by: SRZ
KUALA LUMPUR, 28 AUGUST 2025 – The Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM), in collaboration with the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), successfully organised the 20th Siri Kuliah Dakwah Perdana (SKOP) at Dataran Dakwah, PERKIM Building, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah this Thursday morning.
The event gathered over 220 participants comprising members of PERKIM Selayang Baru and Ampang branches, students from Darul Quran under the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), undergraduates from Universiti Islam Selangor (UIS), students from PERKIM Datuk Keramat branch, students from PERKIM National Islamic Studies Classes (KPIPK), and new Muslim converts.
Among the new Muslims present were individuals from various ethnic backgrounds such as Chinese, Indian, Iban, Kadazan, Murut, Melanau, and Sikh, as well as foreign nationals from the Philippines, Myanmar, Indonesia, and Cambodia.
The programme commenced with an opening remark by Muhammad Farhan Tee Abdullah, followed by a doa (prayer) led by Muhammad Jais Mariappan Abdullah.
Also in attendance was PERKIM Vice President, YBhg Dr Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah.
The 20th SKOP was officially launched by PERKIM Honorary Secretary-General, YBhg Dato’ Dr Haji Mohamad Marzuki Mohamad Omar.
In his keynote address, Dato’ Dr Marzuki emphasised the concept of hijrah (migration) in human life, which begins from birth that is transitioning from the womb into a challenging world.
He linked this to self-improvement, fulfilling the trust of Allah, and embodying the true essence of a Muslim with strong identity and values.
He explained that true independence is not merely freedom from physical colonialism such as Malaysia’s independence in 1957 or the formation of Malaysia in 1963, but liberation of the mind and soul from outdated mindsets.
“As long as Muslims are not spiritually and morally free, progress will remain difficult,” he said, urging every Muslim to embark on a courageous hijrah towards success in a multicultural society.
Dato’ Dr Marzuki stressed that the Prophet Muhammad’s migration (Hijrah) was not just a physical move from Makkah to Madinah, but a strategic step to uphold Islam when he and his companions faced persecution in Makkah.
The people of Madinah who welcomed the Prophet exemplified unity and tolerance, qualities needed in today’s society.
He highlighted PERKIM’s role since its inception in championing dakwah (Islamic propagation), where the duty of a da’i (preacher) is to convey the message of Islam, while guidance comes from Allah.
Dato’ Dr Marzuki also shared his personal experience of guiding a young Chinese man from Sabah, working in Singapore, to embrace Islam – underscoring the importance of continuous dakwah efforts in Malaysia.
He stressed the need to develop preachers through institutions like IDIP and strengthen organisations such as the Regional Islamic Da’wah Council of Southeast Asia and the Pacific (RISEAP).
He gave an example of how building mosques abroad requires minimal cost yet has a profound impact on communities.
Concluding his speech, he called on everyone to migrate towards an independent mindset, noble character, and a commitment to champion Islam through dakwah.
He then officiated the 20th SKOP with the theme “Sacrifices of Hijrah Towards True Independence”.
Panel Discussion: Hijrah in Today’s Context
Immediately after, TV9’s “Tanyalah Ustaz” host, Aiman Sufyan Aezman (popularly known as Da’i Aiman), as moderator, opened the session by leading participants in singing patriotic songs “Jalur Gemilang”, “Warisan”, and “Tanggal 31” to embrace the Merdeka spirit ahead of 31 August.
Da’i Aiman, along with two distinguished panelists – YB Senator Tuan Shahrol Wizan Sulong, Member of the Senate and Chairman of PENDOA Malaysia, and Da’i Nor Adibah Rozain, Champion of Da’i Milenia – explored the theme “Sacrifices of Hijrah Towards True Independence”.
YB Senator Shahrol: Spiritual, Emotional & Intellectual Hijrah
YB Senator Shahrol opened by highlighting that true independence must be viewed from three dimensions: spiritual, emotional, and intellectual.
From the spiritual aspect, hijrah is preparation for life after death – “checking out” from this world and “checking in” to the Hereafter, either in Paradise or Hell.
“To attain Paradise, one must be willing to sacrifice wealth, time, and energy,” he said, adding that even small acts like attending knowledge sessions are meaningful sacrifices in the sight of Allah SWT.
On emotional strength, he urged Muslims to migrate from anger and harshness to patience and positivity, citing traffic jams as a test of emotional control.
From the intellectual perspective, he emphasised breaking free from negative thinking, envy, and slander towards a greater vision, as exemplified by Prophet Muhammad SAW.
He reminded that dakwah serves as a shield against apostasy, quoting Surah Muhammad verse 7:
“If you help (the cause of) Allah, He will help you and make your foothold firm.”
Hijrah, he concluded, requires holistic transformation – involving sacrifice for faith, emotional discipline, and intellectual purification.
Da’i Adibah: Knowledge as the Foundation of Hijrah
Da’i Adibah stressed the importance of knowledge as the foundation of hijrah, citing the Prophet’s saying:
“Whomever Allah intends goodness for, He grants them understanding of the religion.”
