The conversion of aboriginal people in Australia to Islam is a growing phenomenon, but the reasons for and the extent of this new interest in the religion are complex and in dispute, according to a new study. Australian census figures show that from 2001 to 2006 there has been a 61 percent increase in Aboriginal Muslims, growing from 622 to 1,010.
Richard Cimino is the founder and editor of Religion Watch, a newsletter monitoring trends in contemporary religion. Since January 2008, Religion Watch is published by Religioscope Institute. Website: www.religionwatch.com.