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OnIslam & News Agencies

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DUBAI � In his desperate search for happiness, the life of Chauncey Lamont Hawkins, a former US rapper who enjoyed life luxuries of fame and money, has totally changed after a visit to the Gulf Arab city of Abu Dhabi, the Gulf News reported on Sunday, August 14.

"I came here as a rapper and left a Muslim," Hawkins (Loon), who changed his name to Amir Junaid Muhadith, told a Ramadan Forum in Dubai on Friday.

Amir was formerly part of P. Diddy's Bad Boy Records, where he released his self-titled debut album, �Loon'.

Enjoying fame and fortunes, he, however, did not find happiness.  

"I had it all," he said.

"I travelled the world, I had expensive cars, I had diamonds. Maybe it was a bit addictive in the beginning, but I was never happy," he said.

During a visit to Abu Dhabi in 2008, the Muslim American rapper was attracted to the way Muslims deal with each others, which wiped out all media rumors about violent Muslims.

"It was how Muslims conducted themselves that attracted me to Islam," said the former rapper in his talk on the �Pursuit of Happiness.'

"I was inspired by the Muslim culture and I admired their refined morals, their kind treatment of people� and especially the regular routine of going to pray five times every day."

Although there are no official figures, the United States is believed to be home to between 6-8 million Muslims.

A US survey has revealed that the majority of Americans know very little about Muslims and their faith.

Messenger

Inspiring others around the world, Amir has toured different countries and cities including Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada, to tell his pursuit of happiness to Islam.

"Go back to the simplicity, the essence of Islam," said the soft-spoken former rapper.

"That is your means to happiness."

Embracing Islam, Amir says he found peace which he had never found in his earlier lifestyle.

The positive change in his life drove his wife and son to revert to Islam as well.

"Bad Boys days are over," Amir said.  

�Now I am what you call a good boy.