FILIPINO EXPATS FIND ISLAM IN RAMADAN

Cairo, 8 Ramadan 1436/25 June 2015 (MINA) – As Ramadan spirituality fills the air, twenty expatriate workers from the Philippines have reverted to Islam in Riyadh mosque earlier this week after worshippers concluded taraweeh prayer.

“This is a time to rejoice for all worshipers who are with us tonight,” The imam of the grand mosque in Dubhat district, Malaz, Sheikh Turky Qelaiwy said after concluding prayer, Arab News reported on Thursday, (6/ 25).

“I am proud of you and everyone is happy to welcome you as new brothers in Islam.”

The expats, most of them from the Philippines, all work at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Riyadh, Onislam reports as quoted        by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA).

Last Tuesday, they announced the Shahada (declaration of faith) to embrace Islam at the mosque, according to Gaddy Albani, a Filipino preacher who accompanied them.

Members of the congregation embraced them, while others took pictures and videotaped the proceedings.

Imam Qelaiwy assured the new Muslim reverts that Islam was easy and does not oblige them to do something behind their capabilities.

“You may find it difficult to carry out some of Islam’s commands, but Islam is so easy and does not oblige you to do something you cannot do, for health or other reasons,” he said.

“If you cannot fast this year because of these reasons you can do so next year,” he said.

“But as new Muslims you will now have to adopt Islamic ways.” (T/Imt/NMT)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency(MINA)