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A debate has emerged among Muslim leaders across the country about the extent to which they should probe the motivations of people who express an interest in converting to Islam.

Some imams have proposed a full-on checklist of questions that should be asked of every potential convert. Some are also strongly encouraging new Muslims to participate in Islam 101 classes or to pair up with a mentor as part of a faith-based “buddy system.”

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But other leaders caution against an approach that could cast all interested individuals under a cloud of suspicion.

“We cannot impose on anyone,” said Mohammad Iqbal AlNadvi, chairman of the Canadian Council of Imams.

One thing is clear though, he said, imams are being “more cautious” and allowing more time for new Muslims than they did in the past.

Carlos and Ashton Larmond, the twin brothers from Ottawa charged last month with terrorism-related offences, are said to be recent converts. Police have linked the pair to John Maguire, the former University of Ottawa student who converted to Islam before leaving Canada to join the Islamic State terrorist group in Syria.