The Data · Subpage
By providing fresh socio-demographic data on 257 American female converts to Islam, we see an accurate portrait that reflects the incredible diversity of Muslim Americans — a diversity not accurately represented in American news media. This survey reflects women of varied race, faith background, education, age, and experience.
90.7% of respondents resided in the United States. The remaining 9.3% — representing 18 different countries around the world — are not mapped for purposes of confidentiality and anonymity.
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These self-identifications are representative of the diversity existing among American female converts to Islam — a diversity not being accurately represented or portrayed in American news media.
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When did women take their shahada? The three largest groups — ages 25–34, 20–24, and 16–19 — tell a story of young adulthood as a pivotal time of spiritual seeking.
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100% of respondents held at least a high school diploma. The vast majority came from Christian backgrounds — in a Christian majority nation, the data invites deeper questions about the draw of Islam.
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Islam reveals itself to be not monolithic, but rich in diversity and interpretation. Not all Muslims practice Islam the same way — and these 257 women embody that truth.
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At conversion: single women dominate. Today: the majority are married. The data suggests both the significance of marriage in Islamic doctrine and the role Islam plays in building family life.
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"A new moon teaches gradualness and deliberation, and how one gives birth to oneself slowly."
— Rumi