Answer:  No, Allah is simply the Arabic word for God. Arabic-speaking Christians also use the term "Allah" to refer to God. Allah is the God of all creation, encompassing all humans regardless of their color, faith, or ethnic background. All prophets, including Moses and Jesus, taught belief in the same one God.

Answer: Islam is a religion which was originally brought in this world by Adam (peace be upon him). All the prophets have been following the same religion (e.g. One God, Day of Resurrection, etc.) but the actual laws of religion differed from time to time depending upon the time of respective prophets. The last Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny) brought the same religion, which is commonly known as ‘ISLAM’ today. There will be no Prophet after him. Therefore, Islam is the first and last religion, having been started by Adam and perfected by our Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny).

Answer: About basis of faith: In our theology, Reason is the basis of faith. Here we differ completely from the Christianity whose motto is “First believe, then you will understand”.

But we say “First understand, and then believe”. The role which our faith plays in our lives is very comprehensive and prevalent. A Muslim’s faith governs all his religious, ethical, social, and financial and family activities. It is not like Christianity in which the hold of religion on a Christian’s life is limited to a few minutes of Sunday mornings when he attends the church.

Answer: If you want to convert to Islam, you shouldn’t delay just because you fear how your parents may react.  We should do our best to please our Creator (Allah) over all others, even our parents.  It is permissible to hide your conversion until you feel it is safe to tell them.  You can decide when and where, and how to tell them later, but you should not delay converting until that time.  You can practice your new fain in secret until that time comes. We never know when we may die, and we do not want to be in a state of a non-Muslim if we faced a death resulting accident today or tomorrow.  On the Day of Judgment, our parents will not be able to save us, as each person will be accountable for themselves. Allah instructs us in the Qur’an regarding this:

“And We have enjoined on man to be good and dutiful to his parents, but if they strive to make you join with Me (in worship) anything (as a partner) of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not. Unto Me is your return, and I shall tell you what you used to do.” (Quran 29:8)

“But if they (your parents) strive with you to make you join in worship with Me others that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not, but behave with them in the world kindly, and follow the path of him who turns to Me in repentance and in obedience. Then to Me will be your return, and I shall tell you what you used to do.” (Quran 31:15)

Answer: Circumcision involves cutting away the foreskin around the head, or glans, of the penis. Any competent Muslim doctor, even a general practitioner, is usually capable of performing the operation, which is usually done with a local or general anaesthetic.

Answer: You do not have to have it done for conversion. However, It has to be done when you are fully ready to practice the obligatory acts of Islam. If you can't have it done for any medical reason, or due to old age, then you are excused. In such cases you need to make sure you have cleaned yourself well after using the bathroom, as this is important for the validity of prayer.

Answer: The phenomenon of women converting to Islam more than men is observed in various parts of the world, and scholars and sociologists have provided several explanations for this trend. Some of the key reasons include:

1. Search for Spiritual Fulfilment : Many women who convert to Islam report a search for spiritual meaning and fulfilment that they found lacking in their previous religious experiences. Islam's clear monotheism and its teachings about the purpose of life often resonate with individuals seeking definitive answers about faith and existence.
2. Community and Belonging : Converts often cite the sense of community and belonging that Islam provides. This is particularly appealing to those who feel isolated or disconnected in their current environments. The Muslim community's emphasis on unity and support can be very attractive.
3. Empowerment through Modesty : The Islamic concept of modesty, which includes the wearing of the hijab, is sometimes interpreted by converts as a form of empowerment rather than restriction. They may view it as a way to control how they are perceived, focusing more on intellectual and spiritual qualities rather than physical appearance.
4. Structured Lifestyle : Islam offers a structured way of life through its prescribed practices, moral guidelines, and legal frameworks. This structure can provide a sense of order and purpose, which might be appealing for those seeking discipline and clear guidelines in their lives.
5. Gender Roles : Some women are attracted to the distinct roles that Islam delineates for men and women. They may perceive these roles as offering respect and protection for women, along with clear expectations and responsibilities.
6. Intellectual Engagement : Converts often report that their journey to Islam involved significant learning and intellectual engagement. The rich intellectual tradition of Islam, including scholarship and debate over religious texts, can be particularly appealing.
7. Interpersonal Relationships : Relationships with Muslims, whether through friends, colleagues, or romantic partners, can often lead to exposure to Islamic beliefs and practices, eventually influencing conversion decisions.
8. Reaction to Western Values : Some women convert to Islam as a critique or rejection of certain Western values, which they may perceive as overly materialistic, individualistic, or morally lax. Islam's emphasis on community, spirituality, and moral discipline can offer a compelling alternative.

