Daniel Lim
An Iban family of four embraced the Islamic faith in a ceremony at the Serikandi Restaurant and Café ballroom in Kuala Belait yesterday.
Head of Religious Officer at the Belait District Religious Affairs Office Mohamad Aliyani bin Ismail was the guest of honour.
Serikandi Group of Companies Chairman and Managing Director Shaikh Haji Khalid bin Shaikh Haji Ahmad, officers and staff from the Belait District Branch of the Dakwah Unit were also in attendance.
The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by the recitation the Syahadah by the family members.
The head of the family, 54-year-old John Lee anak Ajai took the name Muhammad Abdul Azim bin Abdullah Ajai while his wife, 52-year-old Bulan anak Sawal is now know as Hannah Salwa binti Muhammad Syawal.
Meanwhile, 24-year-old Risca Diana anak John Lee, and 21-year-old Herman anak John Lee chose Nur Rhadatul ‘Aisy Dhaniyah binti Muhammad Abdul Azim and Muhammad Syafiq Anwar bin Muhammad Abdul Azim as their new names.
The guest of honour presented gifts and tokens of appreciation to the new coverts.
Shaikh Haji Khalid also presented gifts to the head of the family.
The event concluded with a Dikir Marhaban and the sprinkling of scented flowers.
The Dakwah Unit has recorded 273 individuals who have embraced the Islamic faith across the nation since the beginning of the year, and of the total, 46 are residing in the Belait District.