Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Eighteen reverts, mostly from India and the Philippines, were felicitated at a function at a local restaurant here at the weekend.

Zia Abdullah Abbas Nadwi, eminent educationist and chairman of Alfalah International School (DPS) and founder of Alwaha International School (AWIS) Jeddah, presided over the event hosted by Moulana Hifzur Rehman Seoharvi Academy.

The Jeddah-based academy is engaged in spreading the noble and sublime teachings of Islam, especially among non-Muslims. For over a decade, the organization is also involved in providing voluntary services to the pilgrims and distributing Haj souvenirs among them.

Sheikh Suleiman, famous scholar and Dawah worker, was the chief guest at the function while Arshad Saeed and A.G. Danish were guests of honor.

The proceedings commenced with the recitation of a few verses from Holy Qur’an by Atiq Siddiqui.

Young social activist and a prominent social figure in Jeddah, Asim Zeeshan, compered the program. Welcoming the guests and the reverts, Zeeshan gave a brief introduction of Seoharvi Academy and appreciated its efforts in various social and religious fields.

In his presidential address, Zia Nadwi congratulated the reverts and said reverting to Islam requires boldness and courage of conviction.

“Muslims mostly adhere to the teachings of Islam because they were fortunate to have been born in a Muslim family. For reverts, it is a different thing altogether. They come into the world of Islam conscientiously taking into the view all the pros and cons of their decision. Of course, hidayat (guidance) comes only from Allah Almighty,” he said.

Souvenirs and gifts were distributed among the new Muslims to encourage them. The souvenirs were provided through the courtesy of Al-Shareef Group, Saudia City group, Marghoub (Mizbah) Company, Ahtaram Elahi, Surti Perfumes, A.G. Danish, A.T.I.G. Toys, Nihal Shaji, Capt. Shahid, Azizur Rub, Aftab Maimani, Luqman Amanullah, Dr. Mahboub Ali-ul-Haq Siddiqui, Sheikh Abdullah and others.

Addressing the reverts, Bahjat Najmi Zinjani, chief of the Seoharvi Academy, said Almighty Allah has chosen them to be stars on the horizon. “You are the jewels, chosen especially by Allah and we all are envious of you,” he said.

Najmi said his organization is exerting all efforts to create an awareness among non-Muslims on the true and glorious teachings of Islam.

Arshad Saeed urged the audience to help Muslim reverts whenever they face any difficulty.

The event concluded with a supplication by Mohammed Farooq Khan, who prayed for the well-being of the Ummah. He requested the audience to pray for the families of the reverts so they also enter in the fold of Islam soon.