Irish singer of the hit single "Nothing Compares 2 U", Sinead O'Connor. announced on Twitter she has become a Muslim and changed her name to Shuhada' Davitt.
Davitt says in her post:
"This is to announce that I am proud to have become a Muslim. This is the natural conclusion of any intelligent theologian's journey. All scripture study leads to Islam. Which makes all other scriptures redundant. I will be given (another) new name. It will be Shuhada'."
Her new name means "one who bears witness" in Arabic. The singer has been open about her questioning of religion and her search for individual peace. In 1992, Davitt, then known as O'Connor appeared on Saturday Night Live and after singing an a cappella version of Bob Marley's "War" held up a picture of the pope and ripped it into pieces. She was condemned by the public and in the press for her actions, but now 25 years later with the stories breaking over abusive priests, she is vindicated.
Sinead O Connor - WAR - SNLwww.youtube.com
At the time of the controversy, she had this to say:
It's not the man, obviously—it's the office and the symbol of the organization that he represents... In Ireland we see our people are manifesting the highest incidence in Europe of child abuse. This is a direct result of the fact that they're not in contact with their history as Irish people and the fact that in the schools, the priests have been beating the shit out of the children for years and sexually abusing them. This is the example that's been set for the people of Ireland. They have been controlled by the church, the very people who authorized what was done to them, who gave permission for what was done to them.
Davitt has been open in the past about her drug and alcohol addiction and struggles with mental health issues. In 2017, she took to Facebook to discuss her struggles, saying,
"I gave so much love in my life, and I just can't understand how a person can be left alone in their life. And I want to show everybody what it's like, that's why I'm making this video. Mental illness, it's a bit like drugs. It doesn't give a shit who you are. And equally, you know what's worse, the stigma doesn't give a shit who you are. And suddenly all the people who are supposed to be loving you, taking care of you, are treating you like shit. And then when you're angry or you're hurt because they're doing it, it's like a witch hunt."
Now it seems Davitt has found some of that peace she has been searching for. She posted videos showing her singing and proclaiming the Shahadah.
She seems very happy and content.
Many people welcomed her and wished her well.
We wish Davitt all the best on her spiritual journey.
H/T: BBC, Atlantic, Newsweek, Irish Central