CONVERTS

This article is reshared from the Jan 2022 issue of Data Digest published by the Institute of social policy and understanding. The original article can be found here: 10 Areas of Need in American Muslim Communities | ISPU 

4. CONVERTS: Creating a standardized introductory curriculum for new converts

To date, there is no standardized introductory curriculum in the United States for new converts. According to ISPU’s research, one of the biggest turn-offs for converts is to visit a mosque and then be criticized, frowned upon, or rudely corrected. New converts need support and should feel welcomed and safe in mosques and Muslim centers. Services like mentoring programs, support networks, access to educational material and dedicated social and family events can be very helpful.

Meeting the Needs of Muslim Youth: Supporting New Muslim Youth

How can we provide better support to convert youth?

According to Ta’leef Collective, over 20,000 Americans convert to Islam annually. But, many new converts leave Islam in the first two years after conversion. In this series of small group discussions, participants discussed the challenges faced by and needs of young American Muslim converts, including ‘disruption within family context, lack of social support or mentorship, and challenges integrating into the Muslim community.’ Also discussed were opportunities and ways in which local communities can better serve those needs including investing in convert care programming and training, promoting integration and a sense of belonging and creating a social and spiritual support network for new converts.

This report is part of ISPU’s American Muslim youth series. Any American born between 1990 and 2000 probably doesn’t recall a time when people kept their shoes on at airport security, could go all the way to the gate to see their friends off, or thought ‘Patriot Act’ was just a good deed. Today’s 15 to 25-year-olds don’t know an America before the horrific events of September 2001. For American Muslims, membership in this generation presents additional challenges, in addition to those faced by other young Americans: from drug and alcohol abuse to racism and a crisis of religious literacy. ISPU’s American Muslim youth series addresses some of these challenges and offers actionable recommendations for parents, community leaders, and national organizations.