PERKIM’s Chiang Rai Mission: 50 Muslim Converts Circumcised in Spirit of Brotherhood

ᵇʸ: ᴹᴼᴴᴰ. ˢʸᴬᴴᴿᴵᴸ ᴿᴼˢᴰᴵ ᴬᴴᴹᴬᴰ ᶻᴬᴴᵁᴰᴵ

CHIANG RAI, October 14, 2025 — “This is the true essence of dakwah, to go down to the ground, climb the mountains, and guide people with compassion.”

Those were the heartfelt words of the Vice President of the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM), Dr Haji Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, who led the PERKIM Jaulah Dakwah and Mass Circumcision Program 2025 at Madrasah Yayasan As-Siddiqin, Mae Pao, recently.

The three-day programme, held from October 12 to 14, saw more than 50 muallaf (newly converted Muslim) children from various ethnic minorities in northern Thailand, including the Hmong, Akha, Muser, Lahu, Lisu, Yao, and Karen, undergo circumcision through a modern laser method.

Conducted professionally by 20 doctors and medical volunteers from MediCOM Malaysia, Yayasan Amal Malaysia (Kedah), and Jariyatham Ruampat Krabi Hospital (JRH), the ceremony was meticulously organised across eight treatment stations to ensure smooth and safe procedures.

According to Dr Ridhuan Tee, the event was far more than a medical initiative, it symbolised the spirit of cross-border dakwah and the enduring Islamic brotherhood between Malaysia and the Muslim minority in northern Thailand.

“This is not merely a medical ceremony but a symbol of unity and compassion among Muslims. We come not to show off, but to serve, share, and help,” he said.

He stressed that the dakwah approach based on love and personal engagement was vital in cultivating genuine Islamic understanding among remote communities