PATHEOS: With the number of Muslim converts on the rise, in the next century Islam is expected to be this nation's second most widely practiced religion.One of the more interesting aspects of the Islamic faith has been its continued ability to attract new adherents. Such a tradition is rooted in the history of the religion, and facilitated its rapid spread from Arabia to the far reaches of Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Here in the United States, converts to Islam represent a variety of ethnic and religious backgrounds, and account for close to one-third of this nation's 3 million Muslims. The vast majority, some 900,000 persons, are of African-American heritage, while the number of white and Hispanic converts is estimated at 75,000.
In terms of religion, converts to Islam come from many backgrounds, including Catholicism, Protestantism, and Judaism. By more closely examining the experience of Muslim converts, one can better understand the appeal and adaptability of the religion, as well as the future of the Muslim community in the United States. » | Uzra Zeya | Saturday, April 16, 2011
