Revert vs. Convert

[Ashima33]

Salaam!

I was wanting to start a discussion on the use of "revert" vs. "convert." I have found myself using convert when I talk with non-muslims and saying revert while around muslims... the other day one of my elder revert/convert friends told me that she uses "convert" no matter what because using the term revert is actually something new.

I know that the meaning behind it is that we are all born muslim and there are definitely things throughout my life that I can identify with why it would be called "reversion." But I do feel a bit apprehensive about it if it's something that is a newer trend.
I have decided to atleast use "convert" around non-muslims because I remember when I first heard someone say "revert" and I asked them to explain... I did feel it sounded a bit self-righteous. So I have decided to avoid the confusion.

Does anyone know about this subject in any detail?

Thanks!

 

[daywalker]

http://www.turntoislam.com/forum/showthread.php?t=35166&highlight=revert+convert

 

[nyerekareem]

:salam2:

when i am with non muslims, i use the term convert. i use it because using the word ' revert ' with them would require their belief in the use of the word in the same way we muslims use it. when i am with muslims i use the word ' revert ' because i know that we know what we are saying with the term. revert is the right term amongst us muslims but may not be the right term amongst non-muslims. the good thing is that most people that embrace islam usually stop saying that they converted and that they reverted instead, once they get more familiar with the deen; they'll know what they're doing.

 

[xSharingan01x]

:salam2:

when i am with non muslims, i use the term convert. i use it because using the word ' revert ' with them would require their belief in the use of the word in the same way we muslims use it. when i am with muslims i use the word ' revert ' because i know that we know what we are saying with the term. revert is the right term amongst us muslims but may not be the right term amongst non-muslims. the good thing is that most people that embrace islam usually stop saying that they converted and that they reverted instead, once they get more familiar with the deen; they'll know what they're doing.

:salam2:

That is probably the smartest thing to do.
I don't think any other religious group use the word "revert" aside from Muslims, not surprisingly it can be confusing for non-Muslims.

Muslims are smart, we are applying Sharia meaning to a word that previously had no religious significance.

 

[reversion]

as for myself i prefer revert because it represents a return to islam and i was actually born muslim but not raised in the religion. there are many of us out there coming from non-practicing muslim families. i am almost 27 and sadly trying to learn how to pray. i never had a religious upbringing and didn't even know many muslims growing up. i lost my faith along the way, searched for answers and decided to be a real muslim. i will be taking my shahada this friday in order to complete my reversion
i guess u could call yourself a convert if u follwed a different religion previously and was never exposed to islam at some point after your conscience was developed.
either case, it is a big change. my friends and family, for example, are seriously shocked by my decision.
i wonder if there is anyone else like me on this forum. if u have a story similar to mine, by all means please pm me!

 

[q8penpals]

Assalam aliekum

Personally, I think that making a huge deal about a single word is not worth my time. I say convert because to me, to revert to something must mean I was aware of it. If I were never aware of being "born Muslim" then how can I go back to the way I was born?

Whichever, I think the majority of people know what you mean.

Lana

 

[revert-sister]

salaam,

i think in answer to you question is
we are all born as muslims so we actually revert back to islam!
but non-muslimswouldnt understnad this so we say convert and with muslims who undersatnd we say revert.

does this help?
its my take on the situation

revert sister
~ Yvette ~

 

[Safiyah_]

salaam aleikum

This question was on my mind for a while now..
I always read convert and revert but i didn't really know the meaning i guess.. i saw them both as someone who turned to islam but i couldn't see a diffrence.
Thanks for explaining because now i understand completely !

wa aleikum salaam

 

[revert2007]

revert
Verb
1. to go back to a former state, practice, subject, or belief.

convert
Noun
a person who has been converted to another belief or religion

so u can see.revert is an action and convert is a noun.it depends in ur context of language what ur actually saying.

but people often say "I am a revert" whereby in this context they make revert as a noun.

it is better to say revert than convert coz when u say revert,people will understand that u converted to Islam

but u say am a convert ,they will question u "Which religion u converted to"