The Psychological Factors of Converting to Islam; Based on Islamic Sources and the Views of Muslim Thinkers

Literally, conversion means alternation and profound change. In the psychology of religion, it means changes in thoughts, beliefs, and patterns that bring about far-reaching changes in life. In the psychology of religion, conversion has been one of the most important research topics in the last century, and the findings of those studies have been used to promote religious goals and objectives and to spread those religions. However, the studies in the vast history of conversion have not been based on the Islamic teachings. The purpose of this study is to investigate and explain the psychological causes of conversion to Islam. The method of this research is descriptive-analytical. After identifying, reviewing, and extracting the points related to the research from general and specific sources, we have tried to explain the psychological factors in conversion to Islam. We have examined the evidence, arguments, and analysis by referring to the sources written by Islamic thinkers. After examining Islamic sources, fourteen psychological factors have been obtained in three categories of factors effective in the process of conversion: the characteristics of the convert, the inviter, and the religion of Islam.