Israk and Mikraj 1447H Converts Gathering Strengthens Faith, Deepens Islamic Understanding in a Plural Society
ᵇʸ: ᴹᴼᴴᴰ. ˢʸᴬᴴᴿᴵᴸ ᴿᴼˢᴰᴵ ᴬᴴᴹᴬᴰ ᶻᴬᴴᵁᴰᴵ
KUALA LUMPUR, 18 JANUARY 2026 — The Himpunan Mualaf Sempena Israk and Mi‘raj 1447H, jointly organised by Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) National and its PERKIM Datuk Keramat branch, successfully brought together more than 150 Muslim converts and over 20 non-Muslim guests in a comprehensive intellectual and spiritual gathering aimed at strengthening faith, deepening Islamic understanding and fostering respectful dialogue within Malaysia’s plural and multicultural society.
Held at the Darul Hidayah Complex Hall in Sentul from 9.30am, the programme was conceived as an inclusive platform that combined spiritual reflection, structured religious education and open discussion, enabling participants from diverse backgrounds to engage meaningfully with the profound lessons of Israk and Mikraj, one of the most significant and defining events in Islamic history.
The programme also received strategic collaboration from Bank Islam, Yayasan Nur Ramlah, Pertubuhan Gerak Amal Kasih and the Permata Intan Senior Citizens Association. The involvement of these organisations reflected a strong spirit of cooperation among financial institutions, charitable foundations, non-governmental organisations and community groups in advancing dakwah, education and welfare initiatives for Muslim converts across the country.
Participants comprised Muslim converts from a wide range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, including Chinese, Indian, Punjabi, Iban, Kadazan and Murut communities. Their presence underscored the diversity of Malaysia’s Muslim population and highlighted the reality that Islam in Malaysia continues to grow across ethnic and cultural lines. The attendance of non-Muslim guests from various backgrounds further demonstrated a genuine interest in understanding Islam through scholarly, respectful and well-structured engagement.
The programme began with opening remarks by master of ceremonies Fatin Akmal Aksah, who invited all participants to rise for the recitation of the Asmaul Husna, followed by the singing of the national anthem Negaraku and PERKIM Pacu Kemajuan. The opening sequence set a solemn yet unifying tone, reinforcing values of respect, harmony and shared purpose before the programme proceeded with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran.
The Quranic recitation was delivered by Muhammad Johnson Gantinius, who recited verses 1 to 10 of Surah al-Isra’. The selected verses, which narrate the opening of the miraculous Night Journey of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), served as a thematic anchor for the discussions and reflections that followed throughout the programme.
In his official opening address, PERKIM National Director of Administration, YBhg Dr Suariza @ Hidayah Muhammad, expressed his sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Muslim converts, invited guests and all individuals and organisations involved, directly or indirectly, in ensuring the success of the programme.
He said the gathering was not merely an annual commemoration of a historical event in Islam, but an important platform to deliver accurate, comprehensive and wisdom-based understanding of Islamic teachings to Muslim converts and the broader public, including non-Muslim participants.
“The commemoration of Israk and Mikraj should not be confined to ritual remembrance alone. Instead, it must function as a means to deepen faith, strengthen conviction and provide clear understanding, particularly for those who are still in the early stages of their journey as Muslims,” he said.
Representing PERKIM Honorary Secretary-General, YBhg Datuk Dr Haji Mohamad Marzuki Mohamad Omar, who is currently overseas, Dr Suariza also conveyed the organisation’s appreciation to strategic partners, government agencies and non-governmental organisations that have consistently supported PERKIM’s dakwah and ummah development efforts.
He added that the forum’s in-depth exploration of Israk and Mikraj by a panel of knowledgeable and experienced speakers was expected to benefit not only Muslim converts, but also the wider community regardless of religious background.
Dr Suariza explained that the deliberate selection of panelists and moderators from among learned and experienced converts was a strategic approach aimed at inspiring participants and providing relatable role models, particularly for new Muslims who are navigating the challenges of building their lives and identities as Muslims.
“Through their journeys, these speakers demonstrate that success in Islam requires perseverance, continuous learning and sincere sacrifice. These values resonate strongly with the core lessons of Israk and Mikraj, especially the obligation of the five daily prayers,” he said.
Among the panelists were Ustaz Muhammad Jais Mariappan Abdullah, Ustaz Muhammad Farhan Tee Abdullah and Ustazah Nur Aliyya Maisarah Orbanus Abdullah, all of whom are respected figures in dakwah and religious education.
Dr Suariza also expressed hope that similar programmes would be sustained and expanded in the future, stressing that dakwah efforts should be collaborative rather than competitive.
“Dakwah is not about rivalry, but about complementing one another. It requires close cooperation between PERKIM, government agencies, NGOs and society at large to address gaps in outreach and to strengthen Islamic understanding among Muslim converts,” he said.
