converted Muslims will perform Haj this year after being invited by the International Association for New Muslims. They are expected to arrive in the country within the next two weeks. According to Sheikh Khalid Al-Rumaih, the secretary general of the association, the group was chosen from countries including Britain, Italy, Belgium and Brazil. The 50 pilgrims will be accompanied by a number of scholars and guides throughout the entire Haj. “There will also be special sessions and seminars to educate them about the Haj rituals and what they should do during their stay in Makkah and the holy sites,” said Al-Rumaih. The Haj trip is one of several services the association offers converts. He said the candidates are selected each year from Islamic Centers connected to the association. A special website has been set up, at www.4newmuslims.org, where Muslims can apply. The association stipulates that the chosen pilgrims should have converted to Islam over the previous six months. “In addition, the new Muslims should also have finished learning the essential basics of Islam, the pillars of Islam.” Al-Rumaih said the program, which is supported by the Saudi government, has a major influence on the lives of new Muslims.
