JEDDAH: As many as 551 people, mostly Filipinos, Europeans, Americans, Indians, Nepalese and Sri Lankans, have embraced Islam this year as a result of the activities of Islamic Education Foundation (IEF) in Alhamrah.
“Nearly 85 percent of the newly reverted Muslims were Filipinos,” said Ismaeel Abu Taleb, manager for public relations and resource development. During the past 14 years, 5,774 have embraced Islam at IEF.
Abu Taleb disclosed the foundation’s plans to establish an institute for teaching Arabic to non-Arab expatriates. An Egyptian expert has been recruited to run the institute, which will initially admit 25 students.
IEF, having offices in Alhamrah, Corniche and downtown Jeddah, operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance.
“This year alone we have organized 329 lectures, three seminars, eight competitions and 16 Umrah trips,” Abu Taleb said. IEF also distributed 2,290 Qur’an copies, 32,282 books and 3,495 cassettes. Fuad Kawther, manager of the dawa and guidance department, said the IEF would organize a campaign in Jeddah in cooperation with another organization named Wae to enlighten the public on how to reduce divorce cases and improve husband-and-wife relations in the country.
“During the campaign, we’ll set up a hot line for people to ask questions on various family issues. Experts like Dr. Adnan Baharith and Dr. Mohammed Al-Dowaish will answer their questions,” he added. Lectures will also be held at supermarkets during the campaign.
Kawther’s department also intends to hold a program titled Rasana (dignity) to enlighten Muslims on how to deal with things around them such as street, dress and food. “We’ll hold a similar program next year on how to deal with people around us,” he said.
During school vacations, the foundation would hold a program named Hawiruni (talk to me) when people will be encouraged to ask questions on various topics. These programs will be held mostly at commercial centers.
“Our programs are aimed at highlighting Islamic faith, values and teachings and protecting Muslim youth and families from un-Islamic thoughts and ideas,” he added.