These factors vary widely among individuals, and the personal journey of each convert is unique. The reasons for converting are deeply personal and can be influenced by a myriad of social, spiritual, and emotional factors.

Answer: The main reasons for converting to Islam vary widely among individuals, but some commonly cited motivations include:

1. Spiritual Fulfilment: Many people are drawn to Islam for its clear and direct teachings on monotheism and the purpose of life, which they find spiritually fulfilling and philosophically satisfying.
2. Sense of Community and Belonging: The strong sense of community and the inclusive, supportive network that Islam fosters can be very appealing, especially for those seeking a sense of belonging.
3. Lifestyle and Structure: Islam provides a comprehensive way of life with clear guidelines and rituals, which can bring a sense of order and discipline to daily life.
4. Ethical and Moral Framework: The ethical teachings of Islam, which promote honesty, charity, and compassion, attract those seeking a strong moral foundation in their lives.
5. Intellectual Engagement: The rich intellectual tradition of Islam, including the study of the Quran and Hadith, appeals to those who are looking for a deeply reasoned and scholarly approach to religion.

Each individual’s journey to Islam is unique, often influenced by personal, social, and spiritual factors.

Answer: There is no need for a new Muslim to change their names unless it has a negative meaning, or is the name of a deity in another religion (ex: Gautam, Ram, Shiva, etc). Names of any of the Prophets are acceptable names such as Jesus (Isa), David (Dawud), Mary (Maryam), Moses (Musa), etc. Many new Muslims do not officially change their names, but just go by an Islamic name with their friends. This is up to the individuals about what they want to do, if they want to officially change it or not.   It “may” be obligatory for you to change it (later), especially if it is a non-acceptable name, when you apply to go for hajj, or to marry a Muslim. They may require proof of your conversion (which you can obtain from an Islamic Centre or mosque near you at any time), and they can advise you about how to go about changing your name if you need to do it.

Answer: Islam is fundamentally rooted in the belief in a Creator, Allah, who is the origin and Sustainer of all existence. From this perspective, any interpretation of evolution must align with the acknowledgment of divine creation.

1. Evolution as a Divine Process:
   If the theory of evolution is understood as the idea that Allah created life in stages, allowing species to develop through His will and design, this concept does not inherently conflict with Islamic teachings. The Quran frequently mentions that creation occurred in phases:
   • "And He created you in stages." (Quran 71:14)
   • "Do they not see that Allah created the heavens and the earth and everything in between them in stages?" (Quran 46:3)

This aligns with the possibility of a divinely guided evolutionary process, where Allah remains the ultimate cause behind all natural phenomena.

1. Rejection of Atheistic Evolution:
   If the theory of evolution is presented as an explanation for the origins of life without a Creator—claiming that life emerged and progressed solely through random processes or the self-driven development of matter—Islam categorically rejects such a view. This perspective contradicts the foundational Islamic belief in Allah as the sole Creator of all existence.

The Quran explicitly states:

• "Were they created by nothing, or were they the creators [of themselves]?" (Quran 52:35)
• "Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is the Maintainer of everything." (Quran 39:62)

Such a view, denying the role of Allah in creation, is considered Kufr (disbelief), as it undermines the central tenet of faith in a purposeful and intentional Creator.

1. Adam’s Creation and Human Evolution:
   Islam asserts the special creation of Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) as the first human being, formed by Allah’s will and command:
   • "Indeed, the example of Jesus to Allah is like that of Adam. He created him from dust; then He said to him, 'Be,' and he was." (Quran 3:59)

While this affirms the direct creation of Adam, it does not preclude the possibility of other forms of life developing through Allah's guidance before or alongside his creation. However, humans are unique in their spiritual and intellectual capacity, a distinction bestowed directly by Allah.

1. Islamic Perspective on Science and Faith:
   Islam encourages the pursuit of knowledge and reflection on the natural world as a means to appreciate Allah's greatness:
   • "Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of the night and day, are signs for those of understanding." (Quran 3:190)

Scientific theories, including evolution, are tools to explore the mechanisms of Allah’s creation. However, they must not be mistaken for explanations that negate the divine role in the existence and development of life.

Conclusion: Islam does not inherently oppose the concept of evolution if it is viewed as a process guided by Allah’s will. However, atheistic interpretations of evolution that deny the Creator are incompatible with Islamic belief. Muslims are encouraged to engage with science while firmly grounding their understanding in the recognition of Allah as the ultimate Creator and Sustainer of all things.