Earlier, PERKIM Datuk Keramat chairman Ustaz Mohamad Suhaimi Abd Aziz said in his welcoming remarks that the organisation of the forum aimed to enhance the faith of Muslims while nurturing love, respect and reverence for Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
He described the forum as both a spiritual reinforcement programme and an open educational platform accessible to all segments of society, including non-Muslims who wished to gain a deeper understanding of Islam.
“In Islam, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is honoured as a noble and pure individual. However, he is not worshipped. He is recognised as Allah’s Messenger, entrusted with conveying the message of truth to all of humanity,” he said.
Ustaz Suhaimi explained that the event of Israk and Mikraj the miraculous Night Journey of the Prophet from Makkah to Baitul Maqdis, followed by his ascension to the heavens, is a major miracle that strengthens the faith of Muslims and serves as a foundation for scholarly discussion and respectful dialogue with non-Muslims.
He added that the inclusive nature of the forum was intended to spark curiosity, encourage questions and promote healthy dialogue in an atmosphere of mutual respect, in line with Islam’s emphasis on seeking knowledge through wisdom and understanding.
Meanwhile, PERKIM Datuk Keramat Honorary Adviser, YBhg Dato’ Haji Razali Haji Shahabudin stressed in his special address that divine guidance (hidayah) is the greatest and most precious gift bestowed by Allah upon a human being.
“Hidayah is not something that can be sought, purchased or forced. It is purely the choice and gift of Allah, granted to those He wills,” he said.
He noted that individuals who embrace Islam by professing the syahadah have, in essence, received a priceless blessing in the sight of Allah.
Sharing real-life accounts of converts who willingly relinquished wealth, material comfort and social status to embrace Islam, Datuk Razali said that while the early stages of their journey are often filled with trials and sacrifices, the inner peace and spiritual fulfilment they experience after embracing Islam are beyond comparison.
“This tranquillity of the soul cannot be exchanged for any worldly possession,” he said.
Datuk Razali also highlighted that Islam is not merely a religion of ritual worship, but a comprehensive way of life that encompasses family relations, social responsibilities, economic ethics and moral conduct.
He stressed that Islam educates its followers to reject oppression, corruption and injustice, while upholding values of fairness, compassion and integrity.
Addressing concerns often faced by Muslim converts, he clarified that embracing Islam does not mean severing ties with non-Muslim family members.
“On the contrary, Islam obliges its followers to continue showing kindness, maintaining family ties and praying for the guidance of their loved ones,” he said.
In his advice to new Muslims, Datuk Razali emphasised that gratitude for hidayah must be translated into righteous deeds, continuous learning and self-improvement, as embracing Islam is not merely the utterance of the syahadah, but a lifelong journey that requires commitment and steadfastness.
The forum, titled “The Gift of Prayer: Strengthening the Soul of Converts”, was moderated by PERKIM National Da’wah Executive, Ustaz Muhammad Farhan Tee Abdullah, with panelists PERKIM National Da’wah Executive 1, Ustaz Muhammad Jais Mariappan Abdullah and Ustazah Nur Aliyya Maisarah Orbanus Abdullah of the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (JAWI).
The first session of the forum introduced participants to the historical background and spiritual significance of Israk and Mikraj, particularly as a means of strengthening faith among Muslim converts and the wider public.
Ustaz Jais Mariappan explained that Israk and Mikraj was an extraordinary journey undertaken by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in a single night, beginning with his journey from Masjid al-Haram in Makkah to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem (Isra’), followed by his ascension to the heavens to meet Allah (Mi‘raj).
He said the event was not merely a miracle, but also a divine gift and consolation bestowed upon the Prophet after he endured the most challenging year of his prophetic mission.
Ustaz Jais Mariappan elaborated that the event occurred during the Year of Sorrow, following the passing of Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her), the Prophet’s beloved wife and a source of emotional strength and unwavering support, as well as the death of Abu Talib, the Prophet’s uncle who had protected him from the hostility of the Quraysh.
The loss of these two pivotal figures placed the Prophet’s mission in an extremely difficult position.
He also recalled the Prophet’s mission to Ta’if, which ended in rejection, mockery and physical abuse, with the Prophet being pelted with stones until he bled.
“Despite this suffering, the Prophet did not curse the people of Ta’if. Instead, he prayed for their guidance and rejected the offer of the angels to destroy them,” he said.
This, he added, reflected the Prophet’s noble character, patience and boundless mercy towards humanity.
As a reward for his steadfastness and perseverance, Allah granted the Prophet the event of Israk and Mikraj, the pinnacle of which was the command to establish prayer as a direct connection between the servant and the Creator.
