White converts to Islam comprise a significant percentage of American Muslims, but their racialization within the Muslim community remains underexplored. Through analysis of 19 semi-structured interviews, we identify a form of “racial triangulation,” and conclude that white Muslim converts are valorized by heritage Muslims as being superior to black Muslims, with valorization expressed through forms of white privilege within the Muslim community. At the same time, the Islamic practice of white converts is not seen as legitimate by heritage Muslims, who position themselves as arbiters of Muslim authenticity. The racial dynamics at work within the Muslim community is alienating to some converts, who may choose to withdraw into a private practice of their faith. This study has implications for not only scholars of Islam, but also for mosques and Islamic educational institutions concerned with convert education and antiracism programming.
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