Dubai: Rodelito, a Filipino Christian, wore his best suit to what was a life-changing event for him as he converted to Islam on Thursday night. On the stage he nervously repeated the ‘shahada' (the Muslim declaration of faith) as Omar Penalber, the Filipino Islamic preacher shouted ‘Takbir' into the microphone. The audience responded in unison with the chant of Allah-u-Akbar (God is Great).
Rodelito was among the 76 Filipinos and Filipinas who converted to Islam on Thursday night under a massive tent in Al Twar as part of the Ramadan Forum organised by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.
Many of the new Muslims had questions for the preacher on social issues like why it was necessary for a Muslim woman to cover her head. The converts were given gifts of an ‘Adhan' clock, a prayer mat and perfume.
Rodelito said he had been thinking of converting to Islam for a long time. "I feel very good," he said placing his hand on his chest.
Roderick Vargas, who has changed his name to Rashid, said he had spoken with his father last year about becoming a Muslim. "It is a good religion," he said, adding "I understand now."
As the preacher was speaking, a woman announced that 70 Filipina ‘sisters' would like to say the ‘shahada'.
The women were in a separate section of the tent.
Lewis Phillip Bullock, senior executive of the Shaikh Obaid House, said last year 125 Filipinos had converted to Islam after a talk by Penalber. "There are usually more women converts," he said.
Welcoming platform for the world
The Ramadan Forum is an event to educate people about Islam and to publicise the fact that Dubai is also a place to come for ‘religious tourism', Lewis Phillip Bullock said.
Sessions held as part of the forum will continue until tomorrow in various languages to cater to the large expatriate population, he said.
Among the speakers are Abdul Raheem Green who will speak on ‘Embracing the inner struggle'. American ex-rapper Amir Hawkins (Loon) spoke yesterday on ‘The pursuit of happiness'. Today, M.M. Akbar will give a talk in Malayalam on ‘Faith and security'.
The Ramadan Forum tent is located near Al Twar Centre in Dubai.
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