Former Mayor of Diamond Bar City embraces Islam in presence of a large gathering in Islamic Education Center, Los Angeles, July 31, 2002: The former Mayor and City Council member Mrs. Eileen Aziz Ansari reverted to Islam by declaring the Shahada "I bear witness that there is none worth worshipping except One God (ALLAH) and I bear witness that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the servant and last Messenger of Allah".

A large gathering of 150 Muslims in the Islamic Education Center on Tuesday, July 30, 2002 after the Maghrib (sunset) prayers surrounded her to witness this moment of joy and happiness.

The director of the center Dr. Ahmad Sakr welcomed the community leaders and other distinguished guests, who responded to participate with few hours notice. The other leaders who could not make it due to other engagements sent their congratulations and best wishes through e-mail and telephone calls. It includes Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, former President of Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), and Dr. Yahia Abdul Rahman, Chairman of Islamic Shura (Consultative) Council of Southern California (ISCSC), Imam Saadiq Saafir, Director of Ilm Foundation and Vice Chairman of ISCSC and Hussam Ayloush, Executive Director of Council of American Islamic Relations (CAIR) and others.

Mrs. Eileen Aziz Ansari has been happily married to Dr. Aziz Ansari a physician for the past 34 years and has three grown up children, who were raised as Muslims. She expressed her deep appreciation and thanks for all the community support and their best wishes.

All speakers reminded the audience that Mrs. Eileen Ansari has been a longtime supporter of Muslim causes and actively contributed towards the better understanding of the Muslims and Islam in this Country. Mr. Asad Khan, the President of the Islamic Education Center also said that Mrs. Eileen Ansari would be a very valuable asset to the Muslim Community.

The event concluded with another testimony by Mrs. Gina Abed, who took Shahada and reverted to Islam. She is also an educator, dietician and computer science professional. She is happily married to Mr. Imad Abed over the past ten years.
[From: Islamicity Website]