Are We Born Muslims? Revert or Convert? Understanding Our Innate Faith

The Primordial Covenant: Humanity’s Promise to Allah Before Birth

Before we were sent to this world, Allah gathered all human souls and made them testify to His Lordship. The Quran describes this profound moment:

“And [mention] when your Lord took from the children of Adam their descendants and made them testify of themselves, [saying], ‘Am I not your Lord?’ They said, ‘Yes, we have testified.’” (Quran 7:172)

This verse establishes that every human soul, before entering this earthly life, consciously acknowledged Allah as its Creator and Sustainer. This divine covenant (Mithaq) is embedded in our spiritual DNA, forming the foundation of the fitrah—the innate disposition toward recognizing truth and submitting to Allah.

Modern science offers intriguing clues that align with the Islamic concept of mithāq (the primordial covenant) and fitrah (the innate human disposition toward God), though they do not directly prove religious teachings. Studies from the Yale Infant Cognition Center show that babies as young as six months display a basic moral sense and preference for fairness (Yale Baby Lab, video). Research by cognitive scientist Justin Barrett suggests children are “born believers,” naturally inclined to see purpose and design in the world, even without religious instruction. Neuroscience studies, like those by Andrew Newberg, explore how the brain processes spiritual experiences, identifying regions activated during meditation or prayer that produce feelings of transcendence. While these findings do not confirm metaphysical claims, they provide fascinating parallels to the Qur’anic idea that the human soul is created with an intrinsic awareness of the Divine.

The Fitrah: Born in a State of Pure Submission

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Every child is born upon fitrah (the natural state of Islam), but his parents make him a Jew, Christian, or Zoroastrian.” (Sahih Muslim 2658)

This hadith confirms that Islam is not merely a religion adopted later in life; it is humanity’s default state. A newborn is free from sin, untainted by worldly ideologies, and naturally inclined toward Tawheed (monotheism). This explains why even those raised without religious teaching often feel an instinctive pull toward spirituality, morality, and the concept of a higher power. Modern psychology supports this idea, with studies indicating that belief in a divine being is a universal human tendency (Cognitive Science of Religion, Stanford University).

1. The Islamic Concept of Fitrah – Are We Born Muslims?

The Quranic and Hadith Evidence

Allah says in the Quran:

“So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere to] the fitrah of Allah upon which He has created [all] people. No change should there be in the creation of Allah.” (Quran 30:30)

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“No child is born except upon fitrah (the natural state of Islam), then his parents make him a Jew, a Christian, or a Magian.” (Sahih Muslim 2658)

What is Fitrah?

• Innate Monotheism: Every human is born with an inherent recognition of Allah’s Oneness (Tawheed).
• Moral Compass: Even without religious teaching, humans naturally distinguish good from evil.
• Scientific Support: Studies suggest that belief in a higher power is a universal human tendency (Cognitive Science of Religion).

Why Do Some Deviate from Fitrah?

• Parental & Societal Influence: External factors shape religious identity.
• Nafs (Lower Self) & Shaytan: Worldly desires and Satanic whispers lead people astray (Quran 12:53).

 References:

• Quran 30:30
• Hadith on Fitrah (Muslim 2658)

2. Revert or convert? The Linguistic & Theological Debate

The Case for “Revert”

The preference for the term “revert” in Islamic discourse stems from a profound theological foundation. In the Quran, Allah describes how every human soul, before earthly existence, testified to His Lordship:

“And [mention] when your Lord took from the children of Adam their descendants and made them testify of themselves, [saying], ‘Am I not your Lord?’ They said, ‘Yes, we have testified.'” (Quran 7:172)

This primordial covenant (Mithaq) establishes that every human is born with an innate recognition of Allah (fitrah). Therefore, when someone embraces Islam later in life, they are not adopting a new religion but returning to their original, natural state of submission to Allah.

The Prophet ﷺ reinforced this concept when he said:
“Every child is born upon fitrah (the natural state of Islam)…” (Sahih Muslim 2658)

Thus, “revert” carries deeper meaning—it signifies a spiritual homecoming rather than a mere change in belief.

The Validity of “Convert”

While “revert” holds theological significance, the term “convert” is not incorrect. Linguistically, it means “to change from one belief system to another,” which accurately describes the process of accepting Islam.

