(Copy from Sheffield Today)
SNOOKER star Ronnie O'Sullivan has converted to Islam – after being introduced to the religion by Sheffield boxer Prince Naseem Hamed.
Ronnie, who won the World Snooker Championships at The Crucible in Sheffield in 2001, became a Muslim last month – following in the footsteps of boxers Muhammad Ali, Chris Eubank and Mike Tyson.
He found out about the faith from his celebrity pal Prince Naseem, who gave him a video by charismatic American cleric Khalid Yassin.
The former world featherweight boxing champion then introduced him to Yassin, a high-profile Muslim preacher who is involved in trying to set up an Islamic satellite TV station in Britain.
O'Sullivan – nicknamed The Rocket for the lightning pace of his play – hopes his new religion will help him beat his drink, drugs, and depression demons.
He declared his belief in Allah at a low-key ceremony at the Islamic Cultural Centre in Regent's Park, London.
His mother, Maria, confirmed Hamed had been influential in the conversion.
She said: "Prince Naseem has been a good friend to Ronnie. He has been the main factor. Ronnie is a lot better in himself since he converted. I hope it will steady him."
O'Sullivan, aged 27, was brought up as a Roman Catholic, but his career has been blighted by personal problems. He has spent time in rehab hospital The Priory, has taken Prozac, and threatened to retire.
His father was jailed for life for murder in 1991, and his mother spent time in prison in 1995 for VAT offences in connection with the family pornography business.
O'Sullivan has been friends with Prince Naseem for a number of years.
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Ronnie O'Sullivan turns to Islam for help
Posted - 01.10.2003 : 20:10:27
