It’s a great blessing for 20 expats who embraced Islam after Taraweeh prayers on Tuesday night in Riyadh.
The converts to the Islamic faith were from the Philippines who are employed at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Riyadh, said Gaddy Albani, a Filipino preacher who accompanied them.
According to Arab news, Sheikh Turky Qelaiwy, the Imam of the grand mosque in Dubhat district, Malaz announced the news after Taraweeh prayers, and also had the new Muslims recite the Shahada.
Members of the congregation welcomed them, whereas others took pictures and capture the proceedings on tape. “This is a time to rejoice for all worshipers who are with us tonight,” said the Imam.
“I am proud of you and everyone is happy to welcome you as new brothers in Islam.”
“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.”
The people who have knowledge of Islam are aware that it is “the right and plain religion and will adopt its practices.” In spite of attempts to tarnish the religion, Islam remained the first choice of most people seeking a new faith,” said Qelaiway.
People accept Islam in Ramadan since this is the month that the Devil is chained. They are also impressed by how fellow Muslims behave towards them, the Imam said.
“I found out that it is indeed the last religion that people should follow,” said one revert who converted to Islam after reading about the religion.