The event, Ustaz Jais Mariappan said, serves as proof that every hardship is followed by ease, as affirmed in Surah al-Inshirah.
Ustazah Nur Aliyya, meanwhile, emphasised that one of the central messages of Israk and Mikraj for Muslim converts is the importance of faith, patience and trust in Allah’s power, even when events appear beyond human logic.
She explained that Israk and Mikraj was also a test of faith, in which only those with true conviction remained steadfast, while those who doubted turned away.
She highlighted that Islam, as brought by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), is a religion of mercy and a comprehensive guide to life that upholds human dignity, justice, respect for parents and equality among people regardless of status or rank.
The event of Israk and Mikraj, she said, teaches Muslims that their relationship with Allah through prayer is the foundation of spiritual strength, particularly for those who are new to Islam.
In the second session, the panel focused on the central position of prayer as the greatest gift resulting from Israk and Mikraj, especially in building inner strength among Muslim converts and those considering Islam.
Ustaz Jais Mariappan explained that the obligation of prayer, initially prescribed as 50 daily prayers, was reduced to five through the dialogue between Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and Prophet Musa (peace be upon him), while the reward remained equivalent to 50.
This, he said, demonstrated Allah’s immense mercy and compassion towards the followers of Prophet Muhammad.
He stressed that prayer is the only act of worship commanded directly at Sidratul Muntaha, unlike other obligations such as zakat, fasting and pilgrimage, which were legislated through revelation on earth.
Prayer, he said, remains obligatory as long as a person is alive, symbolising the closest relationship between a servant and the Creator.
Drawing from his personal experience as a former convert, Ustaz Jais Mariappan shared the difficulties he initially faced in performing prayer due to his inability to master Quranic recitations.
However, he reassured converts that Allah does not judge perfection of recitation alone, but sincerity of the heart and genuine effort.
Ustazah Nur Aliyya reinforced this message by highlighting the importance of a positive attitude and gradual learning, noting that Islam encourages continuous improvement rather than immediate perfection.
Ustaz Farhan Tee underscored education as the principal pillar in the development and empowerment of Muslim converts, stressing that the pursuit of knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim regardless of background, age or level of formal education.
He explained that seeking knowledge is not confined to the academically inclined, but is a lifelong responsibility that must be approached with openness and perseverance. PERKIM and its related institutions, he said, provide inclusive learning platforms tailored to the diverse needs of converts, including specialised classes for senior citizens, the illiterate and individuals who face difficulties with memorisation.
At the same time, he reaffirmed the Islamic principle of no compulsion in religion, particularly in addressing non-Muslim attendees. This, he noted, is in line with Islamic teachings that place utmost importance on conviction of the heart and conscious, informed choice, rather than coercion or external pressure.
Responding to the central question in the final round of the forum, Ustaz Jais Mariappan delivered an in-depth explanation on the role of prayer (solat) as the foremost refuge for converts facing trials involving family conflict, employment challenges and social pressures.
He said trials are part of sunnatullah, the divine law governing human existence, and are especially pronounced for those who choose Islam. The loss of family support, wealth, marital relationships or personal security, he explained, are among the hardships commonly endured by converts, and it is precisely in such moments that prayer becomes the pathway back to Allah.
According to him, human beings are incapable of resolving human trials, for only Allah, the Creator of those trials, has the power to grant relief and solutions. As such, Islam strictly prohibits reliance on created beings, shamans, graves or superstitious beliefs, instead calling upon believers to return to Allah through patience and prayer.
Ustaz Jais Mariappan emphasised that prayer is not merely a ritualistic act, but a heartfelt dialogue between servant and Creator, particularly during prostration (sujud), which he described as the moment when a servant is closest to Allah.
He also shared personal life experiences as a convert who had endured severe hardships, yet was elevated by Allah through faith, knowledge and steadfastness in prayer. Verses from the Quran and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) were cited as evidence that prayer, when performed correctly, sincerely and with understanding, is capable of preventing wrongdoing while opening the doors to sustenance and inner tranquillity.
As a concluding reflection, the forum reaffirmed that Allah does not measure acts of worship by quantity, but by sincerity of the heart. Converts, it was stressed, are not expected to attain perfection overnight; rather, they are urged never to abandon prayer, even in circumstances of weakness or limitation.
With consistency (istiqamah), prayer, the forum noted, transforms from a burden into a source of joy, from a mere obligation into a necessity of the soul, and ultimately becomes the enduring gift of Isra’ and Mi‘raj that strengthens faith and connects the servant to Allah throughout life.
The programme also featured an interactive question-and-answer session with non-Muslim participants, who raised thoughtful and pressing questions that had long occupied their minds regarding the events of Isra’ and Mi‘raj.
