Anelyn Lao-Ay, a 43-year-old Filipina, has embraced Islam after finding peace and happiness in the religion.
Choosing the Muslim name Fatin Aleena Lao-Ay, she recited the Syahadah in the presence of Islamic Da’wah Centre (IDC) officials at the conversion ceremony at Nusa Laila Puteri School (NLPS) Tanjung Bunut.
“It is my sincere intention and resolution to work in line with the teachings of Islam,” said Fatin Aleena Lao-Ay, who has worked as a teacher at SNLP for 18 years.
Private Education Officer at the Ministry of Education Haji Md Yusof bin Haji Tengah was the guest of honor.
SNLP Chief Operation Officer Pengiran Haji Amir Khalid Abdulaziz bin Pengiran Dr Haji Amir Md Yussof, Pengiran Hajah Norashikkin binti Pengiran Dr Haji Amir Md Yussof and Head of Dakwah Development at PDI Ali Hassan bin Haji Mohd Said also attended.
The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah. A Dikir Marhaban enlivened the ceremony before the guest of honor sprinkled scented flowers onto the new convert.
Private Education Officer at the Ministry of Education Haji Md Yusof bin Haji Tengah sprinkles scented flowers on Fatin Aleena Lao-Ay.
Fatin Aleena Lao-Ay received a souvenir and donation raised by parents, teachers, and students of Nusa Laila Puteri School (NLPS).
In general, an individual will enter Islam while his past will be filled with both good and evil deeds. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has explained what will happen to the individual with respect to those previous deeds.
Fatin is got the opportunity to have all of his previous ills and sins immediately canceled while possibly still being rewarded for good.
PDI statistics recorded that from January to August 31, 2020, 255 people have converted to Islam nationwide with 122 from the Brunei-Muara District. Last year, the total number of converts recorded in the country stood at 349.