Reconverting to Hinduism or Zoroastrianism: I am a Balochi. Fortunately, I have been able to travel wide around the world and exposed to other cultures/religions, and have an avid interest in history. Due to the poor impression of Islam in the west, I am seriously contemplating of converting back to my ancestor's original religion of Hinduism or Zoroastrianism 900 years ago. Though I do not yet know which one they followed, but I found that both of them are very similar Aryan religions. And I am thinking of converting to Hinduism, as I would be able to identify with India, which is becoming a great power now. Also, Balochis have traditionally been very friendly with Hindus, so I would be welcomed to Hinduism. What I wanted to ask is would this be a danger to my life, if I disclose it to others? Also, could you suggest whether Hinduism would be a better choice or Zoroastrianism? PS: Though my surname is Bugti but the first name is not real.

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

The religion of Islam is the true religion and Allaah does not accept any religion other than Islam from anyone; for more benefit, please refer to Fataawa (plural of Fatwa) 88906 and 88051.

Therefore, if you convert to Hinduism or Zoroastrianism or to any other religion, you apostate from Islam. If you do so, you lose this life and the Hereafter. The danger is not in people knowing this about you, but rather the great danger is that Allaah is aware of all that you do. What benefit would you gain if the Hindu people welcome you but you become deprived from the Mercy of Allaah?

For more benefit on apostasy, please refer to Fatwa 85488.

As regards how the west views Islam, then this does not affect the reality that Islam is the true religion, and does not affect the reality that a Muslim must remain steadfast on it.

A Muslim has a good example in the Prophet and his companions . The enmity against Islam and Muslims which they faced from the tribe of Quraysh did not lead them to leave their religion; rather they remained patient and steadfast and they won the good of this world and that of the Hereafter.

Even though the west has a negative view on Islam and the Muslims, some of them have a positive view about it. Rather, many of them embraced Islam or tried to read and learn about it.

Allaah Knows best.