Turning Muslim in Texas
Praying in Texas
George W Bush may be backed by Christian fundamentalists but in his home
state of Texas, Islam
is the latest big draw. The Bible belt is transferring its allegiance to the
Quran because, for many erstwhile Christians, believe it or not, the church is
too liberal.
Eric was a Baptist preacher before he became a Muslim 14 years ago. Now he
prays five times a day even in the middle of watching a football game. His
wife, Karen, also a convert, is covered from head to toe in the traditional
Muslim burka. Islam, says Eric, is everything I wanted Christianity to be. His
mother has found it hard to come to terms with her sons conversion and believes
he will return to the Christian faith: Then he will be a dynamic
preacher. Eric says: Maybe some day shell embrace Islam.
Women are also becoming followers of Muhamed. Yasmine (previously Mindy)
arranged a marriage for herself and has three children. Islam, she says is the
solution to a lot of the prevailing evils: drugs, adultery, fornication
Converts often see the religious laws more clearly than those who have been
brought up as Muslims and Yasmine can spot a mistake at 20 paces. She believes
that she has a unique opportunity to help people who are born into the religion
get back to the fundamentals.
Catherine has been a Muslim for two weeks. She came from a privileged
background private school followed by a career in PR. Now the established
Muslim women guide her through the purification rituals as she washes before
prayer and removes her nail varnish.
David is the only white Muslim in his little town on Route 66. He believes
his new religion makes him a better American and, far from undermining
liberties, gives the individual more rights. He had an arranged marriage and his
wife, who was born a Muslim, was shocked by the strictness with which he insists
they live their lives. His family a white man with his wife and daughter
dressed in their hijabs (headscarves) are stared in the streets and
supermarkets of their one-horse town.
There are 400,000 Muslims in Texas alone and Islam is the fastest growing
religion in the USA. Since 9/11 there have been more converts to Islam than
ever. Eric believes that people are trying to understand Muslims and want to
learn about their religion. Yasmine says: America should not be afraid. If it
would be better Muslims were the majority. If a child asks me: Who made this
leaf? I say, Allah. Allah made everything.
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