Number of new Muslims rising in UK - Tehran Times

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Number of new Muslims rising in UK

Despite British media painting a negative image of Muslims since the 9/11 attacks, the number of people embracing Islam has dramatically increased in the UK.

According to a report released by the interfaith organization of Faith Matters, about 60,000 British people embraced Islam in 2001.

That number of British Muslims currently stands at 100,000 individuals, 55 percent of whom are white and 62 percent female.

The increasing number of British people showing interest in Islam comes despite the prevailing media demonization of Muslims and Islam.

Among the new Muslim figures are Fleet Street journalist Yvonne Ridley, who embraced Islam a few years after being kidnapped by the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Tony Blair's sister-in-law Lauren Booth embraced Islam after visiting the holy shrine of Fatima al-Masoumeh (AS) in the holy city of Qom.

The 43-year-old half-sister of Cherie Blair now wears hijab whenever she leaves her home, prays five times a day and visits her local mosque.

The Faith Matters report, however, says that new Muslims are not supported enough by mosques which do not target their resources towards nurturing their newly-found faith.