Strengthening the Faith of Visually Impaired Muslims: PERKIM-MAIWP Deepen Inclusive Da’wah Efforts
by: MOHD. SYAHRIL ROSDI AHMAD ZAHUDI
KUALA LUMPUR, SEPTEMBER 19, 2026 — Efforts to strengthen Islamic understanding among persons with visual disabilities continue to gain momentum through the Second Series of the Faith Strengthening Programme for Visually Impaired Persons, jointly organised by the Malaysian Islamic Welfare Organisation (PERKIM) and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP).
The programme brought together approximately 80 participants comprising asnaf and Muslim converts from the Malaysian Muslim Association for the Blind (PERTIS) in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
Held at the Seminar Hall, Level 1, PERKIM Building in Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, the programme served as a platform for strengthening participants’ understanding of fardu ain, particularly in matters of faith (akidah), worship and Muslim identity.
It also reflected the continued commitment of Islamic organisations to ensuring that access to religious knowledge remains inclusive and accessible to persons with disabilities.
The programme commenced with Fatin Akmal Aksah as master of ceremonies, who then invited PERKIM Executive Dakwah Officer 1, Ustaz Muhammad Jais Mariappan Abdullah, to deliver the opening session on the Pillars of Faith, tauhid and an understanding of qada’ and qadar as the foundations for developing a Muslim’s faith and conviction.
Ustaz Jais Mariappan emphasised that faith should not remain merely an affirmation of the heart, but must be reflected through one’s conduct and daily life.
He also highlighted the importance of sincerity, placing trust in Allah SWT, and believing in the angels, revealed scriptures, prophets and the Hereafter.
In addressing contemporary challenges, participants were encouraged to increase their practice of istighfar and repentance, strengthen their relationship with the Quran, pursue knowledge continuously and contribute towards spreading positive messages through appropriate platforms, including social media.
Ustaz Jais Mariappan also shared his personal journey of embracing Islam and pursuing religious education, illustrating that deepening one’s understanding of Islam requires commitment, patience and sincerity.
He urged participants to continue strengthening their faith, broadening their religious knowledge, maintaining their religious practices and improving their relationship with Allah SWT as well as with fellow human beings.
A steadfast faith, he said, should serve as a guide in navigating life, encouraging Muslims to perform good deeds and prepare themselves for the Hereafter.
Following the Zohor prayer and lunch break, the programme continued with a session by Ustaz Mohd Saiful Vijia Abdullah, an instructor with PERKIM’s National Islamic Studies Class (KPIPK).
He elaborated on the Five Pillars of Islam and the importance of developing conviction in matters of the unseen based on the Quran and Sunnah through a proper understanding of the Pillars of Faith.
Participants were also reminded to distance themselves from superstitious practices, reliance on traditional healers and any form of dependence that could contradict the principles of Islamic faith.
In discussing efforts to seek medical treatment, he explained that human effort forms part of the process of seeking a remedy, while ultimate healing remains by the permission of Allah SWT.
His session also touched on life after death, the realm of barzakh, the Day of Judgement, the importance of repentance and the duty to honour one’s parents.
Participants were encouraged to cultivate devotional practices such as Tahajjud, the prayer of repentance and Solat Hajat as means of drawing closer to Allah SWT and expressing gratitude for His blessings.
The third session was conducted by Ustaz Nik Syahriman Nik Mat, also an instructor with KPIPK, who focused on taharah and practical aspects of worship, including hadas, najis, istinjak, proper etiquette in the restroom, the different types of water, wuduk and tayammum.
Particular attention was given to adopting teaching approaches that take into account the specific needs of participants with visual disabilities, ensuring that knowledge relating to cleanliness and worship could be understood and applied in practical terms.
Discussions on differences of opinion in Islamic jurisprudence also provided participants with an opportunity to appreciate the diversity of legal views within Islam in a respectful and knowledge-based manner.
In his welcoming remarks, PERTIS President Mohamad Faizal Che Yusof expressed his appreciation to PERKIM and MAIWP for organising the programme, while expressing hope that the initiative could be continued regularly, including as a monthly programme.
He also underscored the importance of collaboration between PERTIS and PERKIM in strengthening religious education and empowering the visually impaired Muslim community, particularly in matters concerning spiritual purification, mastery of fardu ain knowledge and the continuous strengthening of faith.
Meanwhile, Ustaz Jais Mariappan, the programme coordinator, who also represented PERKIM Honorary Secretary-General YBhg. Dato’ Dr Haji Mohamad Marzuki Mohamad Omar, said the second series represented a continuation of efforts to expand religious education initiatives for the community.
He said mastery of fardu ain should receive due attention alongside Quranic learning, as knowledge of faith and worship forms the foundation of a Muslim’s way of life.
He also expressed hope that cooperation between PERKIM and PERTIS could be further expanded through regular programmes in the future, subject to the relevant procedures and available facilities.
