The Arabist

The Arabist

By Issandr El Amrani and friends.

More on the Coptic conversion to Islam

It appears that the conversion to Islam of Wafaa Kostantin, wife of a Coptic vice Bishop in Egypt, is a done deal. According to today's Al Hayat, the woman responded to attempts to convince her to return to the Coptic fold by reciting aloud half of the Koran. She has also taken to wearing the hijab, Al Hayat reports. It appears that Church officials are now concerned that she will become a spokesperson of sorts for Islam. Coptic officials are requesting that she not appear in the media or work to spread the call to Islam, "so as not to provoke the feelings of Copts."