22nd Premier Da’wah Lecture Series Strengthens Role of New Muslims in Fostering Unity

by: MOHD. SYAHRIL ROSDI AHMAD ZAHUDI

KANGAR, OCTOBER 2, 2025 — More than 200 participants comprising new Muslim converts, undergraduates, and students from Islamic institutions across Perlis gathered at the Menteri Besar’s Official Residence Hall today for the 22nd Siri Kuliah Dakwah Perdana (SKOP), jointly organised by the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) National Headquarters and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP).

Themed “The Role of New Muslims and Society in Uniting the Ummah”, the programme was held in collaboration with PERKIM Perlis Branch.

Participants included new Muslim converts under the guidance of PERKIM Perlis, students from Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin (UniSIRAJ), Perlis Institute of Islamic Higher Learning (IPTIP), and Maahad Attarbiyah Al-Islamiyah (MATRI).

Also present were PERKIM Honorary Secretary, Haji Abdul Shukor Shamsuddin; Honorary Treasurer, Haji Mohd Arshad Daud; along with senior PERKIM leaders and representatives of Islamic agencies.

The event began with opening remarks by PERKIM National Da’wah Executive, Ustaz Muhammad Farhan Tee Abdullah, followed by a prayer led by Ustaz Abdulmubeen Yanya, Da’wah Executive of PERKIM Perlis.

In his welcoming address, Chairman of PERKIM Perlis, Dato’ Haji Khairi Hasan, expressed gratitude that SKOP could be successfully held in the state with the blessings of Allah SWT.

He extended appreciation to PERKIM National Headquarters for choosing Perlis as host of the three-day programme.

“My hope is for this programme to become an annual event in Perlis as its benefits are immense, particularly for university students and new Muslims who are always in need of guidance.

“God willing, such initiatives will strengthen Islamic understanding and foster closer brotherhood within the community,” he said.

Dato’ Khairi also thanked the Menteri Besar of Perlis, YAB Tuan Haji Shukri, for allowing the use of the hall, describing it as a symbol of the state government’s support for PERKIM’s da’wah efforts.

He highlighted PERKIM Perlis’ active role through daily programmes such as Quran classes, lessons on religious obligations, and weekly welfare activities including visits to new Muslim households.

“Although da’wah work requires significant resources, PERKIM Perlis continues to seek funding to ensure the continuity of these noble efforts,” he added.

On the proposal to establish PERKIM branches in every parliamentary constituency, he explained that due to Perlis’ small size and short travel distances, additional branches were not necessary, as they would only increase costs. Instead, focus will remain on strengthening programmes at the state branch level.

Dato’ Khairi also touched on the leadership transition at the national level, following the stepping down of YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as PERKIM President, succeeded by Sarawak Premier, YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg.

“With this new leadership, PERKIM is expected to be further empowered with fresh ideas and capable young leadership,” he said.

The keynote address was delivered by PERKIM National Chief Executive Officer, Dr Suariza @ Hidayah Muhammad, who emphasised the importance of close cooperation between PERKIM, state governments, Islamic religious departments, religious councils, and zakat institutions.

“As an NGO, PERKIM plays a vital role in supporting the state’s agenda in da’wah, welfare, and education, particularly in the development of new Muslims.

“These strong partnerships must be reinforced to ensure that the Muslim community continues to benefit comprehensively,” he said, representing PERKIM Honorary Secretary-General, Dato’ Dr Haji Mohamad Marzuki Mohamad Omar.

Dr Suariza explained that SKOP has become a nationwide platform for promoting Islam with strong support from MAIWP.

She stressed that da’wah approaches cannot be uniform but must be adapted to local customs and contexts.

“For example, da’wah in Perlis, which borders Thailand, may differ from other states.

“Therefore, PERKIM customises its da’wah strategies according to needs to ensure greater effectiveness,” she said.

She also invited attendees to recite al-Fatihah for humanitarian activists in Gaza, noting that although some were not Muslims, their courage in championing human rights deserved respect.

Dr Suariza expressed hope that the forum, focusing on the role of new Muslims, would provide meaningful insights and open wider understanding of Islam. With Bismillahirrahmanirrahim, he officially launched SKOP 22.

The SKOP 22 forum was moderated by Ustaz Mohamad Adi Ismail of IPTIP, featuring panelists including Ustaz Ahmad Sirajuddin Abdul Satar, Deputy Director of JAIPs; Bro Marcellus Mourine, Manager of Perlis Centre of Wisdom, MAIPs; and Ustaz Abdul Muhaimin Mohd Rapingi, Officer at the Institute of Sunnah and Irsyad (ISNAD), Perlis Mufti Department.

Ustaz Ahmad Sirajuddin highlighted that the unity of the ummah is anchored in tauhid.

He traced the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) da’wah mission in Makkah, which focused on establishing monotheism and moral values, and in Madinah, which centred on building a just social system inclusive of both Muslims and non-Muslims.

