Ethiopian Preacher’s Courtesy Visit to PERKIM Headquarters Strengthens International Da’wah Ties

By: Mohd. Syahril Rosdi Ahmad Zahudi

KUALA LUMPUR, SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 — The National Headquarters of the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) this morning welcomed a courtesy visit from international preacher Dr Umar Robe, born Teahite Robe, an Islamic scholar from Ethiopia.

Dr Umar holds a PhD in Comparative Religion (online) from the Islamic University of Minnesota, United States, and a Master’s degree in Islamic Da‘wah. He is well regarded for his active work in spreading Islam in Ethiopia, focusing on dialogue with non-Muslims and guiding new converts.

The visit at 11 am was accompanied by Dr Ruslan Said, Fellow of the Malaysian Islamic Training Institute (ILIM), together with Zakaria Abd Latif, Chairman of the Muslim Community Global (MCG).

Dr Umar was warmly received by PERKIM National Senior Dakwah Executive, YBhg. Dato’ Haji Razali Haji Shahabudin, who expressed appreciation for the visit on behalf of PERKIM Honorary Secretary-General, YBhg. Dato’ Dr Haji Mohamad Marzuki Mohamad Omar.

Dato’ Razali described the visit as another opportunity to strengthen international dakwah collaboration, particularly in expanding methodologies for presenting Islam to the world.

PERKIM National Dakwah Executive Ustaz Muhammad Farhan Tee Abdullah also briefed Dr Umar on the history and background of PERKIM, founded by Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, in its mission of dakwah, welfare and education, particularly for new Muslims.

He explained that through the PERKIM International Dakwah Institute Kuala Lumpur (IDIP-KL), various exchange programmes have been organised with preachers from abroad. Last year alone, PERKIM hosted delegates from Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and Russia for intensive one- to two-week programmes in Malaysia.

“These programmes not only expose them to Malaysian culture but also include Q&A sessions and experience-sharing in dakwah. Local preachers are also invited to discuss approaches to non-Muslims and address contemporary challenges,” Ustaz Farhan said.

He stressed that the goal of such international initiatives is not to “teach” foreign participants, many of whom are already experienced imams or preachers, but to create platforms for the exchange of knowledge, experiences and best practices.

PERKIM also expressed its intent to collaborate with Dr Umar in future international dakwah programmes.

Ustaz Farhan believes Dr Umar’s wide experience in Ethiopia will enrich PERKIM’s global dakwah strategies.

During the discussion, Dr Umar shared the realities of preaching in Ethiopia, where the majority of the population is Christian.

He explained that dakwah efforts there focus heavily on dialogue with non-Muslims, particularly Christians, to convey Islam wisely and compassionately.

“Alhamdulillah, through dialogue, many have chosen to embrace Islam. However, the major challenge is caring for new Muslims. With limited resources and capacity, it remains difficult to provide consistent guidance,” he said.

Dr Umar expressed admiration for Malaysia’s officially recognised and government-supported Islamic centres.

“In Ethiopia, there are no official Islamic centres to reach out to non-Muslims or care for converts. Most efforts are run individually or in small groups,” he noted.

He also stressed the need for international cooperation to strengthen networks of support for new Muslims, adding that PERKIM’s approach could serve as a model for Ethiopia.

In response, Dato’ Razali highlighted Malaysia’s privilege of having Islam as the religion of the Federation and strong government support for Islamic institutions.

He added that besides government funding, PERKIM also receives contributions from corporations and individuals to finance dakwah and welfare activities for new Muslims.

“The experience brought by Dr Umar is invaluable. Despite constraints, dakwah continues in Ethiopia. With this network, we hope PERKIM can assist through knowledge-sharing, training and support,” Dato’ Razali said.

He also prayed for Allah SWT to ease the dakwah struggle in Ethiopia and strengthen the position of Muslims there.

The meeting, held in a cordial atmosphere, opened the door for strategic collaboration between PERKIM and international dakwah figures in strengthening global networks to uphold Islam as rahmatan lil-‘alamin (a mercy to all).

Dr Umar concluded by expressing gratitude to PERKIM for the warm reception and looked forward to future joint initiatives.

The courtesy visit marked a new chapter in Malaysia–Ethiopia dakwah relations and reinforced PERKIM’s standing as not only a leading national organisation but also an international player in advancing the message of Islam.

At the end of the meeting, Dato’ Razali presented Dr Umar with a commemorative plaque, PERKIM’s 60th Anniversary coffee-table book “Warisan dan Wawasan” and a special edition PERKIM Qur’an.

Also present were PERKIM National Dakwah Executives Ustazah Siti Munirah Sayed Mohd Hamdan, Ustazah Nur Syahirah Musa, Ustaz Sulaiman Ding Yu Zhong, as well as MCG Deputy Chairman, Mohammad Zamanhuri Shahtir.

An Islamic scholar from Ethiopia, Dr Umar Robe, visited the National Headquarters of PERKIM.

Dato’ Razali welcomed the Ethiopian guest, describing the visit as another avenue to strengthen international dakwah cooperation.

Ustaz Farhan Tee also introduced the history and background of PERKIM to the visiting delegation.

According to Dr Umar Robe, PERKIM’s approach in guiding new Muslims could serve as the best model to be applied in Ethiopia.

The delegation also included ILIM Fellow, Dr Ruslan (left), and MCG Chairman, Zakaria (right).

Dato’ Razali presented a PERKIM commemorative plaque to Dr Umar Robe.

In return, Dr Umar Robe presented a book titled “Great Advice For New Generation” to Dato’ Razali.

The staff of PERKIM National Headquarters also had the opportunity to take a group photo with the Ethiopian preacher and his delegation.