This paper tackles the motivation behind the conversion of non-Muslims to Islam who adopted a new religious identity as Balik-Islam (balik, a Filipino work meaning “return”). Only converts in the Philippines use the term “Balik-Islam,” negating the idea of abandoning their previous faiths but indicating rather a returning to the pure (fiṭrah) and original religion for all mankind. Thus, the term means “reverts to Islam,” and it started to evolve and gained acceptance from both the reverts and “born Muslims.”
Balik-Islam are aware that they must be prepared to hurdle different forms of challenges from personal to family issues, especially those living with non-Muslim families who cannot accept their decision to become a Muslim. Islam is indeed the most misconceived religion. As such, the Balik-Islam have become the most misunderstood group in the country.