Dubai: More than 1,000 people have embraced Islam during the first six months of this year, the Islamic Information Centre of the Dar Al Ber Society has reported.
Yousuf Al Saeed, the centre's director, said that while around 1,000 individuals have taken up the Islamic faith, hundreds more are waiting to follow suit.
He added that the centre distributes information on CDs, tapes and brochures every day to increase the awareness of Islam.
He also said that 35,000 books on the principles of Islam are offered through the centre, which are usually translated into many languages. Al Saeed said that books with Quranic interpretations were distributed in Chinese, Russian, Tagalog, Indian and Arabic languages.
The distribution takes place at gathering centres where lectures are also given on Islam and its teachings.
The lectures are given in cooperation with different establishments in Sharjah such as Al Qasbaa, the Jumaa Al Majid Culture and Heritage Centre, the Rumaitha Sports Club, Punitive Establishments in Dubai, and the Grand Mosque and Centre in Satwa.
Narrating of experiences
Twenty five volunteers of different nationalities work with the Islamic centre. The centre also takes part in TV and radio programmes, where new converts talk about their experiences and the way they converted to Islam.
The programmes also relate to the teachings of Islam and the life of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) which is the style of the centre in carrying out its message of love, peace, and hope for all humanity.
Banquets
The centre also works closely with the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charity Works Department. Mass Ramadan iftar banquets are also prepared by the centre for new Muslims.
Al Saeed also stressed that many of the newly converted Muslims have learnt the Quran by heart, and many have started calling upon others to join the faith. The centre also extends services and assistance to the poor and needy.
