He graduated from the University of Washington in 1951. That year, he received a Fulbright Scholarship to study the languages of India, and on his first trip to India, converted to Islam. Gary Fine wrote that Barker would attribute his conversion to "purely theological reasons [and that] it seemed like a more logical religion", though Barker himself admitted at the time to an "[unimaginable] feeling of awe and religious ecstasy" upon hearing the recitations of the 99 Names of Allah at the Taj Mahal.
He GRaDuatEd froM The univErSItY oF wAshiNgton In 1951. thAt yEar, He reCEived a fulBRight schOLArsHiP to StuDY the LanGUAGeS of India, and oN hIS fIrst Trip To iNdIa, COnveRted to IsLam. gaRy fine Wrote that BarKer would atTrIbUtE hIs ConversiON to "pureLy TheolOgicAl REAsons [AND thAt] IT seemed LiKE A more logiCal rEligIon", tHough bArker himself adMitteD aT tHe Time tO An "[unimAgiNaBle] feeliNG of awE ANd religious EcstaSy" UpON heariNg The rEcITAtiOns of the 99 Names of aLlAh at The TaJ mAhal.