From what I've read from
different people who have converted to Islam, there are a few main
reasons for most conversions:
1. Muslims and Christians agree that God is self-existent. This
means that He does not derive his existence from anyone. Also they
believe in Jesus, love him, and honor him. In fact, no Muslim can
be a Muslim unless he or she believes in Jesus, on whom be
peace.
The Quran teach that Jesus is prophet or messenger from Allah
and not a God so Quran denies the divinity of Jesus. The Qur'an
says that Jesus was born of a virgin, that he spoke while he was
still only a baby, that he healed the blind and the leper by God's
leave, and that he raised the dead by God's leave.
2. Islam is a religious lifestyle, not just a quick Sunday
morning church visit and a label. Although some Christians do pray
before each meal and spend much time with their Bible, etc.many
doesn’t in the West. Islam is something that can't be shunted into
a few spare hours. You pray five times a day. Your dress code is
affected; even your food choices are explained in the Qur'an. Many
converts like it because they feel actively involved and as if they
are truly religious. Some people also studied Buddhism, flirted
with Roman Catholicism or spent time with Quakers, but ultimately
found them lacking.
3. For women, it is a big and welcome change from the "in your
face" sexuality of western culture. Women are not required by the
Qur'an to veil. They are required to dress modestly and it is
*recommended* that they cover their hair. However, most do veil and
some go farther with niquab (the face screen) or other traditional
clothes. Women dressed like this consider themselves marked as
religious women, not easy dates. They don't get hit on. No one
gawks at their bodies. They are clearly off limits sexually and
many say it is liberating not to have to conform to western
standards of sexy dress, makeup and spending so much time and money
on appearance. You buy a five-dollar hair cover, put your hair in a
ponytail and cover, wear long skirt and a tunic shirt -you're
set.
4. Islam is also growing because many people are not satisfied
with Christianity. They feel it is too liberal, too fluid and
changes for the culture. Islam on the other hand is more rigid and
does not as a whole allow much for modern changes and the whims of
society. Many like it because they feel other religions have loose
standards.
5. Islam has shown itself to be not only the most widespread
religion in the world, but also the most dynamic, attracting
converts at a faster rate than at anytime in the last 500
years.
A person like me who is unfamiliar with Islamic teachings might
be surprised to hear that Islam is not a "religion" in the narrow
sense used by secular humanists and does not rely upon blind faith
to make its case, but rather, encourages to use minds, for example,
the Qur'an invites to ponder upon the wonders of creation, and
challenges with intellectual arguments, further study of the Qur'an
demonstrates that sound reasoning and scientific knowledge confirm
rather than contradict authentic revelation and its ability to
satisfy the intellect whilst bringing peace to the soul. Also Islam
deals with every aspect of life, spiritual and physical; its
jurisprudence is based on a creed, instruction on worship, and
ordinances regarding social, economic, and political aspects.
That's what I got from Islam-online & Islam way women's
board and a few others of mine. Stats taken by many college groups
say that women convert 4 times more often then men.