Story of British Foreigner Converts to Islam After Knowing UB Student

Kapanlagi.com - James, a foreigner from England, recited the two sentences of the shahada or converted to Islam at the Mualaf Center of Raden Patah Mosque, Universitas Brawijaya (MRP UB) in Malang. The foreign man decided to embrace Islam after getting to know Aisyah, a student of the Master's Program in the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering (FTP) at Universitas Brawijaya.

Through this introduction, James often discussed many things about Islam, which eventually sparked his interest in delving deeper into the monotheistic religion. James, who previously did not believe in the concept of divinity or adhere to any specific religion, admitted to being interested in the teachings of goodness in Islam and wanted to study it more deeply.

1. No Coercion Element So Converts

KapanLagi.com/Darmadi Sasongko

The peak was on Wednesday (24/4/2024), James declared himself as a Muslim by reciting the two testimonies of faith.

"I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His servant and messenger," he said in front of the mentor and witnesses.

"There is no coercion element from any party. My parents also fully support my decision," he said after the declaration process.

2. Getting to Know Aisyah from the Student Exchange Program

James's recitation of the two testimonies of faith was guided by Drs. Samsul Arifin M.Ag, a lecturer of Islamic Religious Education (PAI) at UB. Witnessing the event were the MRP officials and his friends, including Aisyah, the woman who is now his girlfriend.

James's introduction to Aisyah began from the Student Exchange Program when he was still in high school in Tulungagung in 2016. Since then, they have often had virtual conversations and discussions about many things, including Islam.

"After meeting Aisyah, we started chatting more intensively and discussing about the teachings of Islam," he said.

3. Previously Not Embracing Any Religion

Aulia Luqman Aziz, the spokesperson and companion of the Mualaf Center MRP UB, expressed gratitude for being able to guide James to become a Muslim. The process of reciting the shahada went smoothly and peacefully, using the English language. Luqman, who is proficient in English, acted as a companion and witness when James uttered the shahada.

"Previously, James did not embrace any religion, and now he is my brother, a new fellow Muslim. MashaAllah," he said.

4. MRP UB Has Converted 58 People to Islam

Lukman also mentioned that the Mualaf Center of Masjid Raden Patah (MRP) UB has converted a total of 58 individuals from all over Indonesia. The Mualaf Center itself serves as a supporting organization for mosque activities by providing a platform and nurturing for new converts.

According to Lukman, both domestic and international communities can benefit from the facilities and services offered by the Mualaf Centre.

(kpl/dar/dyn)