Jean Choong, Mikail Jonathan Embrace Islam Ahead of Maulidur Rasul SAW

KUALA LUMPUR, AUGUST 24, 2026 — In a deeply meaningful moment ahead of Maulidur Rasul SAW 1448H, two individuals embraced Islam at the national headquarters of the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) today, marking a significant new chapter in their lives in an atmosphere filled with blessings and devotion to Prophet Muhammad SAW.

The historic occasion was witnessed by PERKIM Pahang Chairman, YBhg. Dato’ Sri Hasan Arifin, who was accompanied by 10 family members and personally witnessed the conversion of two new Muslims, Jean Choong Moon, 37, and Mikail Jonathan Christopher, 59, at the PERKIM National Headquarters, Bangunan PERKIM, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, here, this morning.

Jean Choong was the first to recite the two testimonies of faith, or Shahadah, in Arabic, followed by an English rendition. Mikail Jonathan then recited the Shahadah, with both being guided by PERKIM National Executive Dakwah 4, Ustaz Sulaiman Ding Yu Zhong.

The recitation of the Shahadah by both new Muslims was an emotional and poignant moment, witnessed by Dato’ Sri Hasan’s family members and PERKIM staff who were present.

Jean Choong’s conversion also carried a special family significance, as she is the elder sister of Casey Suleiman Choong, Dato’ Sri Hasan’s son-in-law, who embraced Islam at the PERKIM National Headquarters on Jan 13, 2023.

Jean Choong had previously made preparations to embrace Islam before marrying her partner, an Egyptian national working in Kuala Lumpur.

Mikail Jonathan, a British national, meanwhile, was drawn to Islam through his appreciation of the moral values, ethical principles and philosophy embodied in the religion’s teachings.

Adding further significance to the occasion, he is set to become Dato’ Sri Hasan’s future son-in-law, having been scheduled to marry his daughter, Farahiyah Hasan, towards the end of this year.

Earlier, Ustaz Sulaiman provided both prospective converts with a comprehensive briefing on the meaning of the Shahadah, the Five Pillars of Islam, the Six Articles of Faith, the fundamentals of fardu ain, the duties and responsibilities of a Muslim, as well as basic principles concerning what is halal and haram.

The briefing was also attended by members of the PERKIM Pahang chairman’s family as part of efforts to ensure that Jean Choong and Mikail Jonathan embarked on their journey into Islam with a sound understanding of the fundamentals of Muslim life.

Ustaz Sulaiman also encouraged both new Muslims to continuously deepen their religious knowledge and understanding by attending the PERKIM National Islamic Studies Classes (KPIPK), which are held daily.

He said continuous support from family members, the wider community and organisations was essential in helping new Muslims adapt to their lives as followers of Islam.

“It is our responsibility to provide support and encouragement to Jean Choong and Mikail Jonathan, who are now our brothers and sisters in faith, particularly in terms of welfare, moral support and education,” he said.

He said embracing Islam was not merely a change in one’s declaration or identity, but the beginning of a lifelong journey requiring guidance, knowledge, compassion and sustained support from the entire Muslim community.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of conversion kits from the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) to Jean Choong and Mikail Jonathan.

A photography session with the families of both new Muslims was also held to commemorate the historic occasion, creating lasting memories of a significant milestone in their journey as Muslims.

Also present was PERKIM National Assistant Executive Dakwah 1, Ustaz Amran Anbarasu Abdullah.

The conversion of the two new Muslims further underscores PERKIM’s continued role in fulfilling its dakwah, guidance and welfare responsibilities towards new Muslims, while strengthening family ties and Islamic brotherhood regardless of background.

As Maulidur Rasul SAW 1448H approaches, the decision of these two individuals to embrace Islam serves as a poignant reminder that dakwah delivered with wisdom, knowledge, compassion and a thoughtful approach can open hearts and create opportunities for more people to discover, understand and appreciate the beauty of Islam.

Sulaiman Ding (left) welcomes Dato’ Sri Hasan (second from left) and his guests, who expressed their intention to embrace Islam.

Family members of the PERKIM Pahang Chairman, Dato’ Sri Hasan Arifin, were also present at the PERKIM National Headquarters to witness the conversion ceremony.

Jean Choong fills in her personal details on the conversion form.

Michael Jonathan signs the completed conversion form after providing his personal details.

Ustaz Sulaiman Ding provides a comprehensive briefing to the two prospective converts on the meaning of the two testimonies of faith (Shahadah), the Five Pillars of Islam, the Six Articles of Faith and the fundamentals of fardu ain.

Dato’ Sri Hasan Arifin listens attentively to the briefing delivered by Sulaiman Ding.

Jean Choong recites the two testimonies of faith (Shahadah) as Dato’ Sri Hasan and the guests look on.

Jean Choong was grateful with joy after successfully reciting the two testimonies of faith, first in Arabic and subsequently in English.

Mikail Jonathan then takes his turn to recite the two testimonies of faith fluently in both Arabic and English.

Sulaiman Ding leads a thanksgiving prayer after both new Muslims successfully and confidently recite the kalimah toyyibah.

Sulaiman Ding presents a MAIS sling bag containing a conversion kit to Mikail Jonathan Christopher.

Jean Choong Moon also receives a MAIS sling bag from Sulaiman Ding.

Members of Dato’ Sri Hasan Arifin’s family pose for a commemorative photograph with Jean Choong and Mikail Jonathan alongside Sulaiman Ding after the conclusion of the conversion ceremony.