Mohammed and Maryam were the most popular names for Muslim converts last year, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai announced.
The men took their name to honour the religion’s holiest prophet.
Mohammed was followed by Abdullah and Essa, after Prophet Isa, who received his revelation of Islam in the form of a book.
Maryam, viewed by Muslims as the epitome of a chaste and righteous woman, topped the list among women.
The next most popular names were Aysha, the wife of Prophet Mohammed, and Fatima, his daughter.
Last year, there were 2,815 conversions recorded. Of those, 2,047 were women, said Huda Al Kaabi, chairwoman of the new muslims section at the department.
To convert to Islam, a person who visits the department must learn about the religion's five pillars – testimony, prayer, fasting, alms and pilgrimage to Mecca. Government clerics then answer any questions a convert may have, such as comparing Islamic beliefs to other religions.
The department clerics speak Arabic, English, Tagalog, Urdu, Tamil and Russian.
A candidate fills out a certificate formally embracing Islam. Many choose to enrol in post-conversion courses detailing the different aspects of Islam.
Dubai does not track the number of Muslims converting to other religions, which is not allowed in Islam and is technically a capital crime. Other religions are forbidden from proselytising in the country.
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Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Ibrahim's play list
Completed an electrical diploma at the Adnoc Technical Institute
Works as a public relations officer with Adnoc
Apart from the piano, he plays the accordion, oud and guitar
His favourite composer is Johann Sebastian Bach
Also enjoys listening to Mozart
Likes all genres of music including Arabic music and jazz
Enjoys rock groups Scorpions and Metallica
Other musicians he likes are Syrian-American pianist Malek Jandali and Lebanese oud player Rabih Abou Khalil
Australia men's Test cricket fixtures 2021/22
One-off Test v Afghanistan:
Nov 27-Dec 1: Blundstone Arena, Hobart
The Ashes v England:
Dec 8-12: 1st Test, Gabba, Brisbane
Dec 16-20: 2nd Test, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (day/night)
Dec 26-30: 3rd Test, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
Jan 5-9, 2022: 4th Test, Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
Jan 14-18: 5th Test, Optus Stadium, Perth
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
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