In my thirty years as being an American Muslim, I have seen many people come to accept Islam.

From all races, genders, income levels, and all stages of career and life accomplishments. A friend of mine, he was about 40 years old at the time, his mother accepted Islam from a strict "Christian evangelical" background at the age of 65. It seems even Mother Theresa had doubts. No one has been able to specifically outline how people increase and decrease in their belief in God and why they choose the paths they follow. Some become "religious" or "spiritual" at a young age. Sometimes as young as ten, but usually late teens early twenties is when many seem to want to break away from whatever religion they were taught and question life and their position in life. Others wait until they are well within their 40's and 50's when life seems to lose its luster and the grave seems closer. Islam is open for anyone, at any time, from any background. There are many famous converts, from Malcolm X to Cat Stevens to Napoleon (the rapper) and Muhammad Ali, the boxer. Race and ethnicity are irrelevant. It is not even a question of patriotism. It is not un-American to accept Islam. It is not an act of treason. It is usually the culmination of objective education of religion and history that leads many to accept Islam. Many accept Islam because of the strict adherence to monotheism. Islam does accept Jesus as being divinely sent through his mother, the Virgin Mary. Islam also accepts that Jesus must return to Earth before the end of the world. Islam does complete reject the idea of Jesus being the Son of God as complete polytheism. Many times, people find religion or return to religion after going through some major catastrophe in life. Jail, poverty, drugs are usual life awakening events that compel someone to make a change. But why Islam? Why now, in these times, especially in the USA? That is hard to identify. Many personal stories call to mind an inner quest to find out truth, no matter where it leads. Sometimes, when people are warned of the boogeyman, their curiosity gets the better of them and they wind out finding out that the boogeyman was never scary to begin with. One thing seems to be for certain, if the life of this world has a stronger grip on you than your desire to learn about God and devote yourself to following His commands and being obedient to His laws, then accepting Islam would be very difficult. Some admire the family values that are incorporated in Islam. Some admire the modesty and protection given to women. Some admire the spirituality incorporated in Islam. The five daily prayers are a source of inner peace, solace and contentment for many. Islam redefines life as we know it. It prioritizes life to firstly meaning to worship the One True God, the creator of the heavens and the earth and the One to whom we shall all return. In the Quran, it says, the worst thing any person can do is to disbelieve in God. It is considered an unforgiveable sin. Everything else is forgiveable. The best thing anyone can do is to worship their Creator.