Muslim converts in Terengganu keep CNY reunion dinner tradition alive

KUALA TERENGGANU: Despite embracing Islam, Muslim converts from the Chinese community in the state have never forgotten the tradition of holding a reunion dinner during the Chinese New Year celebrations.

In fact, this long-standing tradition is not only celebrated by them but also extended to converts from other ethnic groups, strengthening the bonds of brotherhood that have been fostered over time.

For Abdul Halim Lim Abdul Rahman, 53, the tradition of the reunion dinner among Muslim converts is held to strengthen the close relationships within the Muslim Chinese community residing in the state.

"This gathering is held because we want the wider community to see that, even though we have changed our religion, we still celebrate the Chinese New Year festivities with our families.

"We celebrate it within the boundaries permitted by Islamic law, ensuring that we do not mix religious practices that are not allowed in Islam," he said, after celebrating the tradition with his family and fellow converts at a restaurant here last night.

Abdul Halim, who works as an officer in the corporate unit of the Terengganu Islamic and Malay Customs Council (Maidam), said the reunion dinner was also celebrated with his wife, children, and other family members, who were excited and respectful of their ancestors' traditions, despite their religious differences.

Meanwhile, Nur Khaalishah Shandlaysnie said that after embracing Islam in 2018, she has celebrated Chinese New Year and the reunion dinner tradition every year with fellow converts from various ethnic backgrounds.

Married to a local man, Nur Khaalishah shared that the tradition, which is part of the Chinese New Year celebrations, has had a profound impact on her, especially in fostering stronger bonds among converts.

"I moved to Terengganu in 2017 and embraced Islam a year later.

"Participating in the tradition with fellow converts has greatly helped me adjust, as well as learn many things about Islam.

"Among the converts, many are knowledgeable and hold titles such as 'ustaz'.

"Through this tradition, I have been able to learn a lot from them about Islam," said the 38-year-old, who is originally from Sarawak.

Nur Khaalishah said that despite having embraced a different religion, her relationship with her family has never been strained.

She said the difference in religion has only strengthened their family bonds, with her family supporting her decision to choose Islam as her new faith.

"My family in Sarawak celebrates Christmas, and every time the holiday comes around, my husband and I return to Sarawak to celebrate it with them," she said.

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