The book I wish I could've given my parents when I converted.
For you, Mom and Dad: An honest word to parents of converted children
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Does this sound familiar?
You have embraced Islam, but your parents react with shock, fear or rejection – and you don't know how to explain to them what is going on inside you.
This book is not written for you, but for your parents: Maëva speaks to them directly – as a convert whose decision was hard for both her parents at first. Her mother came to accept it sooner; her father found it harder. She tells her own story, explains the basics of Islam in plain words, takes parents' fears seriously and gives them advice for talking with you. You buy it – they read it.
This is for you if…
- You have converted to Islam (or are about to) and your parents are not Muslim.
- Conversations at home end in silence or arguments, and you can't find the right words.
- You hide parts of your faith – prayer, fasting, the headscarf – because you are afraid of their reaction.
- Your parents worry that you will become extreme, drift away from them or stop celebrating Christmas with the family.
- You are a parent yourself and want to understand what your child is going through.
Before
Your parents know Islam mostly from the news and are afraid of losing you. You are afraid of their reaction – so you talk past each other, or not at all.
After
Your parents have read, from someone outside the family, what your faith looks like in everyday life, what you are going through and how they can ask questions without accusing. The book says itself that it won't make every problem disappear – but it gives you a starting point for the next conversation, including pages where they write down their questions, worries and wishes for you.
What's inside
- Maëva's own story: growing up in a non-religious family, converting in September 2023 and keeping it secret from her father.
- Two reactions she experienced herself: her mother, who came to accept it sooner, and her father, who found it harder.
- The five pillars and the six articles of faith in short, plain explanations – and what faith looks like in daily life (prayer, food, Ramadan).
- The fears parents have, named and taken seriously – and the inner conflict of a child standing between faith and family.
- Answers to five questions parents often ask, such as "Will my child drift away from me?" and "What about the traditions and values I taught them?"
- Three common misunderstandings: Islam and violence, Islam and culture, women in Islam.
- Advice for conversations: ask openly, listen, watch your tone, take a break when it gets too much, find compromises for days like Christmas.
- Reflection pages with five prompts and space for notes: what has changed, how to approach the conversation, open questions, worries, wishes.
Good to know
Short answers to the most common questions.
Where can I buy the paperback?
The paperbacks are sold and shipped by Amazon. The button on this page takes you to the Amazon store for your country.
Which languages are available?
Every book is available in English, German and French. Use the language buttons on this page to switch to another edition.
Is there an e-book as well?
Yes. Every book is also available as an e-book. Right after your purchase you receive an email with your download link.
Which format are the e-books?
The e-books are PDF files. You can read them on your phone, tablet or computer.
Can I return a paperback?
Paperbacks are sold and shipped by Amazon. Returns are handled through your Amazon account under Amazon's return policy.