South Africa cricketer Bjorn Fortuin embraces Islam

South Africa cricketer Bjorn Fortuin embraces Islam


South Africa all-rounder Bjorn Fortuin and his wife Mieshka Aysen have embraced Islam in the holy month of Ramadan. Fortuin renamed himself Imaad.

The news was revealed by Fortuin's wife Aysen in an Instagram story which included a picture of the couple and the caption read:

"Last night Bjorn took his Shahada. Alhamdullilah, and during the month of Ramadhan. He chose the name Imaad. So proud of you @bjornfortuin"

The story was later shared by Fortuin himself to confirm the news. 

Fortuin's teammate Tabrazi Shamsi's wife, Khadija Shariff, congratulated the couple by sharing the story and stating:

"Congratulations @mieshka_aysen and @bjornfortuin. May you both be blessed with everlasting happiness and love! So happy for both of you!!"

To which Aysen replied:

"Thank you so much, my friend! I wish you could've been here!"

Fortuin is the second South Africa player to have embraced Islam after Wayne Parnell, who converted from Christian to Muslim on July 30, 2011.

The 26-year-old Fortuin has represented South Africa in seven T20Is and one ODI. He was also part of the Proteas squad which faced Pakistan in 2021 -- both home and away T20I series.