Two Murut sisters embrace Islam

OPENING their hearts with the niat (intention) to accept the Islamic faith, two Murut sisters were celebrated as new converts in a ceremony at Kg Sabun, Muara.

Rasliahwati Rashede, now known as Nur Rasyiqah Qamarina Rashede, said that she has been wanting to convert for a long time.

"My niat to become a Muslim became stronger once I started working with the government," the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) personnel said.

She added that being exposed to the Islamic way of life from their Muslim relatives and friends helped guide them towards Islam.

"After getting the approval from our parents, both my sister and I decided to convert together at the home of our sister-in-law," she added.

Together with her younger sister, Rashydahti Rashede, now known as Nur Rasyidah Darwisyah Rashede, they both recited the syahadah (declaration of faith) and signed the official documents yesterday to seal their conversion to Islam in front of two witnesses.

Their conversion to Islam was celebrated with the reading of dikir, Surah Taha (20: 1-9) and the Doa Selamat.

Besides family and friends, the ceremony was also attended by the RBAF Commander Major General Dato Paduka Seri Hj Aminuddin Ihsan Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Hj Abidin, RBAF Deputy Commander Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Brigadier General Dato Seri Pahlawan Mohd Tawih Abdullah and Joint Commander Laksamana Pertama Dato Seri Pahlawan Abdul Aziz Hj Mohd Tamit.The Brunei Times