PERKIM Strengthens Understanding of Chinese New Muslims Through Intensive Fardu Ain Mandarin Course

by: SRZ

KUALA LUMPUR, 31 AUGUST 2025 – A total of 21 Chinese new Muslims aged between 23 and 68 participated in the three-day Intensive Fardu Ain Course for New Muslims (Mandarin) held from 29 August at Hotel Grand Continental, Chow Kit, here.

The course was jointly organised by the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) National in collaboration with the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) with the aim of strengthening religious understanding and enhancing the practice of Islam in the daily lives of participants.

The opening ceremony was officiated by PERKIM National Senior Director of Dakwah, YBhg Dato’ Haji Razali Haji Shahabudin, who represented the Honorary Secretary-General of PERKIM, YBhg Dato’ Dr Mohamad Marzuki Mohamad Omar.

In his speech, Dato’ Razali emphasised that gratitude is the fundamental basis of a Muslim’s life. He quoted the words of Allah SWT in Surah Ibrahim verse 7 which means: “If you are grateful, I will surely increase My favour upon you; but if you deny, indeed My punishment is severe.”

He explained that gratitude is not merely expressed by the lips but must be manifested through the heart and actions. The greatest blessing received by participants today, he added, is the blessing of Islam. It is not a coincidence but the divine choice of Allah SWT to guide specific individuals.

Dato’ Razali, who also delivered a motivational talk titled The Meaning of Gratitude and the Blessing of Islam, reminded participants that guidance is a special gift from Allah, not given to everyone. As an example, he mentioned Abu Talib, the uncle of Prophet Muhammad SAW, who did not receive guidance despite being close to the Messenger of Allah.

“I want all participants to realise that you are chosen individuals. Many others out there have yet to receive guidance,” he said.

He further shared that the reasons one embraces Islam may vary – whether through marriage, friendship, dreams or spiritual experiences – yet all are means through which Allah grants guidance.

According to him, it is not wrong to embrace Islam due to marriage, as that too is a path arranged by Allah. He shared his own personal experience of being married to his Chinese revert wife and living together harmoniously for over 40 years.

He stressed that new Muslims are like a clean white cloth, free from past sins. Paradise is Allah’s promise to those who profess the shahadah, but the path towards it depends on steadfastness and righteous deeds.

Hence, he urged participants to continuously seek knowledge and attend guidance sessions so that they remain resilient against challenges after embracing Islam.

Programme coordinator, Ustaz Muhammad Jais Mariappan Abdullah, explained that the course was designed to provide new Muslims with a comprehensive exposure to essential aspects of Islam.

He noted that many new reverts still require guidance in fundamental matters such as ablution, prayer, the Pillars of Faith and the Pillars of Islam. “We want them to perform worship with confidence and have clarity in matters of faith,” he said.

He added that delivering lessons in their mother tongues – Mandarin, Cantonese and Hokkien – provided significant advantages in terms of comprehension.

“PERKIM adopts a culturally friendly approach so that every knowledge imparted can be absorbed effectively,” said Ustaz Jais Mariappan, who also serves as an Officer in the Dakwah and Human Development Unit at PERKIM National.

Throughout the three-day course, participants attended various knowledge sessions and guidance activities. On the first day, they were introduced to the course objectives through an orientation session conducted by Dakwah and Human Development Unit officer, Ustaz Muhammad Farhan Tee Abdullah.

The second day began with congregational Subuh prayers led by Ustaz Jais Mariappan, followed by a lecture on The Pillars of Faith delivered in Mandarin by Ustaz Sulaiman Ding Yu Zhong, who elaborated in detail on the six articles of faith.

In the following session, Ustazah Masturina Maryam Wong, a revert instructor from the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (JAWI), guided participants in her lecture on Purification, explaining spiritual and physical cleanliness, types of water, najis (impurities), istinjak, obligatory bathing and the pillars of ablution.

Participants were divided into four groups to undergo practical training in performing ablution and obligatory bathing at the hotel’s swimming pool area, as well as practice sessions for prayer movements and recitations under the supervision of facilitators.

In the evening, JAWI revert instructor, Ustaz Haji Mohd Amir Al-Karim Ng Abdullah, conducted a session on The Pillars of Islam in Cantonese and Mandarin, elaborating on the five core obligations of a Muslim.

The programme was further enriched on the final day with a special lecture by PERKIM National Council Member, YBhg Dr Ann Wan Seng, titled Family Management in Islam.

In his address, he highlighted that marriage in Islam is not merely a tradition but an act of worship bound by clear conditions and pillars. “A valid marriage according to the shariah produces a harmonious family and a strong society. If this foundation is not right, it undermines the institution of family,” he said.

He also emphasised that marriage brings blessings, sustenance, tranquillity and prevents immorality. “Islam acknowledges human nature. Marriage not only legalises the relationship but also controls desires to avoid zina or illicit relationships,” he added.

