25th Premier Da’wah Lecture Series – “From Guidance to Da’wah: Shaping Competitive Converts as Da’i”
By MOHD. SYAHRIL ROSDI AHMAD ZAHUDI
KOTA BHARU, NOVEMBER 3, 2025 – Divine guidance (hidayah) granted by Allah SWT is not merely a path to faith, but the starting point of a lifelong mission in spreading Islam’s message.
This was the central theme emphasised in the 25th Premier Da’wah Lecture Series (SKOP), titled “From Guidance to Da’wah: Shaping Competitive Converts as Da’i”, held at the hall of the Islamic Da’wah Institute of the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) in Kota Bharu (IDIPKB), Pengkalan Chepa, on Monday morning.
The prestigious intellectual gathering, jointly organised by PERKIM National Headquarters and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) brought together 150 participants, comprising new Muslim converts and students of IDIPKB from diverse backgrounds including Indian, Chinese, and Orang Asli communities, as well as foreign participants from Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
The event also received strong support from PERKIM Kelantan Branch and IDIPKB, serving as a vital platform to strengthen Islamic understanding among new Muslims.
The programme commenced with welcoming remarks and an opening prayer by IDIPKB lecturer, Nik Muhammad Affendy Nik Hassan.
In his officiating speech, PERKIM National Senior Da’wah Executive, YBhg. Dato’ Haji Razali Haji Shahabudin, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to gather in a blessed assembly of knowledge.
Representing PERKIM’s Hon. Secretary-General, YBhg. Dato’ Dr. Haji Mohamad Marzuki Mohamad Omar, Dato’ Razali underscored the relevance of the lecture’s theme to the participants, especially new converts who are taking their first steps into the world of Islamic propagation.
“Hidayah is a priceless gift from Allah SWT. Once we have received it, our duty extends beyond maintaining faith, it is to share the truth with others,” he said.
Dato’ Razali also extended his appreciation to PERKIM Kelantan leadership, under the chairmanship of Kelantan Chief Minister, YAB Dato’ Panglima Perang Ustaz Dato’ Haji Mohd Nassuruddin Haji Daud, for their commitment in co-organising the programme with IDIPKB.
He explained that IDIPKB’s establishment aimed not only to nurture recipients of divine guidance but to mould them into knowledgeable, ethical, and compassionate preachers.
“Many IDIP alumni have become respected figures and da’wah leaders, such as Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mohd Farid Ravi Abdullah, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Islam Selangor (UIS), and the late Dr. Nur Athiroh Masyaa’il Tan Ai Pao from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), who actively spread Islam in Sabah and Sarawak. This proves that new Muslims can be catalysts for change within the ummah,” he added.
He also encouraged students to aspire to be individuals who bring benefit to both religion and society.
“With Bismillahirrahmanirrahim, I am pleased to officially launch the 25th Premier Da’wah Lecture Series,” he declared to a resounding applause from the audience.
Earlier, Kelantan PERKIM Hon. Assistant Secretary, Tuan Haji Nasir Che Ali, expressed appreciation to PERKIM National, MAIWP, and IDIPKB for successfully organising the lecture series.
He said the programme has now become an official annual initiative receiving full funding and will soon expand to other East Coast states.
“In Kelantan, PERKIM, in collaboration with the State Islamic Religious Council and the Department of Islamic Affairs, regularly conducts guidance classes for new Muslims, including participants from Thailand and neighbouring countries.
“Many have migrated to Malaysia to seek Islamic knowledge, sacrificing family and possessions in the process,” he said.
The 25th SKOP session, chaired by PERKIM National Da’wah Executive, Ustaz Muhammad Jais Mariappan Abdullah, featured two local panelists, Dr. Mohd Muhiden Abd Rahman, former Senior Lecturer at the Academy of Islamic Studies, Universiti Malaya, and Tuan Haji Nik Muhamad Nik Lib, a motivational expert from the Tanah Merah District Education Office.
Dr. Muhiden explained that hidayah, derived from the Arabic root hadā yahdī hidayatan, means guidance or direction towards truth. He reminded the audience that hidayah belongs solely to Allah SWT, even Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) could not grant it without Allah’s will.
“Receiving hidayah is not the end but the beginning of our responsibility to carry out da’wah. Humanity is always in loss except for those who believe, do righteous deeds, and call others to truth and patience that is true da’wah,” he emphasised.
Dr. Muhiden further highlighted that divine guidance and knowledge are far more valuable than food or drink, for without hidayah, the heart remains dark and misguided. He urged Muslims to fortify their faith through knowledge and practice, calling them “the twin fortresses” against the challenges of modernity.
The second panelist, Haji Nik Muhamad, began by expressing gratitude for the blessings of faith, health, and life. He reminded participants that every blessing must be accompanied by gratitude and constant supplication.
“The Prophet (PBUH) taught us to pray for protection against sudden misfortune, deteriorating health, and divine wrath. These prayers must be recited daily to preserve hidayah,” he said, before demonstrating the prayer to participants.
He elaborated that hidayah represents divine direction, while taufiq is the ability to act upon it.
“Hidayah is like a map, while taufiq is the vehicle that drives one towards the destination. Without taufiq, a person may know the truth but fail to act on it,” he explained.
During the second round of discussions, Dr. Muhiden urged participants to act on da’wah without delay, as Allah commands in Surah al-Muddassir, verse 2: “Arise and warn.”
