Publication: Effectıveness of Islamıc Educatıon on Indıan mualaf (Converts) in Selangor, Malaysıa
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2015
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Sakarya University
Abstract
Protection and support for converts is the responsibility of the authorities and the whole Muslim Ummah (Community). However this effort has to be ongoing due to the still unsettled issue related to the ability of mualaf to properly understand and practise Islamic teachings. Therefore, this study has been conducted to identify available measurement indicators of the status of knowledge, understanding and practice of Islamic teachings among Indian mualaf (converts) in the state of Selangor, and to analyse these measurements. A qualitative method is used by collection of data through published materials, survey and observation, interview and focus group discussions. A quantitative method is also implemented using the instrument of questionnaire distributed to 161 respondents from nine districts in Selangor. Data obtained is processed and analysed using PASW 18.0 (Predictive Analysis Software 18.0). Research finds that Islamic knowledge, understanding and practice of mualaf (converts) are at a satisfactory level. In this research, the mean value is divided into 3 categories: low (2.0 – 2.99), medium (3.0 – 3.99) and high (4.0 – 5.0). The highest mean value for Islamic knowledge and understanding of mualaf (converts) is 4.66 for the item “Salam (Peace) greetings may foster closer brotherhood bonds between Muslims” and the lowest mean mean is 2.25 for the item “ I don’t particularly mind eating and drinking in non-Muslims’ houses” . Overall, findings on knowledge and understanding are good except the question relating to aqidah (creed) concerning kitab samawi (heavenly books) such as Zabur (Psalms), Taurat (Torah) and Injil (Bible) which obtained a mean value of 3.91. Measurement for level of Islamic practice after conversion shows the highest mean value is 4.84 for the item “I am grateful to God for embracing Islam” and the lowest mean value is 3.51 for the item “I frequently contact my parents”. Overall, findings for Islamic practice among respondents are very good, at mean value of 4.31. These findings are based on an analysis of answers to 15 questions submitted, out of which 12 scored a high mean value and percentage. The other 3 scored a medium mean value and percentage. NONE of them are at low mean value and percentage. In addition, findings for management of guidance class show a medium level.