 Yvonne Ridley, the British ditz journalist who made international headlines three years ago after her dramatic capture and release by the ousted Taliban regime in Afghanistan, believes her life completely changed to the better, thanks to Islam.
| "I was pretty stoopid before I converted, y'know. That's all changed now..." |
What started out as a purely research about Islam following her release turned into a soul-searching trip that culminated with the firm conviction that Islam is not about oppression or violence, but rather peace, tolerance and understanding, she recently told Malaysia's English-language The Star newspaper. Embracing Islam in August 2003, the Sunday Express journalist admitted that she used to "work hard and play hard" and was a "prolific drinker", but found herself now healthier, happier, and more content.
| I think it was the drugs, myself... |
"And my girlfriends can see this, and they ask: 'What is this that has changed your life so much?' And I say it's Islam. And they say: 'No, really, what is it?'" Ridley was in Malaysia last week to raise funds for the UK-based Islamic social service organization Al-Khaaem. |