3 November 2010
Journalist and broadcaster Lauren Booth, 43 – Tony Blair’s sister-in-law – has converted to Islam after having what she describes as a “holy experience” during a visit to Iran.
She decided to become a Muslim six weeks ago after visiting the shrine of Fatima al-Masumeh in the city of Qom. “It was a Tuesday evening and I sat down and felt this shot of spiritual morphine, just absolute bliss and joy,” she said in an interview. When she returned to Britain, she decided to convert immediately at a London mosque.
Newspapers have commented widely on her decision and not always in a positive way. In an opinion piece for the Guardian, she explains why she took this step and what it means to her. She also throws light on Muslim women she met during her travels through Islamic countries, finding them very often in powerful and hard-working positions.
