SR ZAHRAH RIDDLE

Victoria

My conversion to Islam was progressive. I feel many things in my life lead me towards Islam; events that stand out upon reflection, things that personally produced changes in myself. I always believed in God and was always asking God for guidance.

At 12, I became a vegetarian. Later I became interested in astrology and indigenous cultures. I admired the American Indian and the Australian Aborigine for their spirituality and its importance in their everyday life. I felt a lacking in my own life that was Christian in name but materialistic in reality. This produced a desire to find meaning and was very much a part of my personality.

I recall, in my late teens, attending an 'animal protection' rally where Jim Cairns (then a Labour Minister) referred to 'people power', the power of the people. This had a dramatic effect on me and I was later able to witness this power in action.

I started to work in a health-food shop in the city. My employers were Jewish. I heard from them the Jewish perspective of the occupation of Palestine and their negative views about Jesus (pbuh). I also witnessed the organisation of the Zionists who collected money for their cause. I thought about what they said and debated with them, sympathizing with the plight of the Muslims.

In 1984 I travelled to Iran with my sister, my brother-in-law and their two children. It was in Iran that I witnessed the 'people-power' that had inspired me earlier. By the Grace of God the people instigated a revolution with the cry of 'Allahu Akbar', 'God is The Greatest'. The success of that nation had a dramatic affect on me. I lived in Iran for twelve months and converted to Islam, all Praise be to God. I also married an Iranian. Alhamdullillah I now have three beautiful children.

I found that Islam provided all the answers to my spiritual, social and political needs. I liked the lifestyle Islam guided me towards. Islam is, a very practical way of life, guiding us in every detail, including prayers, diet, cleanliness, manners, respect for parents etc. The western culture allowed for individuals to find their own limits which very often infringe on the rights of others. Right and wrong are definite in Islam. Limits are set. I was never able to find this in Christianity. In Eastern religions I found inconsistencies that troubled me.

I felt my heart warm to the beauties of Islam; the call to prayer (azan), regularly reminding people of God. I felt the cleansing affect of prayer and fasting. All praise to God All Mighty who guides us through His Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) who revealed the perfect religion, Islam.

I thank God daily for the gift of Islam. May many more people find their peace in Islam.

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