UK Sees Spike in Conversions to Islam Amid Gaza War, Says New Study
The British daily Telegraph, citing a new study, has reported that the bloody events in Gaza—especially the recent attacks by the Israeli regime—have led to a significant increase in Britons converting to Islam.
According to the report, released by the Academy for the Impact of Faith on Life (IIFL), global conflicts—particularly the war in Gaza—have been identified as the main drivers behind religion changes among Britons. The findings indicate that many of those who converted chose Islam as a faith based on justice and ethics.
Researchers said that about 20% of participants who had converted to Islam cited international tragedies, especially wars, as having the greatest influence on their decision. Among the 2,774 individuals who changed their religion, a large proportion were young people who expressed dissatisfaction with global disorder and increasing mistrust in the media.
Israeli media outlets responded to the report with concern. The newspaper Maariv called the phenomenon “horrific,” while the i24 news website interpreted it as evidence of a noticeable rise in Islamism in the UK.
While the Taliban administration in Afghanistan enforces strict religious restrictions and imposes a closed, one-sided religious environment on its citizens, the report suggests that in other societies, Islam is garnering attention as an informed and ethical personal choice.
