KIEV,
July 20, 2005 (IslamOnline.net) – Fifteen Ukrainian youth embraced
Islam, highlighting the spread of the faith in the former Soviet
republic, with the efforts of the Islamic bodies in the country
achieving tangible results.
The
Ukrainian youth reverted to Islam at the Islamic center in the eastern
Ukrainian city of Kharkiv -- a body affiliated to the Federation of
Social Organizations (Arraid) -- the largest Islamic group in the
country.
The
center was opened less than two months ago and the 15 youth, seven
males and eight females, frequently visited it and were informed about
the faith through efforts of its workers.
"Since
the opening of the Islamic center in Kharkiv in June 2005, many
Ukrainians have been visiting the center to get knowledge of the
Islamic teachings and civilization," the Arraid said in a
statement e-mailed to IslamOnline.net Tuesday, July 19.
"In
almost a month and half, such efforts resulted in convincing fifteen
youth to embrace Islam," it added.
The
federation groups 10 Islamic organizations and
three Islamic centers in 10 Ukrainian cities.
Change
Vitalie,
a student at the Faculty of Economics, is one of the Ukrainian youth
who adopted Islam as their new faith.
He
frequently visited the library of the Islamic center to look for a
faith that satisfies his religious needs.
One
day, while reading a book about Islamic supplications, Vitalie was
approached by a Muslim preacher at the center who asked him about the
book he was reading.
"It
is a wonderful book that makes you watch God in every move and action
you do," Vitalie answered.
When
asked about his faith, the Ukrainian young man said he has been
looking for a religion that convinces him to embrace.
"But
now, I feel I have found the religion that I can feel assured to
accept."
After
a discussion with the Muslim preacher on issues such as the Power of
Allah, nature of Christ and Islam's stance on the family, neighbors
and society, Vitalie pronounced the Shahadah (the testimony of faith).
"Since
he pronounced there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger
of Allah, Vitalie has been very happy and has been frequently visiting
the Islamic center."
Asked
about his future steps, Vitalie said he would first learn the pillars
of Islam.
"Then
I will try to convince my acquaintance, my parents, brother, friends
and university teachers to embrace Islam."
There
are two million Muslims in Ukraine, making up 4% of the overall
48-million population.