The programme concluded with closing remarks by Federal Territories Muallaf Affairs Committee Chairman, Dr Haji Ann Wan Seng, who congratulated the organisers for providing a sustained platform for religious learning among persons with visual disabilities.
He reminded participants to make the Quran and Sunnah their guide in life while continuing to strengthen their knowledge of fardu ain and Islamic jurisprudence.
According to Dr Ann Wan, Islamic worship encompasses a broad range of practices and should be translated into everyday life with an awareness that every deed is performed under the watchful knowledge of Allah SWT, a state of spiritual mindfulness known as muraqabah.
He also touched on the concepts of Islam, Iman and Ihsan, the diversity of scholarly opinions among the different schools of jurisprudence, and the importance of continuously sharing knowledge in developing a more comprehensive understanding of Islam.
Addressing the visually impaired community, he conveyed the message that physical limitations in sight should not prevent an individual from knowing, understanding and embracing the teachings of Islam.
Rather, he said, a person can “see with the heart” through knowledge, faith and a deep appreciation of the greatness of Allah SWT.
The event also featured the presentation of certificates to participants by Dr. Ann, while a PERKIM appreciation plaque was presented to Faizal Che Yusof and a token of appreciation to Dr. Ann by Ustaz Jais Mariappan.
The programme, supported by PERKIM secretariat members Hashimah Hashim, Mohamad Azrol Mohd Azmi and Norlailialpin Suratman, concluded with a group photography session, afternoon refreshments and Asar prayers.
The second series not only strengthened participants’ understanding of faith and worship but also underscored the importance of an inclusive approach to dakwah in ensuring that persons with visual disabilities continue to have the space, access and support needed to pursue religious knowledge and develop as Muslims who are knowledgeable, confident and committed to practising their faith.
The organising committee and volunteers assisted with the registration process for the Faith Strengthening Programme for Persons with Visual Disabilities (OKU) at the Seminar Hall, PERKIM Building, Kuala Lumpur.
Members of the organising committee proceeded to the dining area to assist with the registration of PERTIS participants.
Ustaz Jais Mariappan reminded participants that faith is not merely an affirmation of the heart, but must be reflected through one’s actions and daily life.
PERTIS participants joined in saying Amin to the prayer led by one of the PERTIS participants.
Ustaz Jais Mariappan also emphasised the importance of sincerity, placing one’s trust in Allah SWT, and belief in the angels, the revealed scriptures, the prophets and the Hereafter.
Ustaz Saiful Hafiz elaborated on the Five Pillars of Islam and the importance of developing conviction in matters of the unseen based on the Quran and Sunnah through a sound understanding of the Pillars of Faith.
Ustaz Saiful Hafiz also touched on matters concerning life after death, the realm of barzakh, the Day of Judgement, the importance of repentance and the duty to honour one’s parents.
Participants were encouraged to cultivate devotional practices such as Tahajjud, the prayer of repentance and Solat Hajat as means of drawing closer to Allah SWT.
Ustaz Nik Syahriman placed emphasis on taharah and practical aspects of worship, including hadas, najis, istinjak, proper etiquette in the restroom, the different types of water, wuduk and tayammum.
Particular attention was given to adopting teaching approaches that take into account the needs of participants with visual disabilities, ensuring that knowledge relating to cleanliness and worship could be properly understood and practised.
Fatin Akmal Aksah, as the master of ceremonies, presided over the closing ceremony.
The guests of honour (from left:) Ustaz Jais Mariappan, Ann Wan Seng and Faizal Che Yusof at the closing ceremony.
In his welcoming remarks, PERTIS President Faizal Che Yusof expressed his appreciation to PERKIM and MAIWP for organising the programme and expressed hope that the initiative would continue to be conducted regularly.
PERTIS participants with visual disabilities who took part in the Faith Strengthening Programme.
He said cooperation between PERTIS and PERKIM was crucial in strengthening religious education and empowering the visually impaired Muslim community.
Speaking on behalf of the Honorary Secretary-General of PERKIM, Ustaz Jais Mariappan said the second series represented a continuation of efforts to expand religious education initiatives for the community.
In his officiating remarks, Dr. Ann said physical visual limitations should not prevent an individual from knowing, understanding and embracing the teachings of Islam; rather, one can “see with the heart”.
Dr. Ann reminded participants to make the Quran and Sunnah their guide in life, while continuing to strengthen their knowledge of fardu ain and Islamic jurisprudence (syariah).
Dr. Ann officially concluded the Second Series of the Faith Strengthening Programme for Persons with Visual Disabilities by reciting the words “Bismillah”.
Dr. Ann presented certificates of participation to the male participants from PERTIS.
Female PERTIS participants received their certificates of participation from Dr Ann.
Ustaz Jais Mariappan presented the PERKIM appreciation plaque to Faizal Che Yusof.
Ustaz Jais Mariappan also presented a basket of gifts to the officiating guest, Dr. Ann.
The guests of honour, organising committee members and PERTIS participants posed for a commemorative group photograph at the conclusion of the programme.