To assess participants’ understanding and progress, facilitators evaluated responses through questionnaires covering the Pillars of Faith, the Pillars of Islam and purification.

The closing ceremony featured the presentation of certificates of participation and a photography session.

In his closing remarks, Ustaz Jais Mariappan stressed that the course was only the beginning and that participants must continue to attend follow-up classes.

“New Muslims must continue attending follow-up classes. Islam is vast and encompasses all aspects of life. Do not stop learning,” he advised.

He also expressed appreciation to MAIWP, the speakers, the organising committee, facilitators and participants who had travelled from afar and taken leave from work in their pursuit of knowledge.

“Remember, you are not alone. PERKIM is always here to guide you. May Allah grant us all the strength to remain steadfast,” he said.

The course demonstrated that a culturally and linguistically friendly approach can have a profound impact on new Muslims. PERKIM remains optimistic that this initiative will nurture knowledgeable, confident and active reverts who can play positive roles in society.

Also contributing to the success of the programme were facilitators Ustaz Sulaiman Ding, Ustaz Muhammad Farhan Tee Abdullah, Norlailialpin Suratman and Mariati Mohd Amin, together with organising committee members Azura Abdul Rahman and Fatin Akmal Aksah.

Ustaz Farhan Tee, as facilitator, delivered a briefing to the course participants in Malay and Hokkien.

Chinese reverts who had embraced Islam for less than three years participated in the course.

The participants listened attentively to the briefing delivered.

Dato’ Razali, in his speech representing the Honorary Secretary-General of PERKIM, expressed appreciation to MAIWP for their involvement as co-organisers.

Dato’ Razali also delivered a motivational lecture titled The Meaning of Gratitude and the Blessing of Islam and held an interactive session with the participants.

Dato’ Razali invited one of the participants to share his personal story of embracing Islam.

Programme coordinator, Ustaz Jais Mariappan, in his speech stated that the course provided Chinese reverts with exposure to the fundamental principles of Islam.

One of the participants introduced himself during the ta’aruf or introductory session.

A female revert participant also introduced herself and shared her journey of embracing Islam.

Ustaz Jais Mariappan led the congregational Subuh prayer with the participants.

Ustaz Jais Mariappan requested one of the revert participants to lead a supplication in Mandarin.

Ustaz Sulaiman Ding presented a lecture session titled The Pillars of Faith to the participants in Mandarin.

Ustaz Sulaiman elaborated in detail on the six Pillars of Faith to the participants.

A student demonstrated the correct way of washing the face during the practical ablution session.

Participants practised performing ablution properly in a practical session.

A participant spread water over the entire body during the obligatory bathing practice while being guided by Ustaz Sulaiman.

Ustaz Sulaiman explained to participants the importance of performing ablution and obligatory bathing.

Ustaz Farhan Tee gave an explanation to his group of participants on purification.

The group participants listened to an explanation on purification delivered by facilitator, Norlailialpin.

Norlailialpin demonstrated the proper way of washing the face to her group participants.

Norlailialpin showed the correct way of washing the hands to the participants.

Ustazah Masturina Wong delivered a lecture session on Purification to the participants in Mandarin.

Ustazah Masturina explained the concept of spiritual and physical cleanliness, types of water, najis (impurities), istinjak, obligatory bathing as well as the pillars of ablution.

Ustaz Sulaiman led the obligatory prayer with loud recitation (jahar) so that the participants could follow.

Facilitator Mariati (standing) guided the participants during the practical prayer training.

A participant performed the takbir while being observed by facilitator Mariati.

Ustaz Farhan demonstrated the correct posture of bowing (rukuk) in prayer.

“There are seven body parts involved in prostration (sujud) during prayer,” said Ustaz Farhan Tee as he demonstrated to the participants.

Ustaz Amir Ng delivered a lecture session titled The Pillars of Islam to the participants in Mandarin and Cantonese.

Ustaz Amir Ng elaborated on the five essential obligations within the Pillars of Islam as a Muslim.

Dr Ann Wan Seng delivered a lecture session titled Family Management in Islam.

Dr Ann, who is also a PERKIM National Council Member, emphasised that marriage in Islam is not merely a custom but an act of worship based on clear conditions and pillars.

“Marriage brings blessings, sustenance, tranquillity and prevents immorality,” explained Dr Ann in his lecture.

Ustaz Jais Mariappan delivered the closing remarks at the course.

Course participants received certificates of participation presented by Ustaz Jais Mariappan.

Ustaz Jais Mariappan presented a certificate of participation to a Chinese female revert participant.

Participants posed for a group photograph holding their certificates of participation at the end of the course.

Participants raised the shahadah gesture while taking a commemorative photograph.