AhlulBayt News Agency

source : Voice of Bahrain
Thursday

4 July 2013

6:14:00 AM
436755

200 embraced Islam this year in Bahrain

MORE than 200 people have converted to Islam in Bahrain since the start of the year, according to the latest figures.

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) -  However, the number is expected to significantly increase during Ramadan, said a Discover Islam spokesman.

Those who embraced Islam include people from India, Philippines, Pakistan, Ghana, US, UK, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Nepal, Bangladesh and Kenya.

They call themselves 'reverts' because the religion teaches that every child is born Muslim.

"We have more than 200 reverts this year and the number is expected to increase during the Holy Month of Ramadan," said the spokesman.

"They took a decision after years of research and study on this religion, and it wasn't an easy task for them.

"People who take time and effort to study Islam find out that there is a lot of similarity between the teachings of Islam and those of other mainstream religions.

"It provides a simple way of life to follow.

"Most of them said they like Islam as it is more peaceful and teaches equality and brotherhood.

"It's a personal decision and reverting changes them both internally and externally.

"We register their names with the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry after they read the shahada (declaring belief in God and Prophet Mohammed) in front of a judge."

The new converts are now looking forward to performing their first Ramadan - despite having to fast nearly 16 hours in the scorching heat this year.

However, the spokesman said the society has scores of volunteers and programmes to ease the transition.

"We also help reverts learn more about Islam by taking them for weekly classes held at the society premises, to share and understand the role of Islam in the modern world," added the spokesman. "Most converts to Islam feel unease in transitioning into their new lifestyle, but we have more than 50 volunteers who help them getting used to this.

/129