500 EXPATRIATES FIND ISLAM IN DUBAI

**More than 500 expatriates in Dubai during the first quarter of this year were touched by the merciful teachings of Islam that respect all cultures and religions.** (Photo: On Islam)

Dubai, 26 Jumadal Akhir 1436/15 April 2015 (MINA) – Gathering over 200 nationalities from worldwide, the Emirate of Dubai has witnessed the reversion of more than 500 people during the first quarter of this year, who were touched by the merciful teachings of Islam that respect all cultures and religions.

“Amazingly, some of them were moved by the tuneful sound of Azaan (call for prayer) as well as the good treatment they received from Muslims here in the UAE,” Edification and Religious Guidance Section department head Yusra Al Gaood, told Khaleej Times, On Islam quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

“Over 6,000 people, including a large number of non-Muslims flocked to the Mohammed Bin Rashid Islamic Culture Centre in Al Barsha and Zayed Bin Mohammed Family Gathering in Al Khawaneej-1 where they enjoyed useful lectures,” Al Gaood stated.

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The new reverts were seen as a result of the hard work of a new campaign launched by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai (IACAD).

Huda Al Kaabi, head of new Muslims section at the department, said the annual campaign themed ‘If You Knew Him, You Would Love Him’, enlightened many people about Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

This year’s reverts are not the first to take the decision to embrace Islam while staying in the UAE.

More than 2,115 people reverted to Islam in 2013 in Emirates, reflecting a growing preference for the religion around the globe.

The number, compared to about 1,907 in 2012, showed an increase by about 10 percent, according to Aljunaibi.

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Figures decreased significantly in 2011 as only 1,380 were reportedly converted to Islam, while 1,500 entered Islam in 2010 and about 1,059 in 2009.

Reverts are usually drawn to Islam by its merciful and rational teachings which promote equality among all human beings.

Universal Message

Al Kaabi praised the efforts by the new Muslim section staff preachers to enlighten residents and visitors about the true Islam.

“The new converts knew how tolerant and peaceful Islam is and that it guarantees eternal happiness in this life and in the Hereafter,” she said.

Al Kaabi added that most of the fresh converts attributed their conversion to the tolerance and humane values and principles of Islam and the kindness they were meted out to by Muslims.

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The universal message of Islam as a peaceful religion which never discriminates against people on the basis of their color, language, race or religion, has also attracted many reverts.

“The department provides new Muslims with all the facilities needed to help them truly embrace Islam, officially authenticate their conversion, and reply to all their queries about the teachings of the new religion,” she said.

In concluding her comments Al Kaabi affirmed that new reverts are provided with all possible publications, CDs, cassettes, and booklets on Islam in different languages and in an easy, attractive and persuasive way.

“A unified certificate is issued to authenticate a new Muslim’s conversion to Islam in association with the Dubai Courts,” she said.

(T/P006/P3)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)