Islamize

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To influence or convert a person, group, or region to the religious beliefs and practices of the Muslim faith ; to introduce or spread cultural, legal, or social aspects associated with Islam within a community or society ; to bring under the influence of Islamic principles and traditions either by persuasion or policy
2. To cause individuals, populations, or territories to adopt Islamic religion and customs ; to impart Islamic cultural norms, laws, and rituals across a certain area or population ; to transform practices and institutions according to Islamic teachings and worldview
3. To effect the acceptance of Islam and Muslim customs among people or lands ; to promote or impose Islamic values, governance, and lifestyle within a community or country ; to encourage or enact the integration of Islamic religious and cultural elements into existing structures and identities

Etymology: "Islamize" is a plain formation: the noun "Islam" with the suffix "-ize", which turns a noun into a verb meaning to make something conform to or become something. The base word goes back to Arabic "ʔislām," a noun built from the verb "ʔaslama," meaning to submit or surrender, so the faith's name is itself rooted in an idea of submission to God. The suffix has a longer trail. English "-ize" came from Middle French "-iser," which was borrowed from Late Latin "-izare," itself taken from Ancient Greek "-izein," a verb ending used to form verbs from nouns and adjectives. English speakers have attached it to borrowed and native bases alike, producing thousands of verbs such as "modernize" and "Westernize," and "Islamize" follows that same pattern.

Synonyms: islamicize, muslimize, convert to Islam, islamify

Antonyms: secularize, de-islamize, christianize, deconvert