By: SRZ
KUALA LUMPUR, 3 AUGUST 2025 – The Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) Headquarters, in collaboration with the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), successfully organised the Ma’al Hijrah 1447H Forum entitled “The True Sacrifice of Hijrah”.
The forum, held at the Surau Jumaat PERKIM, PERKIM Building, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah on Sunday morning, was attended by 250 converts (muallaf) comprising individuals of Chinese, Indian, Sikh, Orang Asli, Iban, Kadazan, Bidayuh, Murut ethnicities as well as citizens from the Philippines, Cambodia, and Myanmar.
The session was chaired by Ustaz Muhammad Jais Mariappan Abdullah, Officer of the Da’wah and Human Development Unit at PERKIM National Headquarters.
The forum featured two guest panellists are Ustazah Nur Najihah Abdullah Sampit, Assistant Administrative Officer of the Zakat Division, MAIWP, and Hijrah Celebrity or KL Gangster actor, Brother Adam Corrie Lee Abdullah.
The programme commenced with a welcoming remark by the master of ceremony, followed by a du’a recitation delivered by Ustaz Abdul Qawi Navine Abdullah, Assistant Officer of the International Da’wah Institute of PERKIM Kuala Lumpur (IDIPKL).
Ustaz Jais Mariappan opened the forum by highlighting the significance of intention (niyyah) in hijrah, reminding participants of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) words that there is no physical hijrah after the conquest of Makkah, except for jihad, linking this deeply to the sincerity of intention.
He explained that hijrah is not merely about geographical relocation but a continual spiritual transformation. “All of us present here today may be from different races and ethnicities, but we are united by the same creed Islam,” he said.
He noted that the panellists themselves, though not born into Islam, were guided by Allah’s divine light and successfully embraced Islam. He stressed that they were not seeking sympathy, but were sharing their experiences to inspire others to become excellent Muslims.
Ustazah Nur Najihah Abdullah Sampit began her session by asserting that hijrah involves not just physical movement but spiritual migration, a change of heart and intention solely for the sake of Allah.
She shared her experience as a convert born into an Orang Asli family and how, years after embracing Islam, she managed to guide her 70-year-old mother to do the same. Her interest in Islam started young, and she converted at age 17 under the guidance of Ustaz Haji Amran Anbarasu Abdullah, a da’wah officer at PERKIM National.
She emphasised the importance of knowledge in the journey of hijrah, describing it as the key to practising Islam correctly. She encouraged participants never to stop learning and to remain steadfast (istiqamah) in their religious journey.
She urged converts not to feel ashamed or hesitant, assuring them that Allah always helps those striving towards goodness.
Brother Adam Corrie Lee Abdullah, a popular actor best known for his role in KL Gangster, shared his challenging life journey, from growing up in a non-Muslim military family living in cramped quarters with ten siblings, to supporting his mother through odd jobs.
He began full-time work as a labourer, then entered the dance industry, eventually winning competitions and becoming a dance instructor on Akademi Fantasia. His talents took him to international stages representing Malaysia.
Upon embracing Islam, he was harshly criticised and decided to leave dancing after marriage. Despite the trials, he remained active in acting and committed to supporting his family.
His life philosophy, guided by his father’s advice to avoid stealing and respect elders, shaped his responsible, patient, and resilient character.
Ustaz Jais also recounted his difficult upbringing before converting to Islam. Born into a non-Muslim family and raised in poverty, his mother worked as a rubber tapper and factory labourer while his stepfather was a trishaw rider.
Their extreme hardship forced the children to beg for food. At age 10, he and his brother were sold to a Chinese employer to work on a plantation. Eventually, he was rescued and placed at the Tunku Budriah Welfare Home in Cheras, where he was first exposed to Islam.
He officially embraced Islam at 18 in Kuala Selangor, later studying at Pondok Balai Da’wah Jeram and furthering his education in Yemen. Upon returning, he pursued a Master’s degree at the University of Malaya.
He stressed that guidance (hidayah) is a gift from Allah, but real tests and sacrifices begin after embracing Islam. He urged converts and Muslims to remain steadfast as trials are a sign of divine love and a means to strengthen faith.
