No Stopping Muslim Convert From Celebrating Cny With Family

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Family ties: Ben and Ema Ariani (third and second from right) celebrating with his father Keat How and mother Loh Nget Sun (centre) and other family members in George Town. — BernamaGEORGE TOWN: Being a Muslim did not stop independent preacher, Ben Ooi Chooi Beng, 38, from celebrating Chinese New Year with his family just like before he embraced Islam three years ago
Ben, as he is fondly known, and his Indonesian wife Ema Ariani, 43, who were both former Christians, have never missed celebrating Chinese New Year with his family as it is a cultural and not a religious celebration
“Although I am now a convert, I’m still Chinese and my relationships with my family members have never been stronger. I became a Muslim, not a Malay
“So, every Chinese New Year, I would head over to my brother’s house in Bayan Lepas to celebrate with other family members, including our parents, ” he said
Ben said his father, Ooi Keat How, 76, and mother, Loh Nget Sun, 73, who are staying with him in Bukit Mertajam, usually attend reunion dinner on the eve of Chinese New Year at his brother’s home and would later visit relatives and friends
The father of three said his parents never stopped him from converting but encouraged him instead to become a better Muslim
“In addition to Chinese New Year, my family members, who are all Christians, celebrate Christmas but they know my limits as a Muslim, especially regarding halal food
“My brother would cook for all family members and buy halal food for me and my family from outside. We would then enjoy the meals together. We hardly see each other due to work commitments, so the Chinese New Year celebration provides a golden opportunity to get together with the family, ” said the youngest of three siblings
Ben said he was happy and thankful to all family members for accepting him, in fact his brother, Ooi Chooi Leong, 44, and sister, Ooi Kim Suan, 47, also provided him and his family a prayer room at their homes
During Aidilfitri celebration, all his family members would gather at his home to celebrate together
Ben has two sons Gabriel Ooi Wei Sheng, 15, and Joshua Ooi Shan, 11, and an eight-year-old daughter Angelina Ooi Wei Ting
“We respect his decision and our relationship will never change or be broken. As the saying goes, ‘blood is thicker than water’, ” Ben’s father said. — Bernama

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