Interview of the person who embraced Islam !!

Interview of the person who embraced Islam

The topic of this interview is about Robin “Abdulaziz” Padilla by the group of pagusapan ponatin last 25th of April 1998, a few days after he was set free from prison. It was the 26th of January ’96 Robin Padilla embraced Islam during his imprisonment at

Medium Security, New Bilibid Prison, Muntinlupa, Metro Manila. His reversion to the religion of Allah, the most high, became controversial. Various opinions and even conjectures were raised by different newspaper, radio-programs and television shows. It was said that this was his means to have people talk about him again. Some went further to say that the reason for his version to Islam is so he can marry more than one wife. Only Robin Padilla himself can ascertain the truth.

The Interview:

Ahmed: What was your idea about Islam and Muslims before you embraced Islam?

Abdul Aziz: It was a well-know fact that people like me had a very negative image of Muslims. Whenever you watch TV or listen to radio, usually Muslims were said to be drugpushers, murderers, terrorists, or robbers-name it! That’s why I thought Muslims were terrorists!

Ahmed: You mean it was a misconception?

Abdul Aziz: Yes, why is it that when Christian commit crimes, their Christianity is not emphasized? That’s why during those days I had a bad impression of Muslims.

Ahmed: Everybody knows that you have been imprisoned and inside the prison, there are various religious groups. Each one teaches righteousness. What is the reason you turned your attention toward Islam?

Abdul Aziz: All religion in the world preach righteousness. But only one preaches how to love and worships the one and only true God , and that is Islam. Why do I say that? Brothers and Sisters, other religions teach loving others, for example, the saying of Jesus Christ (peace be upon him) in the Bible. But they forget with his sayings to love God with all your heart and with your entire mind. Many adherents of other religions worship different gods and different lords. That is the difference between them and Islam.

Ahmed: So it is to concept to Tawheed (i.e. that God is One and Unique) that made you embrace Islam?

Abdul Aziz: Yes, because when someone asked Jesus (peace be upon him) how to enter kingdom of God, he said:

“Love the one and true God and love your neighbor.” Let’s not make it complicated; let us not burden ourselves.

Ahmed: One common misconception about Muslims is they are termed as anti-Christ’s. According to your explanation and to clear the matter as well, it proves that Muslims are actually far from being anti-Christ’s.

Abdul Aziz: If Muslims were anti-Christ’s, I wouldn’t have embraced Islam. I was formerly a Christian. The love Christians for Jesus (peace be upon him) will not change. We were only searching for the right way to love Jesus (peace be upon him). In fact, we Muslims are the ones who truly love Jesus (peace be upon him) because we are the only ones who continue to teach his original teachings. We accept and obey his saying that should love the One and True God and love our neighbor. Nothing else!

Ahmed: Upon embraced Islam, what was first thing you felt?

Abdul Aziz: It is a beautiful experience to have finally found what you have been searching for such a long time. That very same day, there were tremendous temptations to test my Eeman in troops. Islam has pillars to support you and help strengthen your Eeman. I tell you, Brothers, if you’re not observing the pillars of Islam, your Eeman is incomplete.

Ahmed: Aside from the concept to Tawheed, what other Islamic practices led to embraced Islam?

Abdul Aziz: You know, Brothers, Islam is a complete way of life. It doesn’t end in Salah (prayer) and after that you can do whatever you wish with your life. When walking, gong to and from the toilet, drinking water and retiring at night- all actions can be for the sake of Allah one word. That’s one thing I like about Islam.

Ahmed: According to a brother, one of things that attracted you to Islam was Salah (prayer). Is that right?

Abdul Aziz: That’s true. When I was young I was fond of watching Super book and Flying House. They’re Christian television shows. Once I saw how Prophet Moses and Prophet Noah performed their prayers. They made it in a Sajda (Prostration) position. That’s why when I was younger I used to make prostration in my prayers. While I was imprisoned, I met an Arab named Muhammad Fouad. I saw him performing Salah (prayer). I thought, “what religion is this?” I approached him and asked what is his religion. He replied, “Islam”. I was anxious and afraid at first. I thought, “ I’m sure he is a terrorist.” When I asked him his crime, he said, “ I was mistaken for a terrorist”. I thought, “I knew it.” I was convinced I would never approach him again. But that same night I couldn’t sleep. I was wondering about the similarity of my prayer when I was younger and his style of prayer. I finally decided to learn about this religion.

Ahmed: Concerning Da’wah (invitation to the Truth), what are your activities to strengthen Islam inside the prison?

Abdul Aziz: About Da’wah, we haven’t forgotten about it. In fact, we have already built two mosques with the help of Dar’ul Hijra foundation and some brothers. Before we were only ten Muslims inside. But now, there are one hundred-twenty believers inside.

Ahmed: Isn’t it possible they only embraced Islam because of your influence?

Abdul Aziz: I think the ‘me’ they see in the movies may have some influence on them. But for them to change their religion, I don’t think so. To influence someone to change his religion is not that easy.

Ahmed: Some people have said that you were only using Islam. What can you say about that?

Abdul Aziz: I want to make this clear. All of us make use of Islam for the sake of righteousness. I use Islam so that I won’t go back to prison again. I use Islam so that I love my wife better. I use Islam so that I can love my mother more. I can’t think of a reason to use Islam except for righteousness.

Ahmed : Any last word for our readers?

Abdul Aziz: My message to my countrymen and to my Muslim brothers, Al-hamdu li-llah Praise is due to Allah, (the One Creator)…… we are all brothers and sisters and not enemies to each other. I hope that the people who wish to create discord among us will not be successful. Our religion is to be close to each other. I hope that we can have dialogue between us. Our Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us to love each other . Let us humble our selves and put pride and prejudice aside.

To my Muslims brothers and sisters who may still question my sincerity about Islam, I am sorry if you are not convinced. I did not enter Islam for convenience, nor have I received any. In the Hereafter is where we receive our reward. Before you judge me, look at your own faults. I hope that we will have unity between us. Let us be reminded of the hadeeth…..”No one of you is a true believer until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” Lastly, don’t be suspicious, because only Allah, the Most High, has the right to judge. Thank you very much. Assalaamu Alaykum wa Rahmatu-llahi wa Barakaatuhu