Islamic converts show drastic observable lifestyle changes before embracing extremism

Evidence

In four cases of Islamic extremists, the interviewed family members or focal individuals reported externally observable signs of individual radicalization. Two of these cases were converts to Islam for whom changes in behavior were obvious to non- Muslim family members and friends. In one case, an individual converted to Islam after being arrested for possession of guns and marijuana. He soon became more “serious” and ceased being his “laughing self.” He got rid of his possessions, including his furniture and car. He even abandoned his dog in the wilderness, a sign that his father took that “something was wrong.” He also “stopped coming home” and acted secretively regarding his newfound social network. In the capstone of changes, he informed his family of his intention to study the Arabic language in a relatively unstable part of the Middle East, a trip that ultimately cemented his transition to violent extremism. — Ryan Andrew Brown, Todd C. Helmus, Rajeev Ramchand, Alina I. Palimaru, Sarah Weilant, Ashley L. Rhoades, and Liisa Hiatt (RAND Corporation), Violent Extremism in America, 379

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Following religious conversions, personality can change measurably — Sheldon Solomon, Jeff Greenberg, Tom Pyszczynski, The Worm at the Core: On the Role of…, 879; Islamic religious piety inversely correlates with attraction to violent extremist groups. — Arsalan Iftikhar, Fear of a Muslim Planet_ Global…, 476; Non-convert Islamic extremists show quietness and mosque immersion pre-escalation — Ryan Andrew Brown, Todd C. Helmus, Rajeev Ramchand, Alina I. Palimaru, Sarah Weilant, Ashley L. Rhoades, and Liisa Hiatt (RAND Corporation), Violent Extremism in America:…, 380 (+2 more)

Broader Connections

• Following religious conversions, personality can change measurably #corroborates (0.78) — Sheldon Solomon, Jeff Greenberg, Tom Pyszczynski, The Worm at the Core, 879
• Non-convert Islamic extremists show quietness and mosque immersion pre-escalation #qualifies (0.75) — Ryan Andrew Brown, Todd C. Helmus, Rajeev Ramchand, Alina I. Palimaru, Sarah Weilant, Ashley L. Rhoades, and Liisa Hiatt (RAND Corporation), Violent Extremism in America, 380
• Anticipated hostility makes Muslims alter dress and public identity strategically #expands (0.73) — Irene Zempi and Imran Awan, Islamophobia, 187
• Islamic religious piety inversely correlates with attraction to violent extremist groups. #complicates (0.72) — Arsalan Iftikhar, Fear of a Muslim Planet_ Global…, 476
• A woman’s conversion to Islam redirected workplace racism toward her new religious identity #exemplifies (0.71) — Junaid Rana, Terrifying Muslims, 848