Empowering Muslim youth through spiritual literacy: An impact assessment of the Taqwa program in Melaka

Abstract

The increasing disengagement of Muslim youth from foundational religious practices such as prayer (salah) and Quranic recitation has become a growing concern in contemporary Malaysian society. This gap in spiritual literacy not only affects personal faith development but also weakens communal religious continuity. In response to this challenge, the Transformasi Asas Quranic & Worship Advancement (TAQWA) program was implemented in Melaka as a structured intervention to empower Muslim youth through comprehensive training in Quran and prayer fundamentals. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the TAQWA program in enhancing spiritual literacy and community leadership among youth participants. Adopting a three-phase community engagement model, the program involved 30 youth participants who underwent interactive modules covering tajwid, tahsin, fiqh, and practical salah performance. Pre- and post-assessments were conducted using digital platforms and oral evaluations, followed by a practicum phase where selected participants facilitated sessions for younger children. The findings indicate a significant improvement in participants’ confidence, knowledge, and practical religious skills, along with an increased readiness to contribute to community-based da’wah initiatives. This article concludes with recommendations for replicating the TAQWA model in other regions, integrating spiritual training with broader youth development strategies.