NCJ Number
218510
Journal
Howard Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 46 Issue: 2 Dated: May 2007 Pages: 99-114
Date Published
May 2007
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study explored conversion to Islam within two English prisons.
Abstract
The main findings indicated that inmates who converted to Islam while within prison fared better at prison adjustment and community reintegration because Islam provided a moral framework from which inmates could rebuild their lives. Inmates reported that Islam helped them adjust to prison life in a positive manner and reduced their propensity toward aggression and violence. The findings suggest that while there has been concern over the conversion of inmates to Islam while in prison, there are positive benefits to this conversion process for inmates and society alike. The role of Imams working in prisons should be supported as important to presenting inmates with traditional forms of Islam and correcting distorted and radical beliefs about the religion. Finally, the authors suggest that prison resettlement programs be developed that include the active involvement of local Muslim communities. Participants were recruited through snowball sampling and included two male inmates residing in a young offender institution and six male inmates residing in an adult prison. Participants completed semi-structured interviews between April and June 2005. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify emerging common themes. The authors note that the small sample size means the results should be considered preliminary and further research is needed. Notes, references