PERKIM Strengthens the Foundations of Faith and Worship Among New Converts Through Intensive Fardu Ain Course

ᵇʸ: ᴹᴼᴴᴰ. ˢʸᴬᴴᴿᴵᴸ ᴿᴼˢᴰᴵ ᴬᴴᴹᴬᴰ ᶻᴬᴴᵁᴰᴵ

KUALA LUMPUR, 23 NOVEMBER 2025 – Efforts to strengthen the understanding of Islamic fundamentals among new converts continue through the three day Intensive Fardu Ain Course for New Muslims conducted in Malay. The programme was jointly organised by the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) National and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP).

Held at the Grand Continental Hotel along Jalan Raja Laut, the course gathered 24 participants from diverse ethnic backgrounds including Iban, Kadazan, Bidayuh, Dayak, Murut, Dusun, Chinese and Indian.

Designed as a holistic module, it combines essential lessons on faith and worship, personal development, practical training and emotional guidance delivered in a structured format by experienced instructors.

Throughout the three day programme, the friendly, systematic and interactive learning environment left a deep impact on participants who are still new to Islam and its religious practices.

The first day began with registration and a briefing facilitated by Fatin Hamizah Ismail, Ustaz Amran Anbarasu Abdullah, Ustazah Fatimah Ladda Abdullah and Charles Abdullah.

A ta’aruf session allowed participants from different cultural backgrounds to get acquainted, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere.

Programme Coordinator Ustaz Muhammad Jais Mariappan Abdullah said the course is part of PERKIM’s ongoing commitment to guide new Muslims towards structured and accurate understanding of the religion.

He explained that the intensive sessions also aim to build confidence among new converts so they are able to practise Islam with clarity and discipline.

PERKIM and MAIWP have previously organised similar courses in Mandarin, Tamil and English. The current edition was delivered in Malay to cater to the needs of specific groups.

According to him, providing systematic support to converts is essential to ensure their early journey in Islam is not hindered by confusion or a lack of guidance.

He added that programmes of this nature also function as a social integration platform, bringing together participants from multiple ethnic backgrounds through group activities.

Throughout the three days, PERKIM ensured that participants were exposed to comprehensive knowledge covering faith, jurisprudence, ethics, family life, personality, emotional management and daily worship practices.

The combination of theory and hands on learning allowed participants to see Islam as a complete and practical way of life. Warm interactions between participants, facilitators and speakers fostered a family like environment, providing them with confidence to move forward as Muslims.

The course not only imparts knowledge but builds self assurance, strengthens religious understanding and encourages continuous learning.

The first lecture was delivered by Ustaz Muhammad Zulhilmi AhMat Limit from the PERKIM Islamic Studies Class (KPIPK) who presented the topic Understanding the Six Pillars of Faith.

A video displaying the wonders of Allah’s creation served as an introduction before he elaborated on the six pillars in a clear and concise manner. An interactive quiz via kahoot.it added an engaging element and provided immediate assessment.

That night the participants attended a crucial session on Purification Taharah conducted by Ustaz Jais Mariappan.

He explained the concept of cleanliness from both physical and spiritual aspects, the categories of impurities, types of water, the requirements of ablution, obligatory bath and the permissibility of tayammum.

A live demonstration of proper ablution with minimal water use helped participants understand that rituals can be performed systematically without wastage.

The second day offered deeper insights focusing on family life, emotional management, social relationships and practical worship training.

According to Ustaz Jais, the second day was designed to help converts understand the realities of life as new Muslims especially those who face challenges involving family acceptance or social adjustment.

Open dialogue sessions allowed participants to share their concerns and receive guidance.

A lecture on Islamic Family Management was delivered by Ustazah Syahriah Yatim Mustafa, Marriage, Divorce and Reconciliation Officer from Federal Territory Islamic Religious Department (JAWI).

She addressed emotional challenges often faced by converts such as feelings of loss, family pressure or isolation. She emphasised that patience, prayer and good character are key to rebuilding trust within families.

She also highlighted the importance of understanding personality traits through the Colour Personality method IPW to improve communication within the household.

The session included an explanation of basic marriage procedures such as the role of the wali, online application forms and the approval timeline.

The next session featured Ustazah Munirah Sayed Mohd Hamdan, PERKIM’s Dakwah Executive, who delivered an in depth explanation on the Five Pillars of Islam.

She stressed that the shahadah is not merely a verbal declaration but a commitment to faith and obedience. She underscored the importance of prayer as the foundation of discipline and spiritual strength.

She elaborated on fasting, zakat and hajj including their wisdom and societal benefits which unify the Muslim community. Her structured presentation helped participants appreciate the deeper meaning behind each pillar.

Participants later joined practical prayer training in four groups led by facilitators. They were taught proper movements for bowing, prostration, sitting position and basic recitations while correcting common mistakes.

Practical training on ablution and obligatory bath was also held at the hotel’s outdoor pool area to give participants real experience.

Chief Executive Officer of PERKIM National Dr Suariza @ Hidayah Muhammad attended the session to observe and offer words of encouragement.

Later that night, a light hearted quiz activity was held, facilitated by the organisers including Azura Abdul Rahman from the PERKIM Secretariat.

Participants enjoyed a music based bottle game containing quiz questions which created laughter while testing their understanding.

The final day began with a Motivational Lecture and Interactive Session by PERKIM Vice President Dato Haji Mohd Nakhaie Haji Ahmad.

His presentation inspired the participants as he emphasised that Islam is a complete and preserved religion. He explained the uniqueness of the Quran which has remained unaltered for more than 1,400 years.

