matter what any of us Western, "non-forced women" say to you until you do some actual research about the Islamic message and life of the Prophet, from Islamic sources. There is obviously a disconnect somewhere, so perhaps you might consider that the conclusions you have drawn about what Islam teaches and what our lives are like are incorrect.

And yes, I do know EXACTLY what life is like for a Muslim woman, as I have been one for 16 years, including 4 in a Muslim country. My motive is to live my life according to the guidance that God sent down for all humanity, nothing more or less. I love my life as a Muslim, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Answer 3

There is much that is beautiful in Islam. As is the case in Christianity, one can choose to focus on the positive and loving aspects or use your own bias when interpreting scripture. I live in a small city with a university with a fair number of students from the middle east, many or most are Islamic. They meet women from the US and the couples fall in love and many of the women convert, they may convert for love but most of them become faithful to Islam because they are open-minded and tolerant people and interput the Koran from a position of love and therefor see the innate beauty not those features that are harsh or militant. As with Christianity and the bible a Muslim male can focus on portions of the Koran that call marriage a bond of love and companionship not a legalistic means to oppress and control.
Read the Koran and you find that it supports love in most portions not unlike the gospels of the New Testament, you will find other portions that support control and even militancy as you would in some of Paul's letters in the New Testament and much of the Old Testament.
I am neither a Christian or a Muslim, but find much good in both and quite a bit of room to abuse or misuse the teachings as well. As seems to be the case with all religions.
What a great bunch of responses from Muslim women. Enough truth to change any reasonable persons view who previously held negative views toword Islam and its views on women. If this is still not enough for you please read the Koran.

Answer 4

Well as a Muslim revert and a "westerner" i submitted freely to Islam. The motivation? Learning about Islam, reading the Quran and finding it to be the true path and gaining a peace inside i hope you one day know. The first time i went to a mosque the vibe was so peaceful so calm i got an overwhelming feeling this was for me.
I have very idea what life is like for a Muslim woman i am one and i have every idea what heaven is like in as much as anyone knows.
I am neither ignorant nor deceived. I am an educated woman who waited 33 years before choosing a faith as i wanted to commit 100% when and if i ever found one that answered all my questions and Islam did.
You obvioulsy only know of islam what the media tells you. Do you know any muslims personally? Have you read and studied Islam? Maybe if you do these things your opinon would be a little different. Try watching Morgan Spurlocks documentory 30 days when a christian man went to live his life as a muslim for you guessed it 30 days. His opinion of muslims at the end was polars apart from what it was in the begining.
Peace to you.

EDIT
If you are really interested why the back door insults? "does the quran teach us to be hateful" "will you kill me too?"
Who have i killed? Why would i want to kill you? You know exactly what your doing with this line of questioning and i dont appreaciate the stereotypical suggestion i am a murderer. Those "families" you lived with who gave you stories of people being killed for converting to christianity (if in fact they are true) are not being muslims if they do such things. In Islam their is no compulsion in religion and it cannot be forced. Allah does not accept someone being forced to be a muslim they are not a muslim unless it is a submission of the heart. In Islam to kill one person is like you have killed all of mankind. I suggest you do MORE research if this is all you come up with.

Answer 5

I have been a devout, practicing Muslim woman for 33 years. I was never forced or coerced into embracing Islam. I embraced Islam only out of my own free will and conviction. To this day I continue to learn and grow in Islamic knowledge and wisdom.

A forced conversion is tantamount to no conversion. This goes for women as well as men.

Answer 6

I am a muslim woman who lives in a free country and is not forced into Islam. Why? Well simply because it is convincing. Every rule and law makes sense, all the evidence is bold and flalwless.I have done some research and read a lot of books. I suggest you take a break from the TV for a while, and stop making assumptions about any woman embracing Islam. If you REALLY want to know, do some research.

Answer 7

I am considering reversion to Islam because it is a beautiful faith that has provided me with comfort and understanding during a very difficult time in my life. I find peace and happiness when I think of Allah, and feel safe with this faith. Your understanding of Heaven is incorrect, as it is a wonderful place for Muslimahs. Life for a Muslimah is good; she is respected and honored by Muslim men. You believe the misinformation spread by the haters and the media; I recommend actually reading a Quran.

