Historical development and conceptual foundations of multi-ethnic da'wah in Penang, Malaysia: A narrative review

Abstract

Penang has historically developed as a space shaped by intersecting maritime networks, diverse Muslim communities, and a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society. However, scholarship on the historical development of Islam, Muslim institutions, da‘wah to non-Muslims, and interreligious relations in the state has largely evolved within relatively separate disciplinary domains. This article aims to trace the historical development of Islam and da‘wah in Penang, while synthesize the conceptual foundations of multi-ethnic da‘wah, and identify research gaps that have hindered the development of a framework grounded in the local context. The study employs a narrative literature review of journal articles, historical documents, and official institutional sources retrieved through Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, MyJurnal, MyCITE, and institutional repositories. The literature was organised into three main clusters and analysed across six themes: the historical development of Islam, the ethnic and religious landscape, the development of da‘wah, conceptual foundations, institutional and community practices, and gaps in the literature. The synthesis indicates that trade and pilgrimage mobility, mosques and waqf, education, publishing, religious administration, and NGO involvement collectively shaped an evolving da‘wah ecology that progressed from strengthening Muslim communities towards more dialogical forms of public engagement. Five conceptual domains were identified: theological-ethical clarity, contextual wisdom, dialogical communication, social benefit and exemplary conduct, and institutional integrity. Not only that, this article does not propose a validated model but provides a more systematically organised historical and conceptual foundation for the development of a multi-ethnic da‘wah framework in Penang.