Race, Religion & Incarceration: The Shifting Meaning of Conversion to Islam in Neoliberal America

• In Event: Diverse Visions and Perspectives on the Sociology of Religion

Abstract

This study explores the influences of race, gender, and religion on the experiences and motivations of individuals converting to Islam within the U.S. prison system. It aims to understand why Islam is the fastest-growing religion among incarcerated individuals, investigating the factors driving these conversions and examining the post-incarceration experiences of Muslims reintegrating into society. By situating the research within a historical context that includes the Nation of Islam—a movement that emerged in the early 1930s—it reveals a notable trend in the conversion of African American male inmates. Nevertheless, differences persist in the perceptions of the Nation of Islam, the practice of Islam, and the language surrounding conversion itself. Through a series of in-depth interviews, this research captures first-person narratives, highlighting significant themes such as personal motivation, the intersection of race in spiritual journeys, and how Islam has enabled individuals to reconstruct their ideas of masculinity and self-identity. Grounded on theory reflecting on prisons as sites of spiritual transformation, the findings suggest that conversions to Islam are often motivated by experiences of racial inequity observed in American society, coupled with a desire for spiritual renewal during incarceration, however, as a contrast to the political nature of the Nation of Islam, conversions in the present day exist within the framework of a neoliberal society and seem to be more depoliticized and focused on personal transformation. Islam, instead serves as a source of personal and social rehabilitation. Furthermore, it offers insight into the existing racial divides within the Muslim community and the intra-group tensions that have emerged and persist. Ultimately, this research provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between race, religion, and incarceration in the United States.

Author

• Sanya Ansari, University of San Francisco