Daniel Lim
A family of 10 from the Belait District embraced Islam at a conversion ceremony on Sunday.
The family comprises Filipino Luciano Cruz Ranchero, 69, who goes by his new name Muhammad Syazani bin Abdullah Ranchero, his wife Runi binti Bundan, 45, now known as Nur Ayuni Khairunnisa binti Muhammad Sufian and their eight children.
The eldest is aged 25 and the youngest is five years old.
The conversion ceremony was held at the RPN Kampong Panaga.
Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan, his spouse, Acting Belait District Officer Mohamad Yassin bin Haji Ahmed, permanent secretaries and deputy permanent secretaries at the Ministry of Religious Affairs and officers from the Islamic Da’wah Centre witnessed the conversion ceremony.
The ceremony started with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by RPN Kampong Pandan Mosque Affairs Officer Abdul Qayyum bin Haji Aminuddin followed by the family members reciting the Syahadah.
The deputy minister presented the head of the family gifts which included Al-Quran, Kiblat and goodie bags.
This was followed by the Dikir Marhaban accompanied by the sprinkling of scented petals on the converts.