Why She Chose Islam

Why She Chose Islam

1989 8 August 10-11 Why She Chose Islam (543) The message of the Adhan was powerful. It hit my heart like a bolt of lightening. This is what sparked my interest in Islam. From then on I read Islamic books, attended conferences on Islam, and studied the Quran with other sisters. Al-hamdulillah, Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala, has blessed me with Islam. My thirst has finally been quenched. My entire view of life has been transformed, and 1 have been blessed with so much peace and happiness.

I am an American woman – former high fashion model – born and raised in California. I was brought up as a Catholic and attended Catholic schools all of my life. But even as a child, I rebelled against the teaching of the Catholic Church and yearned for the Truth.

I can recall an incident when I was five. I was told that due to my refusal to bow down to kiss the statue of Jesus, I would end up in Hell. My refusal to worship the statue was interpreted by my parents as pride. But in reality, I did not associate deity to a statue.

My family misunderstanding of my spiritual philosophy made me feel like an outcast. I imagine that this was very difficult for my family as well, since they are all devout Catholics. My Catholic upbringing made me feel quite confused because it did not make any sense to me. However, this made me more determined to search for the truth. I prayed for God’s guidance.

I began my search by studying various religions. I read many religious books day and night. I attended religious retreats and Bible study classes. Yet I was not satisfied. I continued to pray for guidance. At that time I had not heard of Islam, until one day I found myself in a Muslim country, the United Arab Emirates. A woman from Abu Dabi had underwent surgery in Los Angles and I was asked to accompany her back to her country. I knew nothing of Islam at the time, nor did I know any Arabic. I was literally struck when l heard the Adhan (the call for prayer) for the first time.

“Rosanna come to me, for I am the truth and what you have been looking for.”

The message of the Adhan was powerful. It hit my heart like a bolt of lightening. This is what sparked my interest in Islam. From then on I read Islamic books, attended conferences on Islam, and studied the Quran with other sisters. Al-hamdulillah, Allah, subhanahu wa ta’ala, has blessed me with Islam. My thirst has finally been quenched. My entire view of life has been transformed, and I have been blessed with so much peace and happiness.

My prayer is answered and my confusion and struggle since childhood have vanished. Now I’m proud to say that I am a Muslim. I also wear the hijab (Islamic clothing). No longer do I dress in a fashion to please the world – only Allah.

May Allah bless all of those who were instrumental in teaching me Islam. May Allah give Abu Dhabi a special blessing for it was there that Islam was introduced to me. In conclusion La Ilaha illallah Muhammad Rasulullah.

Rosanna De La Torre

Marina Del Rey, California.

(Courtesy: Islamic Horizons, USA)