Zambian Student Converts to Islam in Kayseri; Dominic Chooses the Name 'Musa'

A New Chapter in the Life of Dominic Singoma Kayseri, known as one of Turkey's important academic centers, once again witnessed the union of science and faith. Dominic Singoma, a 28-year-old Zambian youth who traveled to this city to pursue higher education, decided to change his life path after a period of research and familiarization with Islamic teachings. He visited the Kayseri Provincial Mufti's Office to declare his heartfelt desire to accept Islam. This event demonstrates the deep impact of Turkey's cultural and religious environment on international students who come to this country from all corners of the world to gain knowledge [1]. ## Details of the Official Ihtida Ceremony in the Presence of Officials The conversion ceremony, religiously termed 'Ihtida', was held with special solemnity on June 26, 2026, at the Kayseri Mufti's office, presided over by the Provincial Mufti, Mr. Durmuş Ayvaz. The program began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran by Mustafa Alas, the Mufti's personnel department manager, which brought a spiritual atmosphere to the gathering. Subsequently, Mufti Durmuş Ayvaz explained the fundamental principles of faith in Islam, clarifying concepts such as Monotheism, Prophethood, and the Afterlife for the Zambian youth. He emphasized that Islam is a religion of peace, mercy, and brotherhood, and that the entry of every new member into this large family is a source of blessing and joy [2][3]. ## From Dominic to Musa: A New Islamic Identity The pivotal moment of the ceremony arrived when Dominic Singoma recited the Shahada in the presence of witnesses and officially converted to Islam. Following this spiritual transformation, he chose the name 'Musa' for his new identity. Musa expressed in a short speech that he had been studying various religions for a long time and finally found peace and the answers to his questions in the Quran. The presence of figures such as Professor Dr. Gökçe Yükselen Peler from Erciyes University and Cafer Beydilli, the head of the Kayseri Red Crescent branch, at this ceremony showed the support of the scientific and civil community for this new Muslim student [4]. ## Spiritual Gifts and Continued Support At the end of the ceremony, Mufti Durmuş Ayvaz, while congratulating Musa, noted that becoming a Muslim brings responsibilities toward oneself and society in addition to spiritual beauty. He assured Musa that religious institutions and his new friends in Turkey would always be by his side to help him learn religious laws and duties. As a memento, a copy of the Holy Quran with an English translation and a collection of books published by the Turkish Directorate of Religious Affairs were presented to him. The ceremony concluded with a prayer for Musa's success in his new life and his academic career [1][2].