BELAIT

A FAMILY of seven of Dusun and Iban background embraced Islam yesterday at their home in Kg Pandan 8.

Muhammad Rejmi Muhammad Isa, 54, said his family's conversion culminates a “lifelong dream” that began when he was still in school.

“Many of my friends and work colleagues are Muslim, but my experience with Islam goes back to when I was still in school and learned about the religion from my teachers and classmates,” said the civil servant.

Muhammad Rejmi said the conduct and good practices of Muslims around him left him with a positive impression of Islam and led him to try out certain aspects of the religion even though he had yet to convert.

“Before embracing Islam, I had already taken part in the act of fasting during Ramadhan and saw the beauty in the discipline and strength it gave me. I have always held Islam in high regard,” he said.

His 20-year-old daughter Nur Nadia Nazurah said she had developed a personal curiosity to learn more about Islam, having attended religious classes in school before.

“The prayers and Al-Quran have given structure, meaning and purpose to my life. I’m excited for our journey and for my family to experience Ramadhan and Hari Raya together,” she said.

Including yesterday’s family, a total of 60 people have converted to Islam in Belait since the beginning of 2015. These include over 30 of Iban ethnicity, nine Filipinos, seven Chinese and six Dusuns.

Minister of Religious Affairs Yang Berhormat Pg Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Pg Hj Abdul Rahman, his Permanent Secretary Dato Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Abdul Aziz Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Hj Md Yusof and Belait District Officer Hj Haris Othman were among those present at the conversion yesterday.

The Brunei Times