KLANG – The individual whose recent Islamic conversion courted controversy due to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s involvement had intended to embrace the religion a decade ago, but had lacked parental approval.
However, Muhammad Anwar Kartiban – whose new Muslim name was inspired by the prime minister – said his wish was granted after expressing to his parents his desire to marry a Muslim woman.
“I have been thinking of embracing Islam since I was 17 years old, but my mother did not allow it,” Anwar told Scoop.
“Now, when I am 27 years old, my mother has given me permission, as they (my parents) agreed after seeing (my future wife) who I want to marry and love.”
The younger Anwar, who works as a retail assistant in Banting, said his desire to convert was voluntary and that he was not forced into it by anyone.
He also felt honoured and grateful for the prime minister’s willingness to preside over his Islamic conversion.
“I was shocked (to) know the prime minister was here (at Masjid Ar-Rahimiah),”
“I felt happy that time (recitation of the shahadah) seeing the prime minister, whom I have never seen in person, and being able to embrace Islam. Thank you so much (Anwar), who converted me,” he said.
Anwar, who is from Sg Petani, Kedah, said his future father-in-law helped him arrange for his conversion with the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (Perkim), which began a week prior.
He also received his certificate of conversion to Islam as issued by the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) last Friday, a week after his shahadah recitation, which is the Islamic declaration of faith.
“After this, (I) have to attend courses as a new convert for six months, and only then will I (plan) the wedding ceremony,” he said.
On August 18, a video clip of the prime minister presiding over the Islamic conversion of a man in Masjid Ar-Rahimiah went viral.
Following the conversion ceremony, Anwar faced criticism from certain quarters, who said his participation had displayed a “lack of religious sensitivity”.
Subsequently, Pahang Mufti Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Osman said politicising Anwar’s act of presiding over the ceremony was unnecessary, as any Muslim can bear witness to the Islamic conversion of other individuals.
Perkim’s Klang division chief Hushim Salleh also clarified that the conversion ceremony was spontaneous, and was done at his own request. – August 28, 2023