NCJ Number
228637
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 49 Issue: 5 Dated: September 2009 Pages: 667-685
Date Published
September 2009
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This article examines the impact of the increased Islamic religion among prisoners within correctional institutions throughout the United States.
Abstract
More and more American prisoners are being drawn to religions outside the Judeo-Christian mainstream. Many non-Judeo-Christian religions can be found in United States prisons such as Buddhism; Hinduism; and Islam. However, research indicates that Islam is the fastest growing religion among prisoners in Western nations. The primary motivation for religious conversion is spiritual searching, seeking religious meaning to interpret and resolve discontent. Research also found a fairly consistent pattern of radicalization among young Islamic prisoners in maximum-security custody. According to Federal law enforcement, Saudi-backed Wahhabi clerics have targeted these prisoners for terrorist recruitment. This article examines this recruitment claim from several different perspectives. Figure and references