Ahlul Bayt News Agency, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei -- A total of 340 people have embraced the Islamic faith from January to June this year, based on the statistics from the Islamic Da'wah Centre.
Out of the number, Brunei Muara has the highest number of conversions with 135, followed by Belait 103. In Tutong, 87 conversions were registered while Temburong has 13 conversions.
Ibans made up the largest number with 127 conversions, followed by 84 Dusuns.
The first half of the year also saw 37 conversions from the Chinese community.
With regard to foreign nationalities, Filipinos made up the largest with 64 conversions. The record also showed that seven Thai nationals embraced the Islamic faith.
The centre had seen a steady number of conversions throughout the years. In 2007, the centre recorded 462 conversions and 465 in 2008.
While some prefer to conduct their conversion at the comfort of their home with family members, the religious officer said that conversions could also be held at the centre itself upon the request of the individual.
The conversion will involve the declaration of their Iman (faith) in the Oneness of Allah (SWT) and the seal of Prophethood of Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) and embracing Islam by reciting the syahadah (declaration of faith) in the presence of a religious officer and Muslim witnessess.
New converts also need to complete a 10-day guidance course that is needed prior to completing the guidance course, a 14-day foundation course and an extensive guidance Scheme I and II according to Islamic law.
Meanwhile, 37 new converts from Kg Bebuloh were honoured yesterday in a khatam Al-Quran ceremony to mark the culmination of their reading of the 30 juzuk of the holy book.
The event was held at the Kg Bebuloh religious centre.
The head of conversion and rehabilitation section of the Islamic Da'wah Centre, Abdul Aziz Hj Abdul Kahar led the delegation of officers from the centre to mark the occasion.
A press statement issued by the Islamic Da'wah Centre said the objective of the celebration was to enliven the month of Ramadhan, and as a platform to instil Al-Quran reading as a daily practice.
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