DOZENS REVERT TO ISLAM AT DUBAI FESTIVAL

Dubai, 23 Jumadil Awwal 1436/14 March 2015 (MINA) – Dozens of Dubai tourists reverted to Islam during this year’s Dubai Shopping festival, reflecting the growth of the peaceful faith across the world.

“As part of our 2015 strategic plan, the section tries to make good use of the commerce and tourism events in Dubai in highlighting the basic principles and values of Islam, answering inquiries about it, and trying to correct the misconceptions of Islam,” Huda Al Kaabi, chairwoman of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities department’s New Muslims Section, told The National on Wednesday, March 11.

According to the Islamic Affairs department, 53 people reverted to Islam during that festival last January. The new Muslims attended the interfaith dialogue program at Al Reef Mall, On Islam quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

Offering discussions, lectures and publications in different languages, the program aimed at raising awareness about Islam and its centuries-old culture. This year’s reverts are not the first to take the decision 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%, according to Aljunaibi.

The number was much less in 2011 as only 1,380 were reportedly converted to Islam, while 1,500 joined 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. (T/P011/P3)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)