Some scholars argue that:

• “Convert” is more universally understood, especially in non-Muslim societies.
• The Quran itself uses terms like “entering Islam” (e.g., Quran 49:14), which aligns with the idea of conversion.
• The essence lies not in the word used, but in the sincerity of the heart.

Scholarly Perspectives & Practical Considerations

1. Preference for “Revert” – Many contemporary scholars and da’wah workers favor this term because it reflects Islamic theology more precisely.
2. Permissibility of “Convert” – Scholars like Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen (rahimahullah) stated that while “revert” is ideal, “convert” is not wrong as long as the intention is clear.
3. Avoiding Excessive Debate – The Prophet ﷺ focused on guiding people to Tawheed rather than linguistic technicalities.

Verdict: Which Term Should We Use?

• Theologically, “revert” is more accurate because Islam is the original faith of humanity.
• Practically, “convert” is acceptable, especially when explaining Islam to non-Muslims.
• Most importantly, the heart’s submission to Allah matters more than the label.

As Allah says:
“Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam.” (Quran 3:19)

Whether someone calls themselves a revert or convert, what truly matters is that they have answered the call of their fitrah and returned to the truth.

 Reference:

• Quran 7:172

3. The Great Paradox: Why Do We Forget Our Covenant with Allah?

The Pre-Existence of Souls

Before birth, every soul testified to Allah’s Lordship (Quran 7:172). Yet, in this world, we become distracted by:

• Dunya (Worldly Life): Wealth, power, and desires consume us.
• Shaytan’s Deception: Satan vowed to mislead humanity (Quran 7:16-17).

The Prophet’s ﷺ Warning

“By Allah, it is not poverty that I fear for you, but I fear that this world will be spread out for you as it was for those before you, and you will compete for it as they did, and it will destroy you as it did them.” (Sahih Bukhari 6425)

From Childhood to Adulthood

1. Early Childhood (Ages 0-7) – The Pure Fitrah

Example:

• A 4-year-old naturally asks, “Who made the sky?” showing innate recognition of Allah.
• But if parents dismiss the question (“Just science, sweetie”) or don’t nurture this curiosity, the fitrah weakens.

Quranic Reminder:
“So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere to] the fitrah of Allah…” (Quran 30:30)

Solution:

• Answer children’s spiritual questions with Tawheed-based explanations (“Allah made the sky because He loves us”).
• Play Islamic nasheeds instead of mainstream music to protect their fitrah.

2. Pre-Teen (Ages 8-12) – Social Conformity Begins

Example:

• A 10-year-old stops saying “Alhamdulillah” at school when classmates mock him.
• He prioritizes fitting in over Islamic identity, planting seeds of doubt.

Prophetic Warning:
“Whoever imitates a people becomes one of them.” (Abu Dawud 4031)

Solution:

• Build Islamic pride through stories of young Sahaba (e.g., Ali RA accepting Islam at 10).
• Encourage Muslim friendships via weekend schools or Islamic camps.

3. Teenage Years (Ages 13-19) – Dunya’s Allure Intensifies

Example:

• A 16-year-old Muslimah removes her hijab for prom, thinking “It’s just one night.”
• Shaytan exploits this compromise—soon, she abandons it entirely for university.

Quranic Insight:
“Satan promises you poverty and commands you to immorality…” (Quran 2:268)

Solution:

• Teach teens that small compromises lead to big deviations.
• Replace haram socializing with halal alternatives (e.g., Muslim youth groups).

4. Adulthood (20+) – Full Worldly Absorption

Example:

• A 30-year-old delays marriage to focus on career, then struggles with zina.
• He justifies riba (interest) for a mortgage: “Everyone does it.”

Hadith Reality Check:
“A time will come when one will not care how one gains money, legally or illegally.” (Bukhari 2059)

Solution:

• Weekly self-audit: “Am I trading my akhirah for dunya?”
• Attend Islamic finance workshops to find halal alternatives.

 Reference:

• Quran 29:64

Conclusion: Returning to Our True Nature

Islam is not a new religion—it is the original way (Deen al-Fitrah). Whether called “revert” or “convert,” the key is sincere submission to Allah.

“O you who have believed, respond to Allah and the Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life.” (Quran 8:24)

May Allah keep us steadfast on the straight path. Ameen.

• What is the fault of children born in a kaafir environment?