My Journey to Islam: A Revert’s Reflections

Bismillah.

I’ve recently been asked to share a little about my journey to Islam, along with some reflections and advice for new Muslims. I’m also currently working on a non-fiction project exploring Muslim women—past and present—and this feels like a natural place to begin, by sharing a small part of my own experience.

My Revert Story

I grew up in a place where Islam wasn’t really understood, and I didn’t know much about it beyond stereotypes. I wasn’t religious at the time and didn’t have any real understanding of Islam.

At the same time, I was going through a very difficult period in my life, struggling with loneliness and my mental health. I spent a lot of time online, and through that, I met someone who happened to be Muslim.

That moment didn’t push me away—instead, it made me curious.

I began to look into Islam for myself, and what stood out to me most was the concept of one God. The idea of Tawheed made sense to me in a way I hadn’t experienced before.

Over time, that curiosity slowly turned into something deeper. I began turning to Allah in moments of difficulty, even before I fully understood everything. And gradually, I realised that this connection was something real.

Reverting wasn’t a sudden moment—it was a journey of certainty, learning, and growing understanding.

What I’ve Learned as a Revert

1. Self-respect as a woman comes from Islam

One of the biggest things I’ve learned is how to respect myself as a woman. Before Islam, I didn’t fully recognise my worth—I often looked for it in other people, in attention, or in how I was treated.

Through Islam, I began to understand that my value is not something I have to earn from people. It is already given to me by Allah.

That has changed how I see myself, how I carry myself, and what I accept in my life. It’s still something I am growing in, but Islam gave me a foundation I never had before.

2. Gratitude changes everything

Before Islam, it was very difficult for me to see the good in my life. I often felt overwhelmed by what I didn’t have.

Now, even though I still have difficult days, I feel a deeper sense of gratitude and contentment. I’ve learned to recognise the small blessings in everyday life, and that shift has changed my perspective completely.

Gratitude has been one of the most powerful gifts of my journey.

3. Hardship can be a blessing

One of the hardest but most important things I’ve learned is that hardship is not meaningless.

Difficult times shape you, strengthen you, and bring you closer to Allah in ways you may not understand in the moment. What feels heavy at first can later reveal wisdom, growth, and strength.

4. Things are not always what they seem

I grew up seeing Islam from the outside, mostly through stereotypes and misunderstanding.

But when I began learning for myself, I realised how different the reality is compared to what I had assumed. Islam was not what I expected—it was far more peaceful, structured, and meaningful than I had ever imagined.

It taught me the importance of learning for yourself before forming conclusions.

My Struggles as a Revert

My struggles are actually where much of my advice comes from.

1. Feeling overwhelmed at the beginning

When I first became Muslim, I felt overwhelmed quite quickly. There were many expectations and things I was encouraged to learn immediately, including Arabic, before I had even understood the basics of my faith.

At that point, I hadn’t yet read the Qur’an in my own language, and I didn’t know much about the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. I only understood the belief in one God.

Looking back, I realise I needed a stronger foundation first. That early experience taught me the importance of building knowledge step by step rather than rushing.

2. Trying to change everything too quickly

Another struggle was trying to change too many things at once before I was ready.

At times, I felt pressure and also put pressure on myself. This made things harder than they needed to be. It wasn’t until I began building a genuine connection with Allah that things started to shift naturally.

Instead of feeling forced, I began to feel sincerity—and that changed everything.

3. Navigating different opinions and cultural influence

One of the ongoing challenges for me has been learning how to navigate different opinions within the Muslim community.

As a new Muslim, it can feel overwhelming trying to understand different viewpoints in Islamic scholarship while still learning the basics.

Alongside this, I also had to learn how to separate Islamic guidance from cultural practices. In many communities, culture and religion can overlap, which can make things confusing when you are trying to understand what is essential to Islam and what is cultural.

For me, the struggle has been about learning how to navigate this without confusion or pressure, and focusing on the fundamentals step by step.

4. Losing myself in expectations and identity

At times, I felt pressure to fit into expectations that weren’t my own or to change parts of myself in ways that didn’t feel natural.

As a revert, it can feel like you don’t fully belong where you came from, but also don’t fully belong elsewhere either.

Over time, I’ve learned that Islam does not require me to lose who I am. I can be Muslim while still being myself and appreciating where I come from.

5. The responsibility of raising Muslim children

One of my biggest ongoing struggles is raising my children as Muslims while still learning myself.

There are moments where I feel unsure and aware that I am still growing in my own understanding. It can feel overwhelming at times trying to guide others while still learning.

But I remind myself that sincerity, effort, and turning to Allah are what matter most. We grow together, step by step.

Advice for New Muslims

1. Focus on your relationship with Allah first

In the beginning, the most important thing is your connection with Allah.

Don’t overwhelm yourself trying to change everything at once. Focus on the basics:

• Learn how to pray

• Read the Qur’an in a language you understand

• Learn about the Prophet ﷺ

• Talk to Allah sincerely, in your own words

When your connection with Allah becomes strong, everything else begins to fall into place naturally.

2. Don’t overwhelm yourself with too much information

At the beginning, you don’t need to learn everything at once.

Focus on:

• The Qur’an

• The Sunnah

• The basics of prayer

Knowledge comes step by step. You don’t need to rush your journey.

3. Don’t lose yourself in other people’s cultures

Islam does not require you to change your identity.

It’s beautiful to learn about different cultures, but you don’t need to lose yourself in them. You can be Muslim and still be yourself.

Tips for New Muslims

1. Keep learning simple and consistent

Even 10 minutes a day is enough if it’s consistent.

Use that time to:

• Read the Qur’an

• Learn and practise prayer

• Listen to reminders or stories about the Prophet ﷺ

Consistency matters more than intensity.

2. Strengthen your iman in low moments

Everyone experiences highs and lows in faith.

In difficult moments:

• Talk to Allah

• Make du’a in your own words

• Remember your blessings

Even the smallest things—sight, hearing, food, nature—are huge blessings when you begin to reflect on them.

3. Be gentle with yourself

You do not need to do everything at once.

Set small goals, take steady steps, and focus on sincerity over perfection. Growth takes time.

Conclusion

Reverting to Islam is not a easy path—it is a journey of learning, growth, and reflection.

There are moments of clarity and peace, and also moments of confusion and challenge. But through it all, what has helped me most is returning to the basics: sincerity, patience, and turning back to Allah.

Every journey is different, and there is no perfect timeline. What matters is continuing forward, even slowly.

If you are at the beginning of your journey—or even many years into it—I hope this reminds you that you are not alone.