Rokiah Mahmud
Muslim converts, who recently completed a basic haj preparation course, expressed their gratitude for having been selected to perform the pilgrimage this year.
The course saw the participation of 16 Muslim converts – three male and 13 female.
One of the participants was 59-year-old Mohamad Jugah bin Abdullah Manah, from Kampong Bukit, Tutong District.
Speaking with the Bulletin, Mohamad Jugah shared that he converted to Islam in 1999.
Mohamad Jugah, who will perform the haj with his wife, said that they applied to perform the haj in 2018. In order to qualify for selection, he said certain criteria need to be met, adding that there are also numerous interviews with the Islamic Da’wah Centre (PDI).
One of the interviews was to test their knowledge on haj, ibadah and recitation. Prior to the interview, he participated in a number of courses to enhance his knowledge about Islam as well as refine his recitation.

Meanwhile, 66-year-old Suzaliaty binti Abdullah from Kuala Belait, who converted to Islam in 1982, is set to perform the haj with her children.
She shared that upon receiving the news that she would be one of the pilgrims, she felt a tremendous amount of gratitude for the opportunity.
In making preparations for the journey to the holy cities of Madinah and Makkah, she attended several religious classes to refine her prayer, Al-Quran and Doa recitation as well as to acquire more information on haj.
Meanwhile, Norhana binti Abdullah, who converted to Islam in 1987, recalled her journey to Islam.
She shared that her employers at that time were a Muslim family and, therefore, whenever a religious ceremony was held, she would follow them.
“When they perform prayer, I would follow suit, which included wearing a hijab, fasting and practising the life as a Muslim,” she said.
Norhana had since developed interest and finally, in 1987, she made it official.
Norhana also shared that she applied to perform haj in 2018.
According to PDI Director Haji Abdul Rajid bin Haji Mohd Salleh Muslim converts selected to perform haj this year have received the haj fare from His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam through the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB), Ministry of Religious Affairs.
The director took the chance at the closing ceremony of the course to remind the Muslim converts that the time spent at the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah will be meaningful as they could get closer to Allah the Almighty.
This year, a total of 1,000 intending haj pilgrims will depart for the haj season of 1444 Hijrah, with the first flight on Sunday.