Conversion and Identity: The Pastoral Care and Discipleship of Converts from Islam in the Context of the UK

By Saira Malik

After researching conversion to and from Islam, this book suggests that misunderstanding surrounds groups of converts from Islam. However, converts should be heard as they understand the perspectives of both traditions, and are potential agents for cross-cultural dialogue and mediation. The book’s overarching theoretical framework focuses on the themes of conversion and identity. It records and analyses the experiences of converts from Islam to Christianity, and those who care for converts, in respect of their own discipleship paths and the handling of pastoral care in the UK. The hypothesis is that Muslim converts from Islam are taken on a different “straight path” which, because it focuses on a personal relationship with Christ, embraces all the emotional, intellectual and cognitive highs and lows of any intense intimate relationships.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Regnum Books International
• Release date: Nov 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9781914454684

Book preview

PREFACE

This book is based on my dissertation written in 2012 for my MA in Christianity and Interreligious Relations at Heythrop College, part of the University of London. The dissertation was based on interviews with two groups of people, namely converts from Islam and those supporting such people. There were 22 interviewees in total. The interviews were recorded to allow for academic assessment of the research methods used and the accuracy of my recording and analysing the findings. The recordings were duly deleted after the assessment had been completed.

All the candidates were known to me. The candidates represent a diverse range of Christian denominations. The converts are disciples who have followed their discipleship paths for over 10 years. The converts are from South Asia, Africa and Iran. It would be correct to state that 90% of these converts were never deeply embedded in Islam. A majority of those who have cared for converts have been in ministry for over 20 years and include church leaders. Many of the interviewees have been involved in the formation of the Church’s understanding of mission in multi-faith contexts. They also have a wealth of experience, not just in the UK, but as missionaries in Muslim countries.

I am a convert from Islam, hence my interest in the subject of conversion and identity. Furthermore, I desire to share the complex discipleship paths of people like me that will enable the wider Church to understand and support our brothers and sisters out of Islam better and help them grow and flourish in the body of Christ.

I am delighted to make my findings available more widely in this book.

CHAPTER ONE – INTRODUCTION

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ISSUE

In the ever-increasing literature about conversion and identity, an interesting direction is taken by author and Episcopal priest Paul-Gordon Chandler when he asks how Christ could become ‘naturalized’ in the Islamic context (Chandler, 2007:2). Chandler meets Arab Syrian novelist and writer Mazhar Mallouhi, who talks about a gradual adjustment from Islam to the community of Christ. He speaks of conversion as a process of transformation not rupture (p117).

Mallouhi is presented here as an alternative approach to the traditional ways in which conversion has been viewed, and also as a challenge to Christians. He is the voice of a convert who is living out his Christian faith whilst residing in his indigenous culture and managing all the issues that interculturation brings. These involve dialogical encounter, mutuality and enrichment through transformation. His journey has been difficult, often misunderstood; however, Christians can learn invaluable lessons from it.

Mallouhi is a follower of Jesus who has presented Him in culturally acceptable terms, in order to eliminate Islamic misunderstandings of the Gospel and Jesus. He avoids debates, instead seeking commonalties, and focuses on Jesus. He wants Muslims to experience authentic Christian friendships without ulterior agendas, and for everything to be left with God (p52). He honours Muslims, respecting their tradition, communities and culture. Mallouhi’s ultimate vision is one of bridging the divide between Islam and Christianity. His approach has been identified with the Insider Movement. I will critique the Insider approach in the final chapter.

Mallouhi encourages Muslim disciples of Jesus to continue with their old tradition’s way of life and devotional practice like, for example, in the manner of their prayer. He feels many natural Christians or insiders successfully follow Christ never needing to interact with the Christian community, living in the cultures in which God has placed them (p123). The insiders attend small fellowships, and have adapted Islamic tenets, rituals, worship and religious days to have new meanings. He feels that Muslim disciples of Jesus are culturally Muslims and spiritually Christ’s followers, and following Jesus enhances their true identities, rather than denying who they were (p107).

What have other thinkers written about converts from Islam? JM Gaudeul is a scholar of Arabic and Islamic Studies who has lived amongst converts from Islam, recording their journeys and experiencing their discipleship paths for himself. In this regard, he is an excellent precursor to my study. He encourages Christians to analyse these journeys of self-discovery, in order for the Church to be equipped to better understand their needs. The Church belongs to all, no one owns it. According to Gaudeul, new disciples require their admittance and acceptance (Gaudeul, 1996:293).

Gaudeul asks, why would a Muslim want to convert to Christianity? His main research findings point to