In a special address, Deputy Director of the Darul Hidayah Complex, Ustaz Muhammad Shahrin @ Sharin Zulkiply, emphasised that converts represent a true reflection of the strength and authenticity of Islam in Malaysia.
He said Muslims should not become mere ‘passengers’ within their own religion, but must instead play an active role in safeguarding, internalising and strengthening Islam through knowledge, righteous deeds and exemplary character, while nurturing future generations who will be of benefit to both religion and society.
He further cautioned against narrow-minded attitudes and excessive sentiment that could obscure the beauty and truth of Islam, urging instead a broader and more enlightened worldview by drawing lessons from the global growth and development of Islam.
The programme was further enlivened by an Isra’ and Mi‘raj Quiz involving both convert participants and non-Muslim guests. The presentation of quiz prizes, tokens of appreciation and conversion kits was officiated by Malaysia Amal Foundation Vice-President YB Ustaz Mohd Misbahul Munir Masduki; representative of Pertubuhan Gerak Amal Kasih YBhg Dr Haji Ahmad Kamal Yahya; and Nur Ramlah Foundation director Ustaz Mohd Hasnil Abu Bakar, before the event concluded with a group photography session and luncheon.
The Darul Hidayah Complex served as the venue for the Himpunan Mualaf Sempena Israk and Mikraj programme organised by PERKIM.
Convert participants queued and filled in their personal details during the registration session.
Fatin Akmal officiated the opening of the Himpunan Mualaf in conjunction with the Isra’ and Mi‘raj Forum as the master of ceremonies.
More than 180 participants stood together for the recitation of the Asmaul Husna, followed by the singing of the national anthem Negaraku and PERKIM Pacu Kemajuan.
Among the more than 20 non-Muslim participants who took part in the programme.
Muhammad Johnson recited verses 1 to 10 of Surah Al-Isra’ from the Holy Quran.
Dr Suariza delivered the officiating address at the Himpunan Mualaf in conjunction with the Israk and Mikraj Forum.
According to Dr Suariza, the Isra’ and Mi‘raj Forum serves as an important platform for conveying accurate, comprehensive and wisdom-based understanding to new Muslims.
In his welcoming address, Ustaz Suhaimi said the programme aimed to spark curiosity, inquiry and healthy dialogue in an atmosphere of mutual respect, in line with the Islamic approach.
In his special address, Dato’ Razali said that divine guidance (hidayah) is not something that can be sought or purchased, but rather a choice and an absolute gift from Allah to His chosen servants.
Ustaz Farhan Tee (left), as moderator, steered the Israk and Mikraj Forum titled “The Gift of Prayer: Strengthening the Soul of Converts”, featuring two panellists—Ustaz Jais Mariappan (centre) and Ustazah Nur Alliya Maisarah (right).
Ustaz Farhan Tee introduced the audience to an initial understanding and appreciation of the Israk and Mikraj event, particularly as a means of strengthening faith among new Muslims and the wider community.
According to Ustaz Jais Mariappan, Israk and Mikraj was a divine gift and source of consolation from Allah SWT to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), culminating in the commandment of prayer as a direct connection between servant and Creator.
Ustaz Jais Mariappan elaborated on how the original command of 50 daily prayers was reduced to five with the same reward, as clear evidence of Allah’s mercy and compassion towards the ummah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Ustazah Nur Alliya stressed that Israk and Mikraj is a test of faith that requires complete conviction in the power of Allah, while also teaching Muslims that prayer is the foundation of spiritual strength, particularly for new Muslims.
Convert participants attentively followed the forum proceedings.
Ustazah Nur Alliya outlined practical approaches for converts who are still learning to perform prayer, including understanding the obligatory pillars, reciting according to one’s ability, seeking guidance from teachers and exercising patience throughout the learning process, as Islam is a religion of ease and does not impose undue hardship.
A non-Muslim participant from the United States posed a question during the question-and-answer session.
An Indian non-Muslim participant raised a question on Israk and Mikraj to the panel of speakers.
In his special address, Ustaz Shahrin emphasised that converts are a reflection of the true strength of Islam in Malaysia.
Ustaz Suhaimi conducted the briefing on the Converts’ Direction and the Israk and Mikraj Quiz session.
YB Misbahul Munir presented a token of appreciation to a non-Muslim winner of the Isra’ and Mi‘raj Quiz.
A non-Muslim Chinese participant received a token of appreciation for the Israk and Mikraj Quiz from YB Misbahul Munir.
Dr Ahmad Kamal (right), together with Ustaz Hasnil (second from right), presented food supplies and goodwill cash assistance to non-Muslim participants.
New Muslims received conversion kits and goodwill cash assistance from Ustaz Hasnil and Dr Ahmad Kamal.
Distinguished guests joined more than 180 participants for a commemorative group photograph at the conclusion of the programme.
