For the love of Allah?

Published: August 17, 2007, 12:45 pm

Tags: criminal justice, religion society, trends

Religious conversions in prison are not a new phenomenon. As Pat Nolan recently mentioned, it's the time when you're "sucking the carpet fibers" that you will most likely look for, and discover, God. And where else do you see such a large assortment of individuals down on their luck, humiliated, discouraged, disconnected... than in prison? For prison officials, religious conversions often mark a positive turning point in an inmate's behavior. Suddenly the inmate has something to live for and devote their time to, instead of wallowing in directionless bordom. In addition, some religions promote healthy morals that inmates seek to follow -- all in all, a positive thing. But there is a growing concern regarding the number of Islamic conversions taking place behind bars. Why? Well, there's always the perceived threat that first a convert to Islam, next a homegrown terrorist.A recent report from the New York Police Dept. even defines prisons as "Radicalizing

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