In the second round, Ustazah Najihah, again, reflected on the emotional and psychological challenges post-conversion, particularly being ostracised by her family for nearly a decade.
Despite growing up in poverty with ten siblings and lacking full support, she pursued her studies determinedly and worked independently to support herself.
She explained that the greatest obstacles were not physical but emotional, social rejection and the struggle to adapt. But her steadfastness eventually softened her family’s hearts, especially on the day of her engagement.
To her, “There is no hijrah without sacrifice.” Converts must be strong both mentally and physically. She was thankful to find an accepting Islamic community and saw it as Allah’s help.
Adam Corrie shared his second session about how divine guidance came to him. Though he had many Malay friends in his youth, none ever spoke to him about the beauty of Islam. When he asked, some even discouraged him by telling him about harsh requirements like circumcision or that he was “impure” and not allowed to pray or read the Quran.
Despite this, he never gave up. He believed that even the slightest intention to seek Islam would be answered by Allah. One day, unexpectedly, a friend who had become a religious teacher visited him and shared the story of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Taif, where the Prophet prayed for his people despite being harmed.
That story pierced his heart, the Prophet responded to cruelty with mercy. It inspired Adam Corrie to seek guidance through prayer. In 2007, he embraced Islam, guided by Ustaz Haji Amran Anbarasu Abdullah.
After his shahadah, his first test was losing his job. No one wanted to cast him anymore. But he remained patient, knowing he embraced Islam for Allah, not for marriage or worldly gains.
He taught himself how to pray and memorised basic surahs, all while dreaming of performing umrah. Though mocked and ridiculed, Allah opened paths. Despite financial hardship, he managed to perform umrah with help from kind-hearted people.
In the Holy Land, he experienced remarkable moments, praying at Hijr Ismail, touching the Kaabah, entering Raudhah, and praying beside the Prophet’s grave. After returning, his livelihood improved. He married and faced more trials, including miscarriages and being expelled from film sets for praying.
Adam Corrie also faced accusations for accepting zakat, even though he only wanted to care for his wife. But he never regretted embracing Islam. “If I had entered Islam for people, I would have gone back. But I embraced Islam for Allah and I have never regretted it, not even once,” he declared.
He was once banned from TV appearances for years, but Allah replaced it with the blessing of being close to scholars like Habib Ali Zainal Abidin. He now frequently attends religious gatherings, earning the nickname “Adam Saf Depan” for always sitting in the front row.
He also leads Usrah Fitrah and Kembara Iman, organisations that support converts and Muslim artists. With Allah’s help, he has sponsored many converts for umrah, despite obstacles. Many returned bringing their families to Islam some becoming Huffaz, religious guides, and da’wah agents.
Adam Corrie stressed that Islam is beautiful, but steadfastness requires being in the right environment and having righteous companions. He advised converts to hold firmly to the Quran and Sunnah, as these two will protect one from going astray.
Ustaz Jais reiterated that one’s intention to embrace Islam must be purely for knowing Allah, not due to marriage, dreams, or hardship. Once a person becomes Muslim, they must be consistent in learning and practising the faith. Allah will surely ease the way for those who strive and believe in His promises.
He expressed disappointment with some converts who, after embracing Islam, became passive despite being independent and hardworking before. This, he said, tarnishes the noble image of Islam.
He urged converts not to exploit their status but to improve themselves to avoid negative societal perceptions. He reminded all that the ultimate goal is Paradise, requiring sacrifices, trials, and obedience to Allah.
In her third session, Ustazah Najihah shared her experience as a hostel warden during her student days. Despite living in hardship, she learned that even small acts of giving are rewarded by Allah in unimaginable ways.
She emphasised the value of love in the family, especially towards parents, who often do not expect money, just affection. She urged Muslims to continue engaging their non-Muslim family members with wisdom in da’wah.
She stressed the importance of knowledge as the foundation of practice. Without it, people risk blindly following and spreading misguided views. In Islam, seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.
Fiqh rulings, she explained, can vary with context; thus, Muslims must always refer to scholars, especially on women’s matters. She constantly reviews her own understanding and is never ashamed to ask.
She also advised converts not to cling to the ‘convert’ label forever but to pursue knowledge actively. She warned against relying solely on Google, urging learning from qualified teachers to avoid misguidance.
