Lyna Mohamad & Daniel Lim
The number of Muslim converts in the Brunei-Muara District increased with the conversion of three more individuals reciting the Syahadah in three separate ceremonies yesterday.
In the morning ceremony at the Gurkha Reserve Unit (GRU) Surau at Sungai Akar Camp, Lance Corporal Osman bin Yancha recited the Syahadah led by officer from the Islamic Da’wah Centre (PDI), Ministry of Religious Affairs Mohammad Noh bin Haji Mohammad Taib.
Lance Corporal Osman, a personnel from the Medical Reception Station of the GRU’s Support Unit, Ministry of Defence (MinDef), chose his Muslim name as Muhammad Osman bin Abdullah Yancha.
The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Mu’minun verses one to 11, recited by Abdussalam bin Haji Jahari from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Religious Directorate (JAMA’AT), followed with the recitation of Syahadah by Lance Corporal Osman.
A Dikir Marhaban was performed followed by Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof presenting gifts.
This was followed by other guests and family members.
Staff Officer Grade 1, Religious Training, JAMA’AT Major Ariffin bin Amit@Hamid read the Doa Selamat.
Yesterday’s ceremony was the first conversion ceremony at the Sungai Akar Camp Surau, with the hope that the message of Islamic dakwah would continue to be embraced among GRU personnel.
Commander of the RBAF Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Muhammad Haszaimi bin Bol Hassan, Acting Permanent Secretary at the MinDef, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Finance and Administration) at the MinDef, Directors, Commandant of the GRU and family members of Lance Corporal Osman were also present.
Meanwhile, a conversion ceremony was held for 23-year old Iban woman, Liwany anak Linggat in Kampong Sungai Hanching attended by Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan and spouse.
Liwany recited the Syahadah guided by PDI Dakwah Development Section (Conversion) officer. She chose Nur Liwany Daania binti Linggat as her Muslim name.
After her Syahadah, Liwany received a souvenir from Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Tashim.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Haji Mohammad Rosli bin Haji Ibrahim and spouse were present.
PDI Director Haji Abdul Rajid bin Haji Mohd Salleh and PDI officers were also present at both ceremonies. PDI recorded 58 conversions from January to May 2023 out of which 32 are of Iban descent.
Meanwhile, 27-year-old Dusun Norhafzlan bin Musa embraced the Islamic faith at RPN Kampong Lumut yesterday.
Norhafzlan recited the Syahadah in embracing the Islamic faith and chose Muhammad Rayyan Zhafran bin Musa as his new name.
The ceremony continued with the recitation of Dikir Marhaban by the Dikir group from the RPN Kampong Pandan Mosque followed by the sprinkling of scented flowers onto the new convert.
The new convert was also presented with gifts handed over by Legislative Council member and Penghulu of Mukim Bukit Sawat Yang Berhormat Haji Mohd Salleh bin Haji Othman.
Acting Village Head of Kampong Lumut II Haji Khairdon bin Haji Dahlan, officers and staff from the Belait District Dakwah Unit, as well as friends and families of the new convert were also present.
Belait District Dakwah Unit’s revealed 29 individuals have embraced the Islamic faith since 2023 compared to 97 last year.
