CENTRAL SUMBA, NTT — It is certainly not easy to grow up without the presence of parents during childhood. This is probably what Wan Umbu Bora and his younger brother Irfanto Antonio feel, as both of their parents passed away in 2020. Before their parents died, the siblings lived in Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan.
After their parents passed away, Wan Umbu Bora and Irfanto, who are four siblings, were immediately taken by one of their uncles to live in Waibakul City, Central Sumba Regency, NTT. After living with their uncle for approximately one year and eight months, they received information that they had a younger sibling from their late mother who lived in the North Coast area, which is mostly populated by Muslims.
“Wan Umbu Bora is the eldest of five siblings. They are six siblings who have been orphaned. The fifth sibling lived with their grandmother, while their youngest sibling was taken in by their father’s brother when they were one month old after their mother passed away,” said Ustaz Syaiful Sulaiman, one of the Da’i Empowerment Workers at Dompet Dhuafa in Central Sumba.
Their move to their aunt’s place turned out to be one of Allah SWT’s guidance to lead them to the guidance of embracing Islam. They, who were previously non-Muslims, without any coercion and with full conviction, recited the shahadah, guided directly by Ustaz Syaiful Sulaiman.
“Without any coercion, the four siblings confidently recited the shahada last Monday night under our guidance, after previously being given two sessions of reinforcement on Islam and its teachings,” said Ustaz Syaiful via text message.
After reciting the two sentences of the shahada, the four siblings were given new names: Wan Umbu Bora became Muhammad Abhizar, Lusia Rembu Piras became Azahra Radya, Ade Monica became Syakila, and finally, Irfanto Antonio, who is only seven years old, was given the name Fa’as Irfan.
In addition to receiving new names, not long after, Abhizar and his younger brother Irfan also underwent circumcision on Friday (April 1, 2022), assisted by nurses and accompanied by Ustaz Syaiful Sulaiman. Although they were initially afraid and a little embarrassed, the circumcision of these two new Muslim brothers went smoothly without any problems.
They were even very enthusiastic, asking the Ustaz when they would be allowed to resume performing their prayers and whether they could observe fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. Their enthusiasm in worship should serve as an example for all of us to renew our faith and piety, especially during this month of mercy.
According to Ustaz Syaiful Sulaiman, in the future, these new converts will continue to receive guidance, especially in matters of faith and daily worship. Since they are still recovering from circumcision, these activities will be scheduled once a week.
“We are providing them with special guidance, especially in terms of Aqidah and light worship, and since they are still in their recovery period, the sessions will be held once a week,” said Abhizal to Ustaz Syaiful after the circumcision.
May the guidance provided by Ustaz Syaiful Sulaiman along with other empowerment preachers from Dompet Dhuafa strengthen the faith and shape the character of new converts like Abhizal and his siblings, enabling them to face life’s challenges with greater resilience. (Dompet Dhuafa / Arlen)