If you’ve ever interacted with new Muslims, you might have noticed that many refer to themselves as “reverts” rather than “converts.” This might seem unusual at first, but the term “revert” has a deep meaning in Islam.
So, why do many new Muslims use “revert” instead of “convert”? Let’s explore the Islamic perspective on human nature (fitra) and why the term “revert” is used.
1. The Concept of Fitra: Everyone is Born Muslim
Islam teaches that every human being is born in a natural state of belief in God (Allah). This natural state is called “Fitra”—a built-in awareness of God and the inclination to worship Him alone.
📖 Quranic Verse:
“So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere to] the fitra of Allah upon which He has created [all] people.” (Quran 30:30)
🔹 What Does This Mean?
- Every person is born with an innate belief in the One Creator.
- As they grow, their surroundings (family, culture, society) may influence them away from this belief.
- When someone embraces Islam, they are returning to their original state—hence, they are “reverting” to their fitra.
2. Hadith: Prophet Muhammad’s Explanation
The idea of reverting to Islam is supported by a famous hadith of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ):
🔹 Hadith in Sahih Muslim:
“Every child is born upon the fitra, but his parents make him a Jew, a Christian, or a Magian.” (Sahih Muslim 2658)
🔹 What This Means:
- Islam is the natural religion of all human beings.
- If left uncorrupted by external influences, people would naturally believe in the One God (Allah).
- When someone embraces Islam, they are not adopting a new religion but returning to the original truth they were created with.
This is why many new Muslims prefer the term “revert”—they see their journey as a return rather than a conversion to something foreign.
3. Difference Between “Revert” and “Convert”
| Term | Meaning in Islam | Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Revert | Returning to the original faith (Islam) that one was born with | Emphasizes the belief that Islam is the natural religion |
| Convert | Changing from one religion to another | Implies that Islam is something “new” rather than a return to fitra |
🔹 Example:
- If someone was born into a Christian, Jewish, or atheist family and later accepts Islam, they are not adopting a new belief—they are reverting to their original state (fitra).
4. Do All New Muslims Have to Use “Revert”?
Not necessarily! Some prefer to call themselves “converts”, and that is fine too. The most important thing is sincerity in faith, not the label.
What Matters Most?
✅ Accepting Islam with an open heart.
✅ Following the teachings of the Quran and Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
✅ Striving to live as a good Muslim.
💡 Whether you call yourself a “revert” or “convert,” your faith and commitment to Islam are what truly count.
5. What If Someone Doesn’t Remember Their Fitra?
Since most people are raised in non-Islamic environments, they may lose touch with their fitra. But Islam teaches that fitra never disappears—it can always be rediscovered.
🔹 Example: Many new Muslims say that Islam “feels familiar” or that they had always believed in One God but didn’t know about Islam before. This is their fitra guiding them back!
📖 Quran:
“And when your Lord took from the children of Adam their descendants and made them testify about themselves, [saying], ‘Am I not your Lord?’ They said, ‘Yes, we have testified.’” (Quran 7:172)
🔹 This verse explains that before we were born, our souls already recognized Allah!
Conclusion: A Return, Not a New Beginning
The term “revert” reflects the Islamic belief that every person is born with an innate connection to Allah. When someone embraces Islam, they are returning to their original, natural faith—hence, they are “reverting” rather than converting.
However, whether someone calls themselves a revert or a convert, what truly matters is their belief in One God and their commitment to Islam.
💡 Are you a new Muslim or thinking about accepting Islam? Let me know if you need guidance or resources to help you on your journey! 😊