She reminded the audience never to despair in Allah’s mercy. If one is not eligible for assistance from one place, seek alternatives, for Allah will provide in unexpected ways.
She ended by stating that attending religious classes, despite the comfort of home and family, is never wasted — because angels pray for those seeking knowledge. Through such efforts, one may be counted among the people of Paradise, insha’Allah.
In the final session, Adam Corrie reiterated that divine guidance comes in many forms but always from Allah’s love. He urged Muslims to constantly purify their intentions and hold firmly to four prophetic principles: prayer (du’a), effort, steadfastness (istiqamah), and trust in Allah (tawakkal).
He reminded that while many know the virtues of tahajjud, zikr, and selawat, few practise them. Yet, these acts bring peace and are divinely promised with Paradise. He personally has maintained the tahajjud and selawat routine for years, often praying until Subuh.
Selawat and zikr, he said, are never rejected by Allah, as they express love for the Prophet (PBUH). He stressed the need for learning to truly appreciate religious practices.
“Like food won’t reach your mouth unless you feed yourself, no one can help you change if you won’t try,” he said. He urged others to be resilient, never give up, and never despair if friends are lost, so long as Allah and your loved ones remain.
He concluded with advice to always think positively, smile often, and be content with what Allah provides, for life becomes beautiful when seen through the lens of faith.
He hoped his life story would benefit and inspire others to remain strong in their journey as righteous Muslims.
The Ma’al Hijrah Forum concluded with closing remarks by the Senior Director of Da’wah PERKIM National Headquarters, YBhg Dato’ Haji Razali Haji Shahabudin.
In his address, Dato’ Razali expressed gratitude to Allah SWT and appreciation to the converts in attendance. He thanked the panellists for their thoughtful insights and experiences.
He explained that the objective of the Ma’al Hijrah programme was not merely to commemorate the historical migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) but also to reflect on the immense sacrifices made during the Hijrah from Makkah to Madinah.
He noted that Hijrah today is no longer physical but spiritual, particularly relevant for converts who often face major challenges such as alienation from their families or communities.
Sharing his personal story, he revealed that his own wife is a Chinese convert and that such sacrifices are crucial in a Muslim’s journey toward a blessed life.
He had just returned from Besut, Terengganu, where he met with 49 converts under the Military Religious Corps (KAGAT), each facing unique challenges.
He urged attendees never to feel ashamed to seek help from PERKIM or other NGOs, especially those struggling as new Muslims.
He emphasised the importance of continuous learning and increasing acts of worship as a life guide. “We have made available PERKIM’s Islamic Studies Classes (KPIPK) in the morning, afternoon, and evening so seek knowledge, as it is the key to a meaningful and high-quality life,” he concluded.
The event ended with the presentation of PERKIM plaques and souvenirs from Dato’ Razali to Adam Corrie and Nur Najihah, followed by a luncheon.
Abdul Qawi served as the master of ceremony before handing over to the forum moderator.
The panel of speakers (from left): Ustazah Nur Najihah Abdullah Sampit, Ustaz Muhammad Jais Mariappan Abdullah, and Brother Adam Corrie Lee Abdullah.
New Reverted Muslims raised their hands in prayer during the du’a recitation.
The panel members also raised their hands in prayer and responded with Amin to the supplication.
New Muslims from various backgrounds joined in raising their hands and saying Amin to the prayer.
As moderator, Ustaz Jais commenced the Ma’al Hijrah Forum with the topic “The True Sacrifice of Hijrah.”
A total of 250 converts of various races and ethnicities attended the forum.
The audience listened attentively to the Ma’al Hijrah Forum delivered by the panelists.
Insights and advice shared by the panelists, who are also converts, served as a source of guidance and motivation to succeed.
Adam Corrie shared his bittersweet journey and the challenges he faced as a Muslim.
Dato’ Razali delivered his closing remarks at the end of the forum.
Ustazah Najihah received a PERKIM token of appreciation from Dato’ Razali.
Dato’ Razali presented a PERKIM plaque and token of appreciation to Adam Corrie as a panelist.
New Reverted Muslims helped themselves to a buffet lunch.
Event staff distributed food and dishes to the new Muslims.
