Kuala Belait - An iban family of seven embraced Islam yesterday morning, in a conversion ceremony held at the Islamic Dakwah Centre in the Belait District.

The head of the family, Kudi anak Nyau, 35, is now known as Muhammad All bin Abdullah Nyau while his 30-year-old wife, Nancy Foo anak Caning chose Siti Nur Rasyidah binti Abdullah Caning as her Muslim name.

Also converting to Islam were their children: the eldest, Siti Nur Adawiyah binti Muhammad Afi @ Azesuziyati anak Kudi, 15; Muhammad Khairullah bin Muhammad Afi @ Azer anak Kudi, 14; Muhammad Khairuddin bin Muhammad Afi @ Azeran anak Kudi, 11; six-year-old Muhammad Khairul Anwar bin Muhammad Afi @ Azuwan anak Kudi; and the youngest, one-year-old Siti Nurjannah binti Muhammad Afi @ Azlemawati anak Kudi.

Present as guest of honour at the conversion ceremony was the Penghulu of Mukim Belait, Awg Hj Pungut bin Ali.

Also present at the event were the Head of the Dakwah Department, Belait District, Awg Roslan bin Hj Ratu and the Village Head of Kg Pandan B, Awg Hj Abd Malek bin Bakar.

To further enliven the occasion, a Dikir Marhaban presentation was held, followed by the customary rite of 'menepung tawar' or sprinkling of scented flowers, led by the guest of honour, who also presented a souvenir to the head of the family, Muhammad Afi bin Abdullah Nyau.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin