PERKIM Strengthens Islamic Understanding Among New Converts Through Intensive Fardu Ain English Course

ᵇʸ: ᴹᴼᴴᴰ. ˢʸᴬᴴᴿᴵᴸ ᴿᴼˢᴰᴵ ᴬᴴᴹᴬᴰ ᶻᴬᴴᵁᴰᴵ

KUALA LUMPUR, OCTOBER 26, 2025 — The Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) National Council, in collaboration with the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), continues to enhance Islamic understanding among new Muslim converts of various backgrounds through the Intensive Fardu Ain Course for New Converts (English Session), held over three days and two nights at the Grand Continental Hotel, Jalan Raja Laut, here.

More than 20 participants comprising new Muslims from Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Thai and Sudanese backgrounds joined the structured programme, which focused on faith (aqidah), worship (ibadah), and morality (akhlak). The course was conducted fully in English to ensure better comprehension among those who are not native Malay speakers.

According to Programme Coordinator, Ustaz Muhammad Jais Mariappan Abdullah, the course aimed to strengthen the religious foundation of new Muslims so they would understand Islam not merely as a theory, but as a complete and holistic way of life.

“Islam is not just ritual; it is a balanced way of life integrating faith, worship and good character. With such understanding, participants can practise their faith with confidence and experience the peace promised by Allah SWT,” said Ustaz Jais, who also serves as PERKIM National Dakwah Executive.

He added that the course was designed with three main objectives, to introduce the essentials of Fardu Ain such as purification (taharah), the Pillars of Faith (Rukun Iman) and the Pillars of Islam (Rukun Islam). These lessons guide participants in performing correct worship and strengthen their confidence in practising what they have learned.

Previously, PERKIM and MAIWP conducted similar intensive courses in Mandarin for Chinese converts and in Tamil for Indian converts. This time, English was chosen as the main medium to ensure clarity and inclusivity in conveying Islamic teachings across language barriers.

The programme began with an introductory and motivational session delivered by PERKIM Vice President, Dr. Mohd. Ridhuan Tee Abdullah.

Dr. Ridhuan adopted a relaxed yet meaningful approach, sharing personal reflections from his own conversion to Islam more than four decades ago, when societal acceptance was still a challenge.

“I embraced Islam without family support, but I was certain this is the true path. Every test strengthened my faith and brought me closer to Allah,” he shared emotionally.

He reminded participants to be patient when facing rejection or anger from non-Muslim family members.

“If they are fire, be water that cools. Islam teaches us to honour our parents even if they are of a different faith,” he advised.

Dr. Ridhuan also encouraged participants not to feel inferior because of their convert status.

“Islam belongs to no race. A sincere and practising convert is more honoured in Allah’s sight than a negligent born Muslim,” he said, urging them to safeguard their five daily prayers — the pillar of faith and source of strength.

He stressed that a Muslim’s success is measured not by wealth or rank, but by his relationship with Allah and fellow human beings.

“PERKIM will continue to guide and protect new Muslims so that they remain steadfast under the light of divine guidance,” he affirmed.

The first evening continued with a lecture titled “The Pillars of Faith” by Ustaz Abdul Qawi Navine, Deputy Executive of the International Dakwah Institute of Kuala Lumpur (IDIP-KL).

He explained that the six pillars of faith form the foundation of a Muslim’s life — not just verbal declarations but convictions that manifest in actions.

“True faith strengthens one’s resolve and peace of mind. It requires understanding of Allah, oneself, the world, and the Hereafter,” he said, emphasising the importance of continuous devotion through prayer, Qur’an recitation, remembrance of Allah (zikr), fasting and good manners to maintain spiritual resilience.

He also cautioned participants against sins such as polytheism, arrogance and backbiting, which harden the heart and distance one from Allah’s mercy.

The second day began with dawn (Subuh) congregational prayers followed by breakfast in a warm, brotherly atmosphere.

