34 July 2014 www.womanthismonth.com Chile-born California-raised Renata Santibanez embraced Islam while she was at university in the United States. Thirty years on, she gives us an insight into a life lived by faith and the power of informed choices. Keeping the Faith PEOPLE | interview by SIMI KAMBOJ Having lived in Bahrain since 1984, Renata Santibanez has completely shed off her American accent. In a departure from the average Western lifestyle in Bahrain, she leads a simple life, raising her children (without employing house help) and devoting most of her free time to volunteer work. As many regulars at Discover Islam will attest, the manager of the organisation’s ladies’ section is an approachable woman known for her sympathetic ear and sound advice. When it comes to community work and charity, Renata’s altruism can see opportunities where most people can’t. We sit down with her to dwell into her perspective on Islam and its way of life. Woman This Month (WTM): How did you come across this path? Renata Santibanez (RS): I was in the eighth grade in California when they showed us a film at school about different religions. It was interesting because until that point, I hadn’t heard of any religion other than Christianity. Later at University, I came across Muslims for the first time and started wondering about the faith. Out of curiosity, I went to the library and read books on Islam. I realised that the more I read, the happier I became and read even more. I’m still reading today. WTM: What was the defining moment for you? RS: Well, there wasn’t really a dramatic moment that impelled me. I was studying books on Islam and found its principles very appealing. It was all about being good to the family and others, and about being kind to animals and the environment. Finally, I came across a book which said that those interested in becoming a Muslim have to read the testimony. I was in my twenties; I
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