Why is Islam Spreading So Quickly Despite All the Hatred Targeted Toward It?

Many people believe that Islam is expanding solely due to conversion, but this is a misconception. In reality, the growth in the number of Muslims is largely due to migration and natural population growth rates, particularly in non-Muslim-majority countries like those in the West. This article delves into these factors and dissects the real reasons behind Islam's growth, shedding light on the impact of demographics on religious populations.

Migration, Not Conversion

Contrary to popular belief, the spread of Islam is not driven primarily by conversion. According to research and observations, in non-Muslim-majority countries, particularly in the Western world, 98% of Muslims are immigrants, with the remaining 2% being second-generation Muslims. A writer from the Muslim community highlighted this truth: individuals are not converting to Islam, but rather, they are migrating. Walking into any mosque today, you would hardly find converts.

A study conducted by a team of non-Muslim researchers involved sending individuals to various mosques around the world to observe attendance over several months. Their findings showed that most mosques had a predominantly older congregation with no younger members. This observation reinforces the idea that the growth of Islam in Western countries is not due to conversions but rather a result of migration patterns.

Demographics and Immigration

The population of African American Muslims is projected to decline, while mosques in the U.S. continue to function due to the presence of immigrant communities. Over time, Islam is likely to wither away in areas where it is not deeply rooted. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that Muslims tend to settle in specific areas and establish their dominance, which can be seen through the high concentration of mosques and Islamic cultural centers in certain neighborhoods. However, it is reported that many Muslim immigrants in the West are abandoning Islam, and data is available upon request to support this claim. Given the choice, most rational individuals would not opt to become a part of Islam, which is often portrayed as a death cult by critics.

Islam's Reality: Beyond Propaganda and Bias

Some argue that Islam is spreading because it is the truth, and once people see beyond sensationalist propaganda and their own confirmation bias, they either convert or come to respect Islam. The religion itself is grounded in reality, whereas other ideologies may sound noble in theory but fail when put into practice. Muslims maintain strong family units, which contribute to higher fertility rates, a crucial factor in population growth.

While it is often claimed that Muslims are in dire circumstances, evidence from world demographics suggests that even in poverty, birth rates tend to increase rather than decrease. This phenomenon can be attributed to the denial of women's rights over their bodies, which undermines their ability to make informed decisions about family planning. UNESCO has identified that denying women's rights over their bodies is a primary driver of poverty, and religious practices that thrive on poverty and misery often contribute to this by restricting reproductive rights.

Demographic Challenges in the West

The growth of Islam in the West should be contextualized within broader demographic trends. For instance, in the United States, where over 23 million abortions have been performed in the past 30 years, the current fertility rate is 1.6, far below the replacement rate of 2.1. Similar low fertility rates are observed in non-Muslim-majority countries like Iraq (2.7) and Afghanistan (3.1). This means that while the U.S. population is growing, it is not at the same pace as these Muslim-majority countries, and as the current population ages and ultimately dies, the population will decline without significant immigration.

While the breakdown of family values and a focus on debt rather than basic economic values are contributing factors, it is also undeniable that Muslims, despite the challenges faced in their home countries, maintain strong family structures and see value in passing on their genes and raising their children. This is true even among Muslim communities in the West, who have higher fertility rates and a strong sense of community.

Ultimately, for the honest and observant individual, the stability and future prospects of Muslim-majority countries are evident. These societies, despite facing challenges imposed by external forces, continue to thrive in terms of fertility rates and family cohesion. This reality contrasts with the precariousness of many Western societies, where family values are eroding and economic sustainability is uncertain.

The spread of Islam in a globalized world is a complex issue influenced by migration patterns, demographic realities, and the resilience of its adherents in the face of adversity. Understanding these factors is crucial to navigating the current discussions surrounding religion and demographics.