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Thousands convert to Islam in prison each year: “I recovered my humanity”

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For the CBS Mornings series, “The State of Spirituality with Lisa Ling,” she takes a look at why so many people are converting to Islam behind bars.

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"Islam is the fastest growing religion in U.S. prisons" - Rami Nsour

Citation: Ling, Lisa, and Shannon Luibrand. “Thousands Convert to Islam in Prison Each Year: “I Recovered My Humanity.”” Cbsnews.com, CBS News, 28 Feb. 2025, www.cbsnews.com/news/islam-conversion-prison-state-of-spirituality/.

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Rami Nsour runs an organization known as the Tabya Foundation. This organization educates and guides U.S. inmates on the principles of Islam. Because inmates are oftentimes in a dark period in their life, Rami Nsour offers to walk them through Islam to provide them with hope and self-discipline. Not only does the Tabya Foundation teach currently Muslim inmates, but reaches out to non-religious inmates to guide them.

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Former inmate Muhammad Amin Anderson, formerly known as Christopher Anderson converted to Islam during his time in prison. After getting caught up in gang life and drugs, he discovered the values of Islam while behind bars. He was taught by the Tabya Foundation during his time served and ended up fully converting. Amin found a much brighter future and stronger sense of self in his new found religion.

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The fear of radicalization of Islamic beliefs in prison is a commonly expressed concern. Nsour argues that the same concern can apply to any other religion, and that it is a rare occurrence. Nsour argues that if anything, Islam is highly respected due to his peaceful practices and obedient nature.

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The migration of Islam to different parts of the world, especially America is increasing as time goes on. "...Muslim world” continues to expand; indeed, Islam is thriving in America today. There are over 3 million American Muslims, both immigrant and indigenous" (Resurgence and Migration: The Muslim World Today). The more Islamic influence that comes over to America, the more likely we are to see similar programs and education organizations like the Tabya Foundation. Modernist reform movements are becoming more popular in America, which emphasizes keeping the values of Islam, but integrating it with Western culture. If there is a more modern, adaptable way to teach Islam to people, the spread to America will be more successful.

Citation:

“Resurgence and Migration: The Muslim World Today.” Pluralism.org, pluralism.org/resurgence-and-migration-the-muslim-world-today.

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As previously mentioned in the selected article, teaching Islam to inmates provides them with a sense of obedience, hope, and unconditional love. By taking a look at the Rumi poems we analyzed in class, it's apparent that this philosophy and belief system is uplifting and gives people a sense of purpose. One of Rumi's infamous poems goes like this:

"Come again, please, come again.

Whoever you are.

Religious, infidel, heretic, or pagan.

Even if you promised a hundred times

And a hundred times you broke your promise.

This door is not a door

Of hopelessness and frustration.

This door is open for everybody.

Come, come as you are."

Along with Rumi's other poems discussed, they all share the message of love and forgiveness. To inmates, this message may be exactly what they need to hear during these rough times of their life. Feeling as though you are forgiven by a higher power may give inmates the feeling of inner peace they are searching for.

Course Material Used: Rumi's Poems file

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While reading this article, I admittedly found it interesting that Islam was regarded as a fairly common religion spreading throughout prisons. Because I grew up within Western culture, I assumed that most of the world believed something along the lines of Christianity. According to our textbook, "Islam is the world’s second-largest religion, and it is steadily gaining on Christianity. Nearly 1.9 billion people call themselves Muslims. While the global percentage of Christians has declined slightly since 1900—from 34.4 to 32.1 percent—Islam’s share of the world’s population has nearly doubled over that same period—from 12.4 to 24.2 percent" (Prothero). After reading, the idea of Islam being presented and encouraged in prisons doesn't seem so distant and unusual to me. I found it interesting that Christianity is actually on the decline globally. That being said, the West is a predominately Christian section of the world, so Islam being taught in prisons may still be looked at as strange to the average Westerner.

Citation:

Prothero, Stephen. Religion Matters. 2020.