From Christianity to Islam, the conversion of American women after the September 11, 2001 attacks

This study explores the experiences of women who converted to Islam after the attacks of September 11th, 2001. The researcher's goal was to answer the following questions: (1) Why have American women converted to Islam subsequent to 9/11? (2) What were their perceptions of Islam and Muslims before converting? (3) What were some of the changes they made in their life while converting to Islam? (4) How was their life different after converting to Islam? The study employed qualitative research methodology using a phenomenological approach. Data for this research were collected by interviewing nine American Muslim women who converted to Islam after 9/11. The interview data were analyzed using a coding method to develop theoretical constructs. The theoretical constructs produced the following 15 themes: (1) Religiosity, (2) Questioning Christianity, (3) Lifestyle before Converting to Islam, (4) Influence of 9/11, (5) Romantic Relationships, (6) Ramadan, (7) Desire for community, (8) Islam as the Continuation of Christianity, (9) Islam Liberates women, (10) Difficult Relationships with Family and Friends, (11) Strengthening Relationships with Family and Friends, (12) Reactions to the Hijab, (13) Personal Transformation through Religious Conversion, (14) Embracing Diversity, (15) Am I Muslim enough? This research found that many Americans do not have a clear and accurate picture of Islam and Muslims. The unique experience of American Muslim women who convert to Islam needs to be shared and acknowledged. Future Research should to explore the development of Feminist Identity and Bi-Cultural Identity of American women who convert to Islam.