by: SAFIYYA NUR SAKEENA SALLEHUDDIN
KEDAH, 16 NOVEMBER 2024 – On the second day of their educational journey, 102 students from PERKIM’s Islamic Education Program (KPIPK) embarked on a memorable experience, visiting Masjid Al-Busyra in Merbok and Murtadha Dakwah Centre (MADAD) in Sungai Petani, Kedah. This journey wasn’t just about visiting places; it was about connecting with the heart of Islamic culture and learning through experience.
A Journey of Diversity and Unity
The program coordinator, Ustaz Muhammad Jais Mariappan Abdullah, explained that the goal was to help participants, many of whom are new Muslims, understand and appreciate the essence of Islam by immersing themselves in Islamic communities. The participants, from diverse backgrounds including Chinese, Indian, Bidayuh, Kadazan, Iban, and even international students from Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, experienced a deep sense of unity despite their differences.
The day began with the group performing their dawn prayers (Solat Subuh) in congregation, followed by breakfast. They then set off to Masjid Al-Busyra, a unique mosque offering more than just a place for worship.
Masjid Al-Busyra: A Mosque Like No Other
Masjid Al-Busyra amazed the visitors with its multipurpose facilities, including a banquet hall, printing shop, eateries, a car wash, homestays with modern amenities, and even a swimming pool. It also houses a barbershop, a spa for women, a laundry, and a photography studio. This innovative approach transforms the mosque into a vibrant community hub, attracting people from all walks of life while fostering economic opportunities for locals.
Imam Ustaz Firdaus Farabib shared the inspiring story of the mosque’s transformation. Once a rundown building in a rural area, it was redeveloped into a modern, traveller-friendly mosque modelled after a rest and relaxation (R&R) area.
MADAD: Where Knowledge Meets Community
The next stop was MADAD, located 15 kilometers away. This modern Islamic hub is designed to cater to people of all ages, complete with child-friendly facilities, including a two-story indoor playground, a capsule hotel, and Malaysia’s largest cat park.
Ammar Shahru, MADAD’s customer service head, explained that the center, founded in 2018, is dedicated to community service and education. Spanning 13 acres, MADAD features a mosque, a tahfiz school for 80 students, and a variety of community programs, from senior citizen classes to Quranic clinics for children and teenagers.
Future plans include an esports stadium, archery and horseback riding facilities, a gymnasium, and a senior living home, all adjacent to the mosque. The center operates 24/7, managed by a team of 100 dedicated staff members.
Inspiration Through Sharing
In the evening, participants were treated to a motivational session with Ustaz Muhammad Shah Shanmugam, a convert to Islam. Ustaz Shah shared his journey to Islam, which he embraced after exploring other religions. He found Islam to be the most harmonious with human nature, offering clear guidance for leading a meaningful life.
Quoting the Quran and Hadith, Ustaz Shah emphasized the importance of prayer, fasting, and other acts of worship as tools for personal growth and connection with Allah. He encouraged the participants to live sincerely for Allah’s pleasure and to strengthen their faith through knowledge and practice.
A Hopeful Tomorrow
This inspiring journey not only deepened the KPIPK students’ understanding of Islam but also planted seeds of hope. As Ustaz Shah beautifully expressed, those receiving zakat (charitable assistance) today could one day be the ones giving it, transforming their lives and the lives of others.
The program ended with a sense of camaraderie, leaving participants eager for the next day’s adventures and a brighter future.
Rehlah Praktikal Ilmiah participants, who are new converts, performed Subuh prayers together at Surau Kompleks Darul Hidayah, Penaga, Penang.
After breakfast, they visited Masjid Al-Busyra, Merbok, a modern, traveler-friendly mosque with an R&R concept.
Ustaz Sulaiman Ding explained the benefits of Dhuha prayer to the participants.
Ustaz Farhan Tee also gave a briefing the procedure for performing the Dhuha prayer.
Participants performed the Dhuha prayer at Masjid Al-Busyra.
Ustaz Jais shared the unique features of Masjid Al-Busyra with the participants.
The mosque has facilities like a laundry, spa, salon, barbershop, and more.
Car wash services are also available.
The Al-Busyra Bistro serves Malay, Arabic, and English dishes.
Participants took group photos in front of Masjid Al-Busyra.
The group then traveled to MADAD in Sungai Petani.
They performed Zohor prayers with the local congregation.
Ustaz Mohammad Yaakub Yusra Yusof, Managing Director of MADAD, led the prayer and recited a dua afterward.
Participants were briefed on MADAD’s history and background.
Ammar Shahru, Head of Customer Service at MADAD, explained that the 13-acre site includes many facilities.
He said MADAD focuses on dawah and education, similar to PERKIM.
Dr. Suariza, along with Ustaz Jais and Ustaz Farhan Tee, presented a souvenir to Ammar.
Ammar, with Haji Othman Ramli, gave PERKIM a clock as a gift from MADAD.
All 102 participants took a group photo with MADAD staff inside the mosque.
Ustaz Muhammad Shah Shanmugam shared his experiences in a talk for the converts after Maghrib prayer.
The female participants listened attentively to the session.
Ustaz Shah encouraged them to be better Muslims and practice Islam sincerely throughout their lives.
