Religious programmes and schemes for Muslim converts need to be actively implemented and its impact should be analysed objectively, Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman said.
He said this at the Second Convocation of Muallaf (Muslim converts) Guidance Scheme at the Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah yesterday.
The minister said the Islamic Da’wah Centre (PDI) through its Muallaf Development Division has arranged several programmes and guidance schemes.
“Similarly, there is the Muallaf Education Visit programme with a scheme to visit the houses of new Muslim converts to monitor their progress while guiding them to refine their Fardhu ‘Ain practices. There is also a programme called ‘Semasa Tarbiyah’ at the PDI building in the form of courses, prayer and haj workshops as well as lectures in conjunction with major Islamic calendar of events.”
The minister also called on the new converts to take the opportunity to strengthen their Islamic faith so that it will be easier to integrate into the large community of Muslims in the Sultanate.
“Efforts to integrate or even adapt to the large community of Muslims should be a priority among the converts,” he said.
Some 143 Muslim converts completed the Advanced Guidance Scheme II for this year, which saw 45 participants from Brunei-Muara District, 36 from Tutong District, 34 from Belait District and 28 from Temburong District. The 12 best participants from all four districts received certificates.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Arrafi bin Abdullah @ Berapi bin Luwis and Rosni binti Abu @ Rosni anak Abu were announced as recipients of the Director’s Award.
The convocation ceremony was held to appreciate and recognise the Muallaf who completed the guidance schemes. – Azlan Othman
