“Convert” is the English word used for one who embraces a religion after being raised in another. A common definition of the word “convert” in lexicons is to “change from one religion or belief to another.” Among Muslims, you may hear people refer to themselves as “reverts” instead.

The term “revert” stems from some people’s belief that all people are born as Muslims while relying on the misinterpretation of the Hadith that states:

ﻛﻞ ﻣﻮﻟﻮﺩ ﻳﻮﻟﺪ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﻔﻄﺮﺓ

Imam an-Nawawi in his explanation of Sahih Muslim (v16, p.208) said: “The correct interpretation of the Hadith is that every person is born ready to accept Islam. Therefore, the one whose parents are Muslims or any of them is Muslim and remains steadfast to Islam, will be dealt with as Muslim in this life and the Hereafter. However, if his parents are non-believers then the rules pertaining to his parents apply to…