Great British Convert Study

As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu,

We are pleased to introduce the Great British Convert Study, an important new research project jointly commissioned by iERA, the Convert Muslim Foundation (CMF) and conducted by the Ayaan Institute.

The aim of the study is to build the most comprehensive picture yet of Britain’s Muslim convert community—how large it is, how many people convert to Islam each year, and how many later lose contact with convert organisations or the Muslim community more broadly.

The Ayaan Institute research team consists of Dr William Barylo, Sociologist, and Yahya Birt, Research Director at the Ayaan Institute.

We have established strict research protocols to ensure all data you provide will be anonymised, securely stored, and destroyed upon the conclusion of the study.

Who can take part?

Anyone who has converted to Islam at some point in their life (even if they later left), currently resident of the United Kingdom or holding a UK passport.

There are no right or wrong answers when it comes to talking about your own experiences.

Why take part?

By participating, you will help the convert community and the organisations who serve it to have:

1. A greater understanding of the size and makeup of our convert community, including their backgrounds and motivations for embracing Islam.

2. A deeper insight into the challenges and problems converts face after embracing Islam.

3. A clearer understanding of why some may leave Islam.

4. Develop practical solutions to address these challenges and a commitment from iERA and CMF to dedicate resources to supporting converts more effectively in the light of these recommendations.

We estimate this should take you no more than 10 minutes.

If you have any questions about the study, please contact our administrative lead for the project at: [email protected] or [email protected].

We sincerely thank you for your time, trust and cooperation in this vital initiative. Together, we can ensure that converts to Islam in Britain are seen, heard, and supported in meaningful ways.

Yours faithfully,

Wa s-salam, iERA, the Convert Muslim Foundation (CMF) and the Ayaan Institute

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