MAKKAH, 12 December 2007 — With the Kingdom providing job opportunities to foreigners, many non-Muslim expatriates living here develop a keen interest in Islam and often convert to the faith.
This year, 400 new Muslims will be performing the annual Haj with the Islamic Education Foundation, a local Dawa organization.
“For the last nine years, we’ve been arranging free Haj tours for expatriates who convert to Islam,” said Sheikh Hani Al-Sharif, head of the Islamic Education Foundation’s Taneem office, which is located outside the holy city’s precincts.
“Over 5,000 people have performed Haj with us since we started this program in 1419 AH,” he said, adding that the foundation’s Taneem office has held courses to prepare converts for Haj.
Abdul Rashid, a Filipino, came to the Kingdom to work for a Saudi company.
“I felt there was something great waiting for me here,” said Rashid. “I felt Islam was a great religion because all of the Muslims that I worked with treated me well, especially the religious ones with beards.”
Rashid said the positive treatment inspired him to read about Islam and ask people at work about the faith. “My Muslim friends also taught me the basic principles of Islam and then I converted,” he said, adding that he is going to perform Haj this year.
“I was exhilarated that I’ve been selected for Haj by the foundation. I’ve really been preparing myself for this for ages,” he added.
Jamil, another recent Filipino convert, said he accepted Islam after an extensive reading into the faith. “I was convinced this was the way and Islam helps a person in every aspect of his life,” he said, adding that when he told his Muslim friends he wanted to convert he found a lot of support.
“When I read about Islam, I end up loving it more and more. I feel like I have been reborn,” he said, adding praise for the help provided by the Islamic Education Foundation office.
“I’ve been selected for Haj by the foundation, which is a good thing and will help me along,” he added.
Muhammad, another recent convert, said he became interested Islam shortly after arriving in the Kingdom to work. “I’ve received a lot of help from new Muslims who speak different languages, including English. I’ve interacted with them and listened to their preaching, and then decided to convert to Islam,” he said.
Other converts, like Ibrahim and Abdul Aziz, who are also Filipinos, said their interactions with other Muslims made a positive impression on them.
“We just needed some guidance. A bit of a push. Our Muslim colleagues guided us to the right path,” said Ibrahim. He further praised the Islamic Education Foundation for providing him with support and a brotherly atmosphere.
