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 don'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 other of mine. Stats taken by many college
groups say that women convert 4 times more often then
men.