Muslim Women Converts Speak Out

November 21, 2001

Source: The Seattle Times

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/134369191_ramadan21m.html

On November 21, 2001, The Seattle Times reported that "as Ramadan begins its second week,...[female] Muslim converts find the Islamic holy month a welcome opportunity to reflect on their faith and their roles as women in the faith — issues they've thought about often since Sept. 11. And they also find themselves trying to explain or defend their religion to others who are curious, skeptical — or downright hostile...American female converts, in particular, are finding themselves sources of curiosity to fellow citizens who see the head-to-toe burqas of Afghan women as symbols of female oppression...Though American Muslims may feel embattled, their numbers are growing. Islam is said to be the fastest-growing religion in this country, with 6 million to 7 million adherents. Since Sept. 11, some mosques, especially on the East Coast, report up to four times the average number of converts. And many of them are women."