British converts to Islam are often left feeling isolated from their families and the rest of society, according to a new study.
Experts at Cambridge University's Centre of Islamic Studies looked at the experience of 50 British men of all ages, ethnicities and faith backgrounds, to gain a snapshot of the experience of Muslim converts.
They found many were left feeling isolated and dislocated, partly due to stereotypes about religious extremism.
Abdul Maalik Taylor, who converted to Islam from Hinduism 20 years ago and now runs Islamic-themed tours of London, took part in the study.
He said he suffered considerably after converting: "It was a very challenging time and an experience I won't forget about.
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"I suffered physical and emotional abuse from my family. It was a very testing time."
He said many felt demonised by media coverage.
"You find a number of stories that concentrate on radicalisation," he said.
"If there are successful Muslim converts who have contributed to society and to Britain, they won't get highlighted by the media.
"Why do the media have a set agenda to try and demonise us?"
The study, titled Narratives Of Conversion To Islam In Britain: Male Perspectives, said many converts found themselves a minority within a minority.
They are often targeted to work as informants for British security services and end up cut off from their families but only tenuously integrated within Muslim communities.
Men who convert in prison in order to instil discipline into their lives often find little support from their families or Muslim communities on release, increasing the risk of reoffending.