There is nothing forced about what I am considering.



Edit: freaky quique, there is nothing LAZY about fasting for a month. What is lazy is eating whenever you're hungry; a fast to purify oneself takes a lot of work and dedication.

Edit 2: Sen B, you're the second or third person I've heard mention this episode of 30 days. Any idea where I could see it? I'd love to watch it.

Answer 8

Why would you think my conversion stemed from ignorance or deception?
Why did I convert? Well obviously because I believe in it. I took the time to read the Quran and everyother book about Islam I have ever come across. I even read books against Islam to get their perspective. So it can't be from ignorance. Nor deception because I did not even get in a conversation about converting till I was for sure that it was the decision I wanted.
I know how muslim women are treated and I can assure you it is nothing like you think or have heard about on a minority of muslims.

Answer 9

In Islam, the way to treat woman everything is written down, its never says to kills them or to burned them to death even tho if they are change their believers. Its been truly stated in Quran. : Corrupt women are for corrupt men and corrupt men are for corrupt women, Good women are for good men and good men are for good women. The latter are innocent of what they say. 'They will have forgiveness and generous provision. [Quran: 24:26].
Another phrases says in Quran : Do not marry women of the idolaters until they believe. A slave-girl who is one of the believers is better for you than a woman of the idolaters, every though she may attract you. And do not marry men of they believe. A slave who is one of the believers is better for you than a man of the idolaters, even though he may attract you. Such people call you to the Fire whereas Allah calls you, with His permission, to the Garden and forgiveness. He makes His Signs clear to people so that hopefully they will pay heed. [Quran : 2:221].
The burning or the killing made by Indian or Afghanistan ppl, please is not right-full in Islam too, Is the culture and the social terms that made them do it. Even in Islam stated any problems in a woman have a way to settle it.
In true Islam, anybody that convert to Islam, cant even change their father's name to any of their choice names. They have to respect their family even tho their family is not Islam. They have to visit their family as before what they did before non-islam, so as the muslim that convert to others religion too, their duty is still the same, respect their family and visit them when needed.
In Islam, what bad things that you did, only Allah will punished you.
In Quran its fully stated that there is no forcing anyone to Islam. Please do read this " There is no compulsion where the religion is concerned. Right guidance has become clearly distinct from error. Anyone who rejects false gods and believes in Allah has grasped the Firmest Handhold, which will never give way. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing,[Quran,2:256]
What others did,malaysia or Afganistan or Arab, or Israel, or Iraq, that is their own culture not Islam at all, How they eat, how they treat one another is their own culture, got nothing to do with Islam. Islam is a RELIGION not a Culture.
To know the truth about Islam is to read the Quran, please do not simply say it without any knowledge about Islam. What you see and hear maybe not in Islam at all. Please do read a book by Aaron John Learning From the Quran. Don't misjudge Islam with culture and socialism. Islam is religion not a culture.

Answer 10

hello,

i was raised in christianity. i used to be a strong christian, knew the bible very well. i began asking q's to my father, who was a pastor at the time, he and many others weren't able to answer my q's. they told me it was satan putting bad thoughts into my head, and that i should have 'blind faith'.

so i left christianity... wasn't really anything for a long time.

i discovered islam a few years later. it was exactly what i was looking for. and just by reading the holy Qur'an, i found all the answers to the previous questions i had about christianity.

i am now a revert/convert to Islam. Almost 5 years now.
i am VERY happy w/ my decision. i would NEVER consider leaving islam.

Islam is a complete way of life. and women have the highest respect, more then in any other religion.

i can choose who i marry, i can work or stay home (it's my choice, not my husbands) i can KEEP my money- it's my husbands responsibility to provide for all my needs (food, housing, clothing etc.) my husband must treat me good, with care, love, respect.

in christianity, it states that the man is over the woman.

in islam, men and women are EQUAL, regarding religious acts, but each have their individual rights and responsibilities.
their "role" in life.

islam is a beautiful religion.

i think you should stop listening to the LYING media.

you should do your own research, and be a little more
open-minded.

go to:
http://www.islam-guide.com
http://www.islamtomorrow.com
http://www.islamalways.com




this was a decision i made on my own.