PERKIM Fosters Brotherhood Through Dakwah Journey in the Highlands of Chiang Rai

By: SRZ

CHIANG RAI, 9 June 2025 – The Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) Headquarters continued its humanitarian and missionary mission through the Jaulah Dakwah dan Korban 2025 programme, visiting the Mong and Muser ethnic villages of Ban Mong Paet Lang and Chappa, located near the Thailand–Myanmar border.

The day began with a symbolic gesture as PERKIM’s Senior Director of Dakwah, YBhg Dato’ Haji Razali Haji Shahabudin, handed over a football to the children of As-Siddiqin, marking the start of the sukaneka (sports day) activities. Among the games held were the balloon-popping challenge, ping pong ball-on-spoon race, football, and volleyball matches.

After the sports session, the mission continued with a challenging 132-kilometre journey from the As-Siddiqin Foundation to Ban Mong Paet Lang. The route passed through hilly roads, small villages, and mountainous terrain, taking approximately three hours using three four-wheel-drive vehicles.

The delegation arrived at the home of Aiyyo Kam, 54, the father of Amirah Aiyyo, 14, who is one of the children under the care of the As-Siddiqin Foundation. In a humble wooden house roofed with palm thatch, Aiyyo warmly welcomed the guests despite his modest means. He sustains his livelihood by foraging and small-scale farming.

According to Aiyyo, the villagers of Ban Mong Paet Lang are predominantly of Mong ethnicity, known for their distinct culture, language, and animistic beliefs.

The Principal of the As-Siddiqin Foundation, Ustaz Usman Che Mat, who is fluent in Thai, delivered dakwah messages to Aiyyo’s family and local villagers, explaining the fundamentals of Islam, the concepts of Iman and Ihsan, as well as the proper Islamic method of animal sacrifice.

A cow donated by PERKIM to the family was officially handed over by Ustaz Muhammad Farhan Tee Abdullah to the village head of Ban Mong Paet Lang, Sera Yut. The cow was then slaughtered by Ustaz Usman, while members of the delegation and villagers jointly processed the meat in a gotong-royong manner. The freshly prepared beef was then cooked and enjoyed together.

This gathering not only strengthened community ties but also bridged religious and cultural differences through shared experiences.

The programme continued with a one-hour journey to Kampung Chappa in Thoet Thai Mae Fa Luang, where 15 children from the As-Siddiqin Foundation were reunited with their families. This village is home to the Muser tribe, known for its unique traditions and community lifestyle centred around agriculture and forest resources.

The Muser (or Musser) are one of the ethnic groups living in the mountainous regions of northern Thailand, particularly in Chiang Rai. Though often grouped under the broader “Lahu” classification, they maintain their own distinct identity and heritage.

The group performed solat jamak qasar and were treated to a traditional meal of mountain rice, vegetable soup, and fried meat. PERKIM distributed over 30 food packs and sacrificial meat to the residents of Chappa, along with snacks for the children.

After the distribution, Ustaz Usman continued his missionary outreach by delivering dakwah talks to the villagers to encourage mutual understanding and interfaith tolerance. He emphasised that introducing Islam as a religion of peace helps dispel misconceptions and offers non-Muslims the opportunity to understand the faith more deeply.

Joining the mission were PERKIM National Finance Officer Mohd Aizat Rosli, Founder of the Jom Buat Baik Group Ustaz Azatul Ridzuan Hassan, Maahad Civilize Pittiya teacher Ustaz Hassan Ahmad, and volunteer Mohammad Nor Che Din.

The program coordinator held a briefing over breakfast.

The handover of a football to the children of As-Siddiqin by Dato’ Razali marked the start of the sports event.

As-Siddiqin’s children took their places before the sports event began.

Carrying a ping pong ball using a spoon is a children’s sports event.

Blowing up balloons until they burst is a youth category sports event.

Responsible for delivering packages containing snacks to As-Siddiqin’s children.

The PERKIM delegation headed to the Ban Mong Paet Lang area, which took three hours to travel from the As-Siddiqin Foundation.

The group arrived at Aiyyo’s house in the mountainous area of ​​Ban Mong Paet Lang.

Aiyyo (right) welcomes the arrival of guests, despite being in poverty.

Ustaz Usman Che Mat (in red) shares about Islam with the Aiyyo family and the local community in Thai.

Farhan Tee (dressed in black) hands over the payment for the gift cow to the Village Chief of Ban Mong Paet Lang, Sera-Yut.

Some of As-Siddiqin’s children and the secretariat took a commemorative photo with the community of  Ban Mong Paet Lang Village.

Ustaz Usman slaughtered a gift cow to distribute its meat to the villagers.

The slaughtered beef is then cut into small pieces to be cooked.

The villagers also participated in cutting the slaughtered beef.

Ustaz Usman shares the advantages of slaughtering animals according to Islamic law.

Organized the distribution of special fried meat menus to villagers.

The faithful accompanied the children of As-Siddiqin to perform the short congregational prayer upon their arrival in Chappa village.

The faithful, together with the children of As-Siddiqin, enjoyed a meal of vegetable soup with sacrificial meat.

Responsible for delivering food packages to the children of Chappa village.

The administration distributed the meat gifts to the residents of Chappa village who are from the Muser tribe.

Responsible for distributing food packages to children in the northern village of Chappa.

Ustaz Usman shared with the villagers about the beauty of Islam embraced by their children who study at the As-Siddiqin Foundation.

As-Siddiqin’s children had the opportunity to meet with their family members who they had not seen for a long time.