The recent war in Gaza, which claimed the lives of more than 25,000 Palestinians, has sparked a global interest in Islam, especially among those who witnessed the resilience and faith of the Palestinian people. According to various sources, thousands of people across the world have converted to Islam or expressed their curiosity about the religion since the conflict began in October 2023.
Some of the new converts say they were moved by the stories of courage and sacrifice that emerged from the besieged Gaza Strip, where civilians faced relentless bombardment and displacement by the Israeli forces. Others say they were impressed by the peaceful and humanitarian response of the Muslim community, which mobilized to provide aid and support to the victims of the war.
One of the noteworthy instances of this phenomenon involves Hunter Graves, a 21-year-old college senior in Nashville. “You see women running out of rubbled buildings holding their lifeless child, and the first thing they do is thank Allah,” he said.
In the last two months, Graves has shared various videos discussing Islam. Some feature the books he has acquired, while others playfully explore his contemplation of “lowkey thinking bout becoming a Muslim.” A video expressing his enthusiasm for terms like alhamdullilah (praise be to Allah) garnered almost two million views.
On Oct. 27, a video was posted by Graves in which he took his shahada — the formal declaration of faith leading to becoming Muslim — at a mosque, officially undergoing the process of “reverting,” a term used by some converts to Islam. He conveyed, “With faith, suffering has meaning.”
Graves is not alone in his journey to Islam. According to the Islamic Society of Britain, a leading Muslim organization, the number of converts to Islam in the UK has increased by 50% since the war in Gaza. The society estimates that there are now more than 250,000 Muslims of British origin in the country, and expects the figure to rise further in the coming years.
Similar trends have been reported in other parts of the world, such as the US, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, and Spain, where Muslim organizations and mosques have witnessed a surge in inquiries and conversions.
Some of the factors that have contributed to this wave of conversions include the availability of online resources and platforms that offer information and guidance on Islam, the increased visibility and outreach of Muslim activists and scholars, and the growing awareness and solidarity among people of different faiths and backgrounds.
However, the new converts also face some challenges and difficulties, such as the lack of support and acceptance from their families and friends, the discrimination and hostility from some segments of society, and the confusion and doubts that may arise from their transition to a new way of life.
To overcome these obstacles, the new converts need to seek knowledge and education about Islam, to find a supportive and welcoming Muslim community, and to maintain a strong and sincere relationship with God.
For some, the war in Gaza is a catalyst for a spiritual awakening and a new beginning. For others, it is a reminder of the common humanity and values that unite us all.