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Dubai — Mohammed, Mariam and Aisha are the favourite names among new Muslims. According to a senior official, the new Muslims, converted here in 2014, were free to keep their original names but opted to be named in Arabic after Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon them) and Jesus.
Huda Alkaabi, Head of the New Muslim Section at the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai (DIACA) said on top of the list of male converts’ names are Mohammed, followed by Abdullah and Essa meaning Jesus.
“As for female converts, the most favoured names are Maryam after Jesus’ mother, Aisha after the wife of prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and Fatima after the daughter of the Prophet (PBUH).” Official figures showed that 2,815 residents of 91 different nationalities, including 2,047 women and 768 men, converted to Islam at the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai last year as compared to 2,269 in 2013.
“Islam is a peaceful religion which never discriminates people based on colour, language, race or religion.” Adding, she said the department provides new Muslims with all the facilities needed to help them embrace Islam, officially authenticate their conversion, and reply to all their queries about the teachings of the new religion.
“Non-Muslims and fresh converts are also equipped with all possible publications, CDs, cassettes, and booklets on Islam in different languages and in an easy and attractive way,” Alkaabi said, noting that a unified certificate is issued to authenticate a new Muslim’s conversion to Islam in association with the Dubai Courts.
Dr Omar Al Khatib, Executive Director for Islamic Affairs Sector, DIACA, said such incessant conversion is the fruit of tireless integrated work from all the sectors, sections, and staffers of the department who spares no effort to show and reflect the merciful teachings of Islam.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com
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