KUALA LUMPUR, 17 NOVEMBER 2023 – Syartilla Ayuna Pius age 24, shed tears of happiness after performing the “syahadah” on this blessed Friday, after years of yearning to become a Muslim ended. Syartilla, a Dusun from Sabah, vocalised the “syahadah” in Arabic and Malay in front of the senior Director of Dakwah , PERKIM, Yg Bhg Dato Hj Razali Hj Shahabudin at the Hidayah Room, PERKIM National Headquarters.
She was accompanied by a cousin, Abdul Rashif Selubin Abdullah, at the request of her father in Ranau, for his daughter had intended to revert to Islam for a long time.
Syartilla uttered thanks to Allaah SWT for granting her life-long wish to be Muslim. She regrets not being able to recite the Al-Fatihah when her grandmother, Sarimah Lungkinui passed away during Covid 19 because she was not a Muslim and she could not return to Ranau.
She recalled her childhood days when she used to accompany her grandmother who lived alone although her house was not far from Shartilla’s parents’ home. Her grandmother used to recite the Al-Fatihah, Yassin and the three “Qul” every night.
When Malaysia became endemic and the Movement Control Order was lifted, she returned to Ranau and recited the Al-Fatihah at Grandmother’s grave.
Syartilla was attracted to Islam since she was in Form Four, when she learned to cover herself and started to compare the different religions. Five years ago, she started to fast during Ramadhan and broke fast with her Muslim friends.
Syartilla now works in a banking institution in Ara Damansara and said she will attend the Islamic classes organised by PERKIM during week-ends.
She aims to be an exemplary Muslim, a better person than she was before, and hopes her parents will revert to Islam too.
Dato’ Razali presented her a kit specially prepared for new reverts and a special edition Quran for Reverts, after explaining the Pillars of Islam and the Articles of Faith, the concepts of halal and haram, then concluded the event with a prayer of thanks.
Also present at the event were the officer of Unit Dakwah dan Pembangunan Insan (UDPI) PERKIM Natioanal, Siti Munirah Sayed Mohd Hamdan and Assistant Officer UDPI, Tuan Haji Amran Anbarasu Abdullah.
Dato’ Razali (right) welcomes Syartilla and her cousin, Encik Rashif at the office of PERKIM National.
Dato’ Razali explains the Pillars of Islam, Articles of Faith to Syartilla.
Syartilla, a Dusun, confirms her wish to revert to Islam.
Syartilla declares the “syahadah” in front of Dato’ Razali.
Syartilla sheds tears of joy after declaring the “syahadah”.
Dato’ Razali tells Syartilla that as a new Muslim she is now devoid of previous sins.
Dato’ Razali leading the prayer (du’a selamat).
Syartilla and Rashif utter ‘ameen’ to the prayer recited by Dato’ Razali.
Dato’ Razali presents the Al-Quran Special Edition and a special kit to Syartilla at the close of the event.