She reminded that the first revelation began with the command “Iqra” (Read), highlighting that every major transformation starts with knowledge.
She recounted the struggles of early Muslims who sacrificed wealth, safety, and comfort when migrating to Madinah, proving that real change demands endurance and faith.
In today’s context, she said, hijrah no longer means physical migration but a shift in intentions, knowledge, and commitment to dakwah.
She warned against the modern disease of al-wahan (love of the world and fear of death) and the excessive influence of social media, which often promotes superficial success.
“Entertainment is not wrong,” she said, “but overindulgence is harmful – like a dish with too much salt.”
She concluded with three practical steps to maintain hijrah:
- Fulfil obligatory acts such as prayer and zakat.
- Surround yourself with righteous companions.
- Continuously seek knowledge through consistent attendance at Islamic gatherings.
Call for Digital Hijrah
In the second round, YB Senator Shahrol highlighted the challenge of modern-day ignorance (jahiliyyah), not in idol worship but in obsession with entertainment, social media, and celebrity culture.
He cited how dakwah-based social media accounts like PERKIM’s or JAKIM’s often receive far less attention than entertainment content.
He urged Muslims to migrate from addictive, unproductive content to beneficial knowledge-based platforms as an act of spiritual and mental hijrah.
“This change requires awareness and courage,” he said. “We must dare to change – follow platforms that strengthen faith, not those that lead to heedlessness.”
Da’i Adibah echoed this by emphasising sincerity and intention, quoting the hadith:
“Actions are judged by intentions.”
She stressed that love for Islam must be nurtured through obligatory acts, good company, and continuous learning.
“True independence for Muslims today means freedom to practise Islam and liberation from ideologies that distance us from faith,” she said.
The programme concluded with a Q&A session, followed by Dato’ Dr Marzuki presenting PERKIM plaques and Special Edition Qur’ans to the panelists, and ended with a photography session and lunch.
The SKOP secretariat carrying out their duties during the registration session.
Arrival of PERKIM leadership at the 20th SKOP at Dataran Dakwah, PERKIM Building.
Farhan Tee Abdullah, as the master of ceremonies, steering the 20th SKOP.
Attendees include officers and staff from RISEAP participating in SKOP.
Guests of honour present at SKOP organised by PERKIM National and MAIWP.
Jais Mariappan leading the opening doa (prayer) for the event.
Guests of honour raising their hands in supplication during the doa.
New Muslims and converts saying “Amin” to the doa being recited.
YBhg Dato’ Dr Haji Mohamad Marzuki Mohamad Omar, PERKIM Honorary Secretary-General, delivering the officiating speech for the 20th SKOP.
Audience comprising new Muslims listening attentively to the speech delivered.
According to Dato’ Dr Marzuki, true independence is not merely freedom from physical colonisation but also liberation of the mind from outdated thinking.
Darul Quran JAKIM students attending the PERKIM Premier Dakwah Lecture Series.
(From left:) Da’i Aiman, YB Senator Shahrol Wizan, and Da’i Adibah making the SKOP session a success with the theme “Sacrifices of Hijrah Towards True Independence.”
Da’i Aiman, as moderator, opened the session by inviting the audience to sing patriotic songs with great enthusiasm.
YB Senator Shahrol emphasising that true independence must be viewed from three main aspects: spiritual, emotional, and intellectual.
According to YB Shahrol, new Muslims, indigenous communities, and all Muslims must join forces in dakwah efforts to strengthen faith.
According to Da’i Adibah, the effort to seek knowledge, such as attending SKOP sessions, is an initial step towards sacrifice and change that earns Allah’s pleasure.
Da’i Adibah highlighting that social media poses a major challenge as it showcases false success and influences lifestyles that lead to heedlessness.
A Darul Quran student jotting down key points from the SKOP discussion.
YB Senator Shahrol criticising the phenomenon where dakwah-based social media such as PERKIM’s or JAKIM’s receives less attention compared to entertainment content.
A new Muslim posing a question to the panelists during the Q&A session.
Indian mualaf from PERKIM Selayang Baru Branch asking a question to the panelists.
An enthusiastic participant sharing his thoughts during the Q&A session.
Dato’ Dr Marzuki presenting PERKIM’s commemorative plaque and Special Edition Qur’an to YB Senator Shahrol.
Da’i Adibah receiving PERKIM’s commemorative plaque and Special Edition Qur’an from Dato’ Dr Marzuki.
Da’i Aiman expressing joy and emotion upon receiving PERKIM’s Special Edition Qur’an from the PERKIM Honorary Secretary-General.
PERKIM leadership posing for a group photo with participants at the conclusion of the 20th SKOP.
Darul Quran students taking the opportunity to snap photos with dakwah celebrity figures Da’i Aiman and Da’i Adibah.
UIS undergraduates also joining in for photos with their dakwah icons, Da’i Aiman and Da’i Adibah.
Participants enjoying a buffet meal provided after the programme.
