IMPLEMENTATION AND CHALLENGES OF MUALLAF FOUNDATION FARDHU AIN CLASSES IN THE STATE OF KEDAH

Abstract

The responsibility of guiding the muallaf rests on the shoulders of all Muslims be it the individual, society and the State. This is done to ensure that they practice the true teachings of Islam and maintain their new faith. This responsibility in Malaysia is officially carried out by the Council of Islamic Affairs Department assisted by non-government dakwah organizations (NGO) such as All Malaysia Muslim Welfare Association (PERKIM), Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (ABIM) and Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association (MACMA). This study aims at giving a comprehensive idea about how muallaf programs are conducted in the Northern State of Kedah. This is a case study whose data were gathered through semistructured interviews, observations and document analysis. These data were analysed through descriptive method. The results of the study show that both the government and nongovernment organizations do their level best to teach the muallaf. The study observes that there are a number of unsatisfactory related issues like lack of cooperation among these organizations, unsystematic administrative challenges, lack of sufficient funds and qualified trained personnel. The study concludes that there should be cooperation among these organizations in order to make these programs more effective and more efficient, such that any challenges and problems that crop up will easily identified and effectively and efficiently managed.