Ugandan woman converts to Islam at Quran competition
While over 100 contestants are vying here to win the top position at the Dubai International Holy Quran Award (DIHQA), a 26-year-old Ugandan woman decided to announce her conversion at the Dubai Chamber, on the sidelines of the global competition activities.
The young woman gave Shahada — the declaration of belief — saying: “No God but Allah, Muhammad is His messenger” amidst tears and supplications from a large audience at the Dubai Chamber on Tuesday night.
The fresh Muslim was so excited about her conversion in such an inspiring setting of full Quran memorisers. Dr Hassan Ahmed Abu Nar, member of the Arbitration Committee, enlightened the woman about the main pillars of Islam and faith.
Monica Oh-Hayat said her forefathers were Muslims and some of her cousins are Muslims as well. She was inspired by their ethics and lifestyle. “All my friends are Muslims and enlightened me about Islam and advised me to announce my conversion here at DIHQA,” she said. “I wanted from the bottom of my heart to embrace Islam.”
Monica added that she was so happy to wear the hijab for the first time in her life. “I feel I am born anew, and want to learn how to pray, fast the rest of the holy month of Ramadan, and observe all the teachings of Islam.”
Mohammed Al Ashqar, an Egyptian resident, said he could not hold his tears while seeing the conversion of this young woman in this exceptional atmosphere. “It was so heartwarming to see a conversion live while young people are mesmerising the audience with their perfect, tuneful recitation of the Holy Quran.”
Mohammed Ashraf, a Pakistani resident, said he has been attending all the award editions for the last 10 years. “I have attended an earlier conversion here at the Dubai Chamber before,” he said. “It is a highly inspiring moment, and I believe it is one of the miracles of the Holy Quran that touches anyone’s heart deeply,” he said. ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com