The main lecture, “Purification (Taharah)”, was delivered by Ustaz Nik Syariman Nik Mat, Instructor at PERKIM’s Islamic Studies Class (KPIPK).

He explained that taharah refers to a state of cleanliness and purity from physical impurities (najis) as well as minor and major ritual impurities (hadas).

“Cleanliness is part of faith,” he reminded, quoting the Prophet Muhammad SAW’s saying: ‘Purity is half of faith’ (Muslim).

He elaborated that purification is the foundation of valid worship, as no prayer, circumambulation (tawaf), or Qur’an recitation is accepted without purity.

The talk detailed two categories of purification — from physical impurities using clean water and from ritual impurities through ablution (wuduk), full-body purification (ghusl), or dry ablution (tayammum) when water is unavailable.

“Clean water symbolises a pure heart — a reflection of sincerity and peace. Islam promotes balance in cleanliness without extremism,” Ustaz Nik stressed.

This was followed by “The Pillars of Islam” lecture by Ustaz Mohd. Saiful Hafiz Vijia Abdullah, Senior Assistant Manager at MAIWP’s Zakat Distribution Division.

He emphasised that while the syahadah (declaration of faith) is the gateway to Islam, complete faith is only achieved through practising the other pillars.

“Prayer upholds faith, zakat purifies the soul, fasting nurtures self-control, and pilgrimage unites the ummah,” he said.

He advised participants to continue respecting their non-Muslim families within the boundaries of Islamic teachings, as Islam promotes compassion and good conduct toward all.

Regarding pilgrimage, he highlighted that it symbolises the pinnacle of faith and devotion. Even those still preparing through savings in Tabung Haji are rewarded for their sincere intention.

In the afternoon, participants took part in a practical prayer training session led by facilitators Fatin Hamizah Ismail, Charles Abdullah, Mohd. Firdaus Pompeyos Santos, and Bainah Abdullah.

The hands-on session allowed participants to practise the recitations, movements, and sequence of prayers under direct guidance.

They were then taken to the hotel swimming pool for practical training on ablution and full-body purification (ghusl).

Charles explained that the exercise was designed to give converts real-life understanding of how to purify themselves correctly, covering aspects of intention, order, and the proper use of water.

The session concluded joyfully as participants were also allowed to swim and refresh themselves, reinforcing their learning in an engaging and relaxed environment.

Interactive quizzes were held after Maghrib and Isyak prayers to test participants’ understanding of faith, worship, and etiquette, creating a lively and friendly competition.

The final day began with a session titled “Prayer Solves a Thousand Problems”, conducted by Ustaz Muhammad Jais himself.

He emphasised that prayer is not merely an obligation but a divine gift — the ultimate source of peace and spiritual strength.

“People often seek tranquillity in the wrong places, when true peace only comes through a strong connection with Allah,” he said.

He explained how prayer instils discipline from cleanliness and punctuality to focus and humility.

“If we can be punctual for prayer, we can be punctual at work. If we can bow in sujood, we can also bow to truth in life,” he said, drawing nods of agreement from the participants.

Participants were also introduced to voluntary prayers such as Duha, Taubat, and Hajat, with practical demonstrations. Many shared that they now understood prayer as more than a ritual, it is a spiritual training for patience, peace, and gratitude.

In his closing address, Dr. Ridhuan Tee once again reminded participants:

“The success of a Muslim is not measured by wealth or status, but by how well one maintains his relationship with Allah and mankind.”

He urged new Muslims not to fear the challenges that accompany faith.

“Let prayer be your weapon and source of strength in every circumstance,” he encouraged.

Dr. Ridhuan also presented certificates, tokens of appreciation, and prizes to outstanding participants, marking the end of the course in a joyful and uplifting atmosphere.

Participants cheered as they received their certificates and posed for group photos with PERKIM leadership.

Also assisting in the course were Azura Abdul Rahman and Fatin Akmal Aksah from PERKIM’s National Secretariat.

The programme stands as a testament to PERKIM and MAIWP’s enduring commitment to strengthening Islamic education and ensuring that new Muslims continue their journey firmly under the light of divine guidance.

