Anwar guides new Muslim recite ‘syahadah’ in New York

SHAH ALAM - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has led the ‘syahadah’ of a man after he delivered a Friday prayer sermon at the Islamic Cultural Centre of New York (ICCNY) in the United States (US) on Saturday.

Anwar said he was asked by the Muslim community there to complete the process of the 'syahadah' recitation of one Andrew Vinals.

"After the Friday prayer, I was asked by the Muslim community here to complete the process of reciting the shahadah of Andrew Vinals who wished to convert to Islam.

"I also contributed the Quran to the ICCNY for the Muslim community here to use,” he wrote on Facebook.

In some of the pictures shared on his social media, it can be seen that the recitation of the 'syahadah' process was witnessed by the congregants who were present.

Anwar appeared as the first foreign leader to be given the opportunity to deliver a Friday sermon at the ICCNY in front of over 800 congregants.

The Tambun MP was in New York for the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and his presence was a historic moment for the centre which was the first mosque to open in the city on Sept 25, 1995.

In regards to the sermon, Anwar said it was an honour to share Malaysia's experience in managing a multiracial and religious society and be able to live in peace and harmony.

"Muslims are also called to strengthen the unity among themselves, highlight wisdom and obtain information and knowledge.

"I also took this opportunity to explain the concept of 'Malaysia Madani' that was introduced in Malaysia and to touch on the threat of Islamophobia around the world that requires the consensus of the people to eradicate it," he said.