Source: The Houston Chronicle/Religion News Service
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/religion/7025671.html
Rima Fakih's path from Lebanon to Las Vegas, where she was crowned Miss USA on May 16, is not unlike other immigrant success stories, but she stands out because of one notable first: She is very likely the first Miss USA who is Muslim.
At a time when many Americans view Muslims with suspicion and hostility, Fakih, 24, sees herself as a testament to America's promise as a land of opportunity. Though she insists religion does not define her, the erstwhile Miss Michigan also recognizes she can challenge stereotypes of the cloaked and dour Muslim woman.
Though some people think Muslims are obsessed with modesty, Fakih strutted down the Miss USA catwalk in a bikini and says she has support from Muslims.
Q: What role did religion play in your and your family's life?
A: We're more of a spiritual family. Religion really doesn't define me or my family. My family's been very liberal, and we appreciate all different kinds of religions.
Q: Could you elaborate?
A: I consider myself to be blessed. I have a family that is a mix of different religions and different ethnicities. My brother-in-law is Christian, and he (and my sister) baptized their two sons. I have an uncle who converted to Christianity, and he's a priest now. My family is Muslim. We don't look at religion as something that defines us, we look at religion as something that we respect and something that teaches us about ethics.