Not All Muslim Inmates are Radical: Identifying Differences between Prison Islam and Traditional Islam in Prison

• In Event: Terrorism and Radicalization: Recruits in Different Contexts

Abstract

Today Islam is the fastest growing religion among prisoners in Europe and North America. In the United States, it is estimated that some 450,000 inmates have converted to the Muslim faith since the terrorist attacks of 9/11—a development that has caused significant consternation among US intelligence agencies. These inmates can be grouped into two broad categories. The first is “Prison Islam”—gang members who use religious symbolism, along with selected verses from the Quran, to draw recruits into their ranks as a front for ”wheeling and dealing,” committing crimes in collusion with free world gang members, and on the rare occasion, for plotting terrorism. The second group is comprised of inmates who follow traditional Islamic practices. They constitute the majority of Muslim inmates and the majority of Muslims have no connection to terrorism. This paper identifies several dynamics between the two groups. First, pious traditionalists are often confused with Prison Islamists due to observable behavioral changes such as giving up gambling, drugs, smoking, and wearing traditional Muslim garb. Positive changes are often misconstrued as signs of radicalization. Second, there is a growing tension between the two groups which is manifested in threats and intimidation waged against traditionalists by the Prison Islamists. My research shows that traditionalists are forced to stand their ground against their Islamist adversaries, a phenomenon that is also incorrectly perceived by authorities as a threat to security. Yet in reality, the confrontation is more indicative of a desire for safety and protection than radicalism.

Author

• Mark Hamm, Indiana State University