478 new converts to Islam in Algeria

The number of new converts to Islam in Algeria increased within the last three years especially after the publication of the blasphemous cartoons of the Prophet Mohamed (Peace Be Upon Him), according to the Algerian religious affairs ministry.

• The number of the converts was estimated at 478 including 172 in 2008. Of them, 123 are males followed by 133 conversion cases in 2007. Of them, 95 are males.
• The year of 2006 was ranked third with 120 converts including 78 males. In 2000-2005, the number did not exceed 200.
• The first four months of the current year witnessed encouraging figures: 53 conversions to Islam including 53 males and 36 females. European nationalities come first especially French due to historical considerations, language and social frequentations.
• Despite of the stepped up evangelising acts in the Kabylian area, many of Christians preferred to go to Tizi Ouzou and Bejaia to embrace Islam.
• Figures say 11 people converted to Islam in Bejaia in 2008 while four others embraced Islam in January, February, March and April in 2009.
• In Tizi Ouzou, five people converted to Islam in 2008 and two others in the first four months of the current year. Six cases are followed up toward conversion.