He said true da’wah begins with self-improvement, followed by outreach to family and community.
“Da’wah does not require status or title. Consider Habib al-Najjar in Surah Yasin, a humble man who died a martyr defending the truth. That is sincerity in da’wah,” he reflected.
Haji Nik Muhamad added that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) trained his companions in Makkah for ten years, focusing on three key principles, monotheism, prophethood and awareness of the afterlife, foundations that made them fearless in their sacrifices for Islam.
“To remain steadfast in da’wah, one must be industrious. I summarise RAJIN (diligent) as: R – regret when idle; A – always have an agenda; J – plan long-term; I – intent to improve; N – envision success,” he said, to smiles from the audience.
He cautioned against the roots of laziness that weaken da’wah spirit — unclear goals, indifference, technological distractions, excessive excuses, and over-comfortable living.
According to him, today’s society faces serious social challenges such as mental distress, crime, and substance abuse, all requiring proactive da’wah intervention.
To strengthen personal capacity, he proposed three practical steps:
- Develop a sound theological perspective — understand the value of hidayah and its rewards for those who share divine guidance.
- Engage in practical acts of worship and da’wah — even small efforts count, for Allah values sincerity over perfection.
- Build supportive religious networks — join study circles, congregational prayers, and mosque-based initiatives such as the 79 Campaign (Maghrib–Isyak congregation and post-Isyak lessons).
He also urged preachers to adopt modern and relatable communication methods using slides, current issues, and contemporary language that resonates with younger audiences.
“Da’wah must be systematic and refreshing. Sometimes, people skip lectures not out of laziness but because the ‘menu’ doesn’t suit their taste,” he quipped.
He concluded that perseverance and sincerity matter more than titles or beginnings.
“Whether a person is a new Muslim or born Muslim is irrelevant, what counts is steadfastness and sincerity in spreading divine guidance,” he said passionately.
In his closing remarks, Ustaz Jais Mariappan reminded attendees that when hidayah is received with gratitude and manifested through righteous action, it brings transformative change to oneself, one’s family, and society ensuring Islam remains vibrant and respected in Malaysia.
The event concluded with a presentation of tokens of appreciation. Dato’ Haji Razali presented PERKIM plaques to the panelists, while Kelantan PERKIM Hon. Secretary, Tuan Haji Nazir Che Ibrahim, presented a souvenir on behalf of PERKIM Kelantan Chairman, YAB Dato’ Panglima Perang Ustaz Dato’ Haji Mohd Nassuruddin Haji Daud, to Dato’ Razali.
Among those present were IDIPKB Executive Director Prof. Dr. Ramle Abdullah, Registrar Mat Salleh Hassan, Deputy Executive (Academic Affairs) Ustazah Noorsaadah Md Hanafi @ Md Zain, Acting Deputy Executive (Student Affairs) Ustaz Zamzuri Mat Lazim, and PERKIM National Secretariat officers Ustaz Muhammad Farhan Tee Abdullah, Mohamad Azrol Mohd Azmi, Umi Musfirah Abdul Ghani, and Esa Othman.
The 25th SKOP was not merely a scholarly forum but a meaningful platform to rekindle the missionary spirit among new Muslims, inspiring them to become competitive, compassionate, and knowledgeable da’i, grounded in wisdom and faith.
The 25th SKOP, themed “From Guidance to Da’wah”, was held at IDIPKB, Pengkalan Chepa, Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Nik Muhammad Affendy, who served as the master of ceremonies, also led the opening prayer.
PERKIM’s guests of honour — (from left) Haji Nasir, Dato’ Razali, and Dr. Ramle — raised their hands in prayer during the recitation.
The panelists posed with IDIPKB students and new Muslim converts.
Haji Nasir Che Ali delivered his welcoming remarks and expressed appreciation to all participants in attendance.
Dato’ Razali, representing PERKIM’s Hon. Secretary-General, officially launched the 25th SKOP.
Moderator Ustaz Jais (left), together with panelists Dr. Muhiden (centre) and Haji Nik Muhamad, led the SKOP session titled “From Guidance to Da’wah: Shaping Competitive Converts as Da’i.”
IDIPKB students attended the Premier Da’wah Lecture Series organised by PERKIM National Headquarters and MAIWP.
Ustaz Jais Mariappan stated that in daily prayers, Muslims ask Allah SWT for guidance no less than 35 times.
New Muslim converts from various ethnic backgrounds listened attentively to the knowledge shared by the panelists.
Dr. Muhiden emphasised that receiving divine guidance is not the end, but the beginning of one’s responsibility in da’wah.
He advised Muslims to strengthen their faith through knowledge and righteous deeds, as these are the true defences against the challenges of the modern age.
Haji Nik Muhamad urged preachers to adopt modern approaches in delivering Islamic knowledge.
An IDIPKB student posed a question during the Q&A session.
Dato’ Razali presented a souvenir plaque and token of appreciation to Haji Nik Muhamad.
Dr. Muhiden received a souvenir plaque and token of appreciation from Dato’ Razali.
Haji Nazir Che Ibrahim presented a souvenir on behalf of the Kelantan Chief Minister, YAB Dato’ Panglima Perang, to Dato’ Razali.
Guests of honour posed for a group photo with participants at the conclusion of the 25th SKOP.
IDIPKB students and new Muslim converts received tokens of appreciation from the organising committee.
