Religion and Society Research Cluster

‘Entering into the Religion of Islam: A Personal Journey’

This presentation will briefly discuss my journey into Islam. It occurred at a time when I ventured out for meaning of existence and my quest to discover and understand God.  Embracing Islam did not happen straight away whilst I was searching for meaning and God but took some time. The process was arduous and long and is continuing.

Glenn Guzzo holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mathematics and Computer Science from Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne and is currently completing an MBA at Macquarie University.  He is currently employed by IBM working as a systems management specialist.
Email: glennguzzo@gmail.com

‘Conversion to Islam: A Personal Experience’

After 9/11 it was reported that libraries had run out of books on Islam and the Middle East. English translations of the Qur’an were featured on the American best-seller list and were sold out in stores across the Western world. In the ten years since September 11 events thousands of non-Muslim Australians have responded to invitations to visit mosques. Some have continued on their own personal journey to learn the truth about Islam. The Mail Online estimated that over 100,000 have converted to Islam in Britain alone and though figures are unknown in Australia conversion to Islam is becoming a common phenomenon.
 
Although conversion is an experience that is completely unique to everyone, all undoubtedly undergo a long process of self-examination of some kind in order to embrace a new way of life and belief system. In many circles conversion to Islam is often linked to marriage, particularly in the case of the female convert. However, there are always multiple factors at play in such a major decision and an informed, educated choice is particularly important for many converts to feel comfortable with their decision. Whether we realize it or not, "conversion" occurs on many levels; many engrained cultural values have to be challenged and overcome in order for such a drastic change to occur.
 
Lisa Worthington holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Western Sydney and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Human Geography from the University of Sydney. In 2011 she was also awarded a Master of Arts (Honours) degree from the University of Western Sydney for her thesis on the public sphere activities of Muslim women in Sydney Australia.
 
Currently she is a PhD candidate at the Institute for Culture and Society at the University of Western Sydney where she also teaches Islamic Studies in the School of Humanities and Communication Arts. Her research interests include gender rights in Muslim societies, Islamic gender rights movements, and Muslims in a minority context.
Email: L.Worthington@uws.edu.au