Over 3,000 people from 69 nationalities convert to Islam in UAE

Dar Al Ber Society, all set to promote the moderate, tolerant, and authentic teachings of Islam, helped 3,014 residents of 69 nationalities convert to Islam in 2017.

Competent staff preachers at the Islamic Information Centre in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, falling under the Society based in Dubai, quite helped the new converts and answered their inquiries about Islam. 

"Up to 2,785 of these became Muslims at the main centre in Dubai in comparison to 229 fresh Muslims at the RAK centre," unveiled Rashid Al Junaibi, director of the centre.

He added that the centre is mainly concerned about promoting the tolerant Islamic culture in an easy, attractive, and friendly way as directed in Islam and urged by the UAE prudent leadership.

"Special programmes are being held round the year to develop people's awareness about Islam, leave alone the diverse courses organised to rehabilitate the new Muslims and enlighten them about their new religion in a simplified way."

The centre programmes are open for both male and female concerts, he explained. "The new Muslims, hailing from 69 nationalities, originally come from six continents; 17 from Asian, 15 Africa, 27 Europe, two North America, and seven from South America and Australia."

The centre, committed to its sacred mission, organised 3,798 religious and cultural lectures for foreign communities last year, Al Junaibi disclosed. "These included 3,275 in Dubai and 523 in Ras Al Khaimah."

The centre also distributed over 1,100,000 cultural issues in more than 20 languages nationwide, he said.

"These were distributed over 150 sites mostly visited by foreigners, like the museums, shopping centres, malls, bus and metro stations all over the country."

Al Junaibi indicated that a unified certificate is issued to authenticate the conversion of any new Muslim to Islam in association with the Dubai Courts, and the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai.

"Should anyone have interest in embracing Islam, they need to bear witness that there is no God but Allah, and Mohammed is his messenger. They have then to fill in a special form, and submit certain documents, such as a passport copy, a valid residence permit, and a photograph."

Introductory lectures and courses are then prepared for new Muslims to help them understand the teachings of Islam, he pointed out. "They are also provided with simplified brochures and booklets on Islam in their own languages."

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com