“Tauhid is the foundation of unity. The Prophet’s saying, ‘A Muslim is the brother of another Muslim; he does not oppress him nor forsake him’ clearly shows that Islam abolishes boundaries of race.

“The Prophet established brotherhood between the Muhajirin and Ansar, and in his Farewell Sermon, emphasised that no Arab has superiority over a non-Arab except by piety,” he said.

He added that the Prophet’s noble character was a key factor in many embracing Islam, while the Charter of Madinah demonstrated Islam’s recognition of justice and equality for all, including non-Muslims.

Meanwhile, Bro Marcellus Mourine shared his journey of embracing Islam at the age of 19 after a long search and study.

Once aspiring to be a priest, he found truth in Islam through reading translations of the Quran, particularly Surah al-Ikhlas and al-Fatihah.

“The Quran was the greatest turning point in my life. New Muslims must serve as a bridge of da’wah, reaching out to their families and communities of origin, as they share the same background.

“Do not sever family ties, as that is where opportunities for da’wah lie,” he said.

Ustaz Abdul Muhaimin addressed challenges of faith within families, drawing lessons from Prophet Nuh, Prophet Ibrahim, and companions such as Sa‘ad bin Abi Waqas.

He stressed that embracing Islam should not be a reason to cut off family relationships, but rather Islam demands stronger ties based on love, respect, and wisdom.

“Da’wah must be conducted with wisdom and patience, without condemnation. The deeper one’s knowledge of Islam, the greater the emphasis on preserving family bonds and brotherhood,” he explained.

Programme Coordinator, Ustaz Farhan Tee, said that the 22nd SKOP not only enhanced Islamic understanding among new Muslims but also served as a platform to strengthen relations between the Muslim community and Malaysia’s multiracial society.

He added that the event also provided young participants with the opportunity to learn, engage in dialogue, and understand contemporary challenges of da’wah.

“With the close collaboration of PERKIM National, MAIWP, and PERKIM Perlis, SKOP 22 reflects the collective commitment to strengthening Islamic brotherhood and fostering universal understanding based on the Quran and Sunnah,” he said.

The event concluded with the presentation of mementoes to the panelists, followed by a group photograph and a luncheon with all guests and participants.

The 22nd SKOP was held at the Residensi Hall of the Perlis Menteri Besar’s Official Residence in Kangar on Thursday morning.

New Muslim participants from around Kangar and Arau signed forms during the registration session.

Students from UniSIRAJ filled in registration forms for the 22nd SKOP.

Students from IPTIP and MATRI also provided their personal details during the registration session.

Distinguished guests and panelists enjoyed breakfast together.

Ustaz Farhan Tee served as the master of ceremonies for the 22nd SKOP.

Ustaz Abdulmubeen led the opening prayer for the event.

UniSIRAJ students raised their hands in supplication during the prayer.

Distinguished guests (from left:) Haji Abdul Shukor, Dr Suariza and Dato’ Khairi joined in the prayer.

Dato’ Khairi, Chairman of PERKIM Perlis, delivered his welcoming address.

According to Dato’ Khairi, with the new leadership, PERKIM is expected to be further strengthened with fresh ideas and dynamic young leadership.

University students listened attentively to the address.

Dr Suariza delivered the keynote address on behalf of PERKIM’s Honorary Secretary-General.

Dr Suariza expressed hope that the forum would bring meaningful benefits and broaden the understanding of Islam.

Dr Suariza presented a PERKIM commemorative plaque to Dato’ Khairi, accompanied by Haji Abdul Shukor.

Ustaz Adi (centre) moderated the 22nd SKOP forum with panelists Ustaz Sirajuddin (left) and Bro Marcellus (right).

Panelist Ustaz Sirajuddin emphasised that the noble character of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the main reason many embraced Islam, while the Charter of Madinah proved that Islam upholds justice and equality.

Ustaz Sirajuddin also stressed that the unity of the ummah must be founded upon tauhid (oneness of God).

Bro Marcellus shared his journey of embracing Islam at the age of 19, when he had once aspired to become a priest.

According to Bro Marcellus, new Muslims must serve as bridges of dakwah, reaching out to their families and original communities due to their shared background.

Replacing Ustaz Sirajuddin, Ustaz Muhaimin discussed challenges of faith within families, drawing lessons from the stories of Prophet Nuh, Prophet Ibrahim, and the companion Sa‘ad bin Abi Waqas.

Students listened attentively and took notes using notebooks and digital devices.

Knowledge imparted during the forum was diligently recorded by IPT students.

Dato’ Khairi presented a PERKIM commemorative plaque to Ustaz Adi.

Ustaz Muhaimin received a PERKIM commemorative plaque and a Special PERKIM Edition Quran from Dato’ Khairi.

Dato’ Khairi also presented a PERKIM commemorative plaque to Bro Marcellus.

Distinguished guests and panelists posed for a group photograph with participants at the conclusion of the 22nd SKOP.

Participants queued to receive meals that had been prepared.

New Muslims and university students enjoyed the food provided.