Yesterday, 22nd May 2004 (3rd Rabiul Akhir), is a special occasion to many of us. A beloved friend has decided to become a Muslim. May Allah bless her. She has always been a nice person. We're taking the same course in the university and since there are not that many of us from the same batch taking the course (due to university quota, not for lack of the course popularity), we're quite close to each other. Often, she'll ask whether we have prayed. She doesn't want to be keeping us from performing our obligation when chit chatting or having discussion with her.
About 4 p.m. at ABIM Ampang, she said her syahadah after listening to some explanation and advice from the Ustaz. The Ustaz is a funny man. He joked about my friend bringing the whole 'kampong' to the ceremony. Maybe it's not often so many people attended the ceremony for a single person in the past. There are some of her university friends, her friends during her course in INTAN, and her colleagues in the attendance. The ceremony then gets very emotional when about 30 friends from the many groups in her life, were requested to say something by the Ustaz, to welcome, motivate and encourage her.
I'm glad she's keeping her Chinese name and don't even have to add Abdullah. I've always been against changing name when one becomes a Muslim. There are millions of Muslims all over the world with Chinese, African, Filipino, American names. Why does Malaysian have to change their name to Arabic or Malay sounding name when they convert. It confuses the non-Muslims into thinking that changing names is a requirement to become a Muslim. It's not. Even during the Prophet time, he only suggested the change when people have names with a bad meaning.
Emi,
Lots of hugs to you. You'll always have my support, any kind at any time. You've had the strength and courage to convert, may you have the strength and courage to face the future. It may get a bit bumpy sometimes, but that's life and all your friends are behind you. Sometimes, those who are born Muslim like me, take our faith for granted. While for some, it takes a lot of soul searching and guidance from Allah to see the light. It's quite an experience for me to witness this special moment in your life. Thank you for inviting me and welcome back to Islam.
Lots of hugs to you. You'll always have my support, any kind at any time. You've had the strength and courage to convert, may you have the strength and courage to face the future. It may get a bit bumpy sometimes, but that's life and all your friends are behind you. Sometimes, those who are born Muslim like me, take our faith for granted. While for some, it takes a lot of soul searching and guidance from Allah to see the light. It's quite an experience for me to witness this special moment in your life. Thank you for inviting me and welcome back to Islam.
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