Unlike earlier scriptures that underwent changes in translation or lost their original texts, the Quran continues to be safeguarded through memorisation by millions of Muslims worldwide.

He noted that even if every printed mushaf were destroyed, the Quran could still be rewritten exactly as it was.

He compared this with the Bible which exists in multiple translated versions leading to varied interpretations.

He stressed that the Quran is always referred to in its original Arabic to ensure the authenticity of its content.

Dato Nakhaie reminded participants that practising the teachings of the Quran and performing acts of worship such as prayer are not difficult but require consistency.

Just like brushing teeth daily, regular worship cultivates discipline and tranquillity. He also emphasised the importance of health, eating manners, emotional balance and moral character as Islam encompasses a complete way of life.

The closing ceremony was emceed by PERKIM Secretariat Officer Fatin Akmal Aksah followed by welcoming remarks from Ustaz Jais Mariappan who expressed gratitude for the successful organisation of the course conducted in multiple languages and participated by converts from various backgrounds including those from Borneo and foreign nationals.

He also conveyed appreciation to the PERKIM Honorary Secretary General, YBhg Dato’ Dr Haji Mohamad Marzuki Mohamad Omar and MAIWP for their support which ensured smooth execution of the programme.

He noted that the three day course focused on essential worship training such as ablution, prayer and obligatory bath which many new Muslims have yet to master. He emphasised the importance of continuous religious learning.

In his closing address, Dato Nakhaie reminded participants that the journey of a convert comes with challenges requiring strong faith and reliance on Allah.

He assured them that PERKIM, MAIWP and other Islamic institutions remain committed to providing moral and welfare support. He also encouraged participants to join the weekly classes at PERKIM.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates and tokens of appreciation to course participants, followed by hamper prizes for quiz winners before a group photo session and a fellowship meal that ended the programme on a warm and uplifting note.

The programme coordinator, Ustaz Jais Mariappan, led the congregational prayers each time the prayer period began.

Ustaz Zulhilmi delivered the lecture session on the Six Pillars of Faith to the participants.

He also conducted an interactive quiz on the Pillars of Faith using the kahoot.it platform, allowing participants to answer through their own mobile phones.

Ustaz Jais Mariappan presented a lecture session on the topic of Purification.

According to him, purification encompasses both physical and spiritual cleanliness which form the foundation of a Muslim’s faith.

He demonstrated a practical ablution session using less than a single bottle of water as a training method for the participants.

Among the women converts who took part in the course held at the city hotel.

Wearing a purple shirt, Charles Abdullah introduced the team of facilitators to the participants.

Some of the male converts who attended the three day, two night course.

Ustazah Syahriah began the second day with a lecture titled Islamic Family Management.

One of the participants shared his experience embracing Islam during a sharing session with Ustazah Syahriah.

Ustazah Munirah explained the importance of the Five Pillars of Islam as the core framework for shaping a Muslim personality.

She noted that practising the Pillars of Islam in daily life nurtures responsible and righteous individuals.

Charles Abdullah guided participants during practical prayer training in their group activity.

Ustazah Fatimah Ladda demonstrated the takbiratul ihram to the female participants.

Fatin Hamizah guided the participants on the correct method of performing the bowing posture during prayer.

Ustaz Amran asked the participants to lower their bodies further in order to achieve a proper bowing position.

Ustaz Jais Mariappan guided a participant in washing the face during the practical ablution session.

An Indian convert also attempted to perform perfect ablution during the training.

Participants carried out practical obligatory bath training under the guidance of experienced facilitators.

A male participant gave a thumbs up after completing his ablution practice.

Female participants observed the correct ablution technique demonstrated by the facilitators.

Charles explained to the male participants how to perform the obligatory bath while standing in the swimming pool.

Female participants entered the pool after completing their ablution and obligatory bath practice.

Dr Suariza, the CEO of PERKIM National, smiled as she watched the participants enjoying themselves at the swimming pool.

Male participants were given the opportunity to swim freely after completing their practical training

A bottle filled with Islamic quiz questions was passed from one participant to another accompanied by background music.

A male participant answered the Islamic knowledge quiz that he randomly selected.

A female participant responded to her quiz question with ease and accuracy.

PERKIM Vice President, Dato’ Nakhaie delivered a motivational lecture and conducted an interactive session with the participants.

Dato Nakhaie emphasised that Islam is a complete, beautiful and purposeful religion.

Group participants prepared themselves to answer quiz questions for additional points.

Fatin Akmal served as the emcee for the closing ceremony.

In his welcoming remarks, Ustaz Jais Mariappan explained that the three day course was specifically designed for converts who embraced Islam within the past five years.

In his closing address, Dato’ Nakhaie expressed his hope that all participants will continue seeking knowledge and make full use of the guidance provided.

He also encouraged the participants to strive to become Muslims who are faithful, knowledgeable and morally upright.

Dato Nakhaie presented certificates of participation and tokens of appreciation to the female participants.

New Muslim participants received their certificates and tokens of appreciation from Dato Nakhaie.

Dato Nakhaie presented the fourth place prize to Group 1.

Group 3 received the third place hamper from Dato Nakhaie.

Dato Nakhaie handed the second place hamper to Group 2.

Group 4 posed for a photograph with Dato Nakhaie after receiving the first place hamper.

Participants of the Intensive Fardu Ain Course for New Muslims (Malay Language) posed for a group photo with Dato Nakhaie, the facilitators and the organising committee at the end of the course.