Azlan Othman, Lyna Mohamad & Izah Azahari
Brunei continues to see an increase in Muslim converts, with 414 people having embraced Islam since the start of this year. As of December 19, 94 of which belonged to the Iban community, statistics revealed.
On Friday, an Iban family comprising Michal anak Mang and his family converted to Islam by reciting the Syahadah at a ceremony in Kampong Sumbiling Lama, Temburong District.
The ceremony began with the recitation of Sayyidul Istighfar and Surah Al-Fatihah followed by the recitation of Syahadah by Michal, 42, who chose his Islamic name Muhammad Anshary Amrullah bin ‘Abdur Rahim.
His wife Madeline anak Lusing, 37, is now known as Nur Safirah binti Abdullah Lusing while their son Sebastian Juman, 10, has taken the name Muhammad Safiyuddin bin Muhammad Anshary Amrullah.
Zulkini anak Berauh, 21, who also has converted to Islam is now known as Muhammad Zul Fadhli bin Abdullah Berauh.
Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar as the guest of honour presented souvenirs to the converts.
Members of Jeep Owners Group Brunei (JOGB) also attended the ceremony and presented souvenirs and basic necessities to the new converts as well as other less fortunate converts in the Temburong District.
Astronomer and surveyor Haji Khairul Abidin bin Haji Sulaiman, as a representative of the Surveyor General at the Survey Department handed over the Qiblat marker to the new converts.
Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Haji Emran bin Haji Sabtu also participated.
The deputy minister and delegation also took the opportunity to visit Kampong Sumbiling Lama Longhouse and mingled with the longhouse occupants, and participated in an opening ceremony of the Islamic Da’wah Centre Bookrack for the longhouse.
Meanwhile, two Filipino nationals embraced Islam after reciting the Syahadah at a conversion ceremony at The Rizqun International Hotel in Gadong, on Friday.
Dolores Marcos Mercado, 46, has chosen the Muslim name Keysha Marcos binti Abdullah, while Jaillord Rodavites Junsay, 31, is now known as Muhammad Jaad Jameel Junsay bin Abdullah.
Islamic Da’wah Centre Director Haji Abdul Rajid bin Haji Mohd Salleh presented gifts to the new converts.
The ceremony ended with the recitation of Doa Selamat.