Participants arriving and registering with the secretariat of the Intensive Fardu Ain Course for New Converts.

After registration, participants performed congregational prayers led by Ustaz Jais Mariappan.

Dr. Ridhuan Tee began the session with introductions (ta’aruf) followed by a Motivational and Interactive Session.

Dr. Ridhuan Tee shared his personal experience of embracing Islam more than four decades ago with the participants.

He urged participants not to feel inferior because of their status as new converts, emphasising that Islam belongs to no particular race.

According to Dr. Ridhuan Tee, PERKIM will continue to guide and support new Muslims so that they remain steadfast under the light of Islamic guidance.

Ustaz Abdul Qawi, in his lecture, stressed that the Six Pillars of Faith form the foundation of a Muslim’s life.

He reminded participants to avoid sins such as shirk (associating partners with Allah), backbiting, and arrogance.

Participants listened attentively and took notes during the lecture.

Ustaz Abdul Qawi posed for a group photo with participants after delivering his lecture on the Pillars of Faith.

Charles Abdullah (centre), serving as facilitator, with his fellow facilitators Firdaus Pompeyos, Fatin Hamizah, and Bainah.

Ustaz Nik Syariman delivered a lecture titled “Purification (Taharah)”.

“Impurities are cleansed with pure water, while ritual impurities are removed through ablution (wuduk) and the obligatory bath (ghusl),” explained Ustaz Nik Syariman.

Ustaz Saiful Hafiz presented a lecture on the Pillars of Islam.

He reminded participants that embracing Islam does not mean severing family ties with non-Muslim relatives.

Fatin Hamizah (right) demonstrated to participants the correct bowing position (rukuk) during practical prayer training.

Bainah guided participants on the correct recitations during prayer.

Charles demonstrated the proper posture of rukuk to participants.

Firdaus Pompeyos corrected a participant’s recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah during prayer practice.

Participants demonstrated ablution using a small amount of water.

Ustaz Jais Mariappan showed participants the correct method of cleaning the ears during ablution.

He also assisted a participant in washing his feet during the ablution practical session.

Participants performed practical ablution training near the hotel swimming pool.

A participant washed his face during the ablution practice session.

A participant performed facial washing accompanied by the intention (niyyah) during ablution training.

Participants performed full-body purification (ghusl) practice, ensuring water reached the entire body.

Participants observed as one of them demonstrated the practical full-body purification ritual.

Some male participants took the opportunity to swim in the pool after completing the ablution and purification practicals.

Participants answered quiz questions drawn at random by the facilitator.

A participant selected a random quiz question from a plastic container prepared by the secretariat.

Participants answered the interactive quiz questions calmly and confidently.

Ustaz Jais Mariappan delivered a lecture titled “Prayer Solves a Thousand Problems.”

“Prayer is not merely an obligation, but a divine gift, a source of tranquillity and spiritual strength,” emphasised Ustaz Jais.

He also answered questions and addressed doubts raised by participants.

Ustaz Jais demonstrated specific prayer times on a schedule.

Dr. Ridhuan Tee responded to participants’ questions regarding combined and shortened prayers (Jamak and Qasar).

He urged new Muslims not to fear the challenges that come with strengthening their faith.

Dr. Ridhuan Tee advised participants to make prayer their weapon and source of strength in all circumstances.

The PERKIM Vice President presented certificates of appreciation and tokens to the participants.

Participants received certificates and souvenirs from Dr. Ridhuan Tee.

Dr. Ridhuan Tee presented a hamper to the winning group.

The second-place group winners received their hamper prizes from Dr. Ridhuan Tee.

Third-place group winners accepted their hampers from Dr. Ridhuan Tee.

Dr. Ridhuan Tee also presented a hamper to the fourth-place winners.

Participants of the Intensive Fardu Ain Course for New Converts (English Session) posed for a group photo with Dr. Ridhuan Tee at the conclusion of the course.