SPEAKERS at a function to felicitate about a dozen women who embraced Islam recently hoped that the reverted women would adhere to true Islamic teachings and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and prepare themselves to get the promised reward of paradise from Almighty Allah. The event, organized by Moulana Hifzur Rehman Seoharvi Academy at Jeddah's Lasani Restaurant at the weekend, was presided over by Mrs. Chaudhry Shahbaz Hussein, wife of a former Pakistani minister. The women reverts who were felicitated were Janet Shaw from US; Tehseen Paliwaal (earlier known as Tulsi Paliwaal) from the Indian state of Rajasthan; Alfiya Golwala (Aarthi) from Mumbai; Fatima (Beenu) from Lucknow, Fatima (Lillith) and Armenia Ayesha Ateeq (Meenakshi) from New Delhi. Jeannie Baker, professionally a teacher, accepted Islam in Saudi Arabia a few years ago. She shared her experience and brought to light the problems faced by new Muslims. The program started with the recitation of some verses from the Qur'an by Sara Altaf followed by a welcome address by Anam Tazeen Rizvi. "I sincerely hope and pray that your, as well as our, commitment made with Almighty Allah is total and binding for all times to come. May Allah bless us and enable us to meet the challenges to our Iman (faith) with courage, fortitude and the determination of a Momina," she said. The program was meticulously anchored by Fakeha Zinjani and concluded by a supplication from Rukhsana Zain. Indian national Alfiya Golwala described in detail her inexplicable experiences in Islam while others found it very difficult to find words to express their unique feelings and excitement upon embracing Islam. They expressed their joy and thanked to Almighty Almighty for His blessings. On behalf of the academy, Farhana Behjat proposed a vote of thanks. She congratulated the new Muslims and requested everyone to extend their support and cooperation to them. She appealed to the community to come forward and spread the correct knowledge of Islam to their non-Muslim friends. The reverted Muslim women were given souvenirs provided by Darussalam Publications, Alesayi Electronics, Arabian Toys Inventor Group (ATIG), Wajahuddin Ansari, Mushir Alam, Margoob, Ehteram Elahi, Asim Zeeshan, Azizurrab, Khalid Thanvi, Aftab Memni, Amanullah Ismail, Mohammed Nasir, Umme Samad and Mohammed Shahid.
