A new Miss USA was crowned last night, the first American Muslim woman believed to have held the title in a pageant of beauty that has caused some divided loyalties in the Islamic community.
Rima Fakih, 24, took the prize ahead of 50 other finalists at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. She moved to the US as an infant, first to New York and then in 2003 to Dearborn, Michigan, where she now lives.
The nature of the competition, with its swimsuit, evening gown and interview segments, has caused some controversy among Muslims in the US and the Arab world. There have been incidents of Islamic scholars issuing fatwas instructing women not to participate. [guardian.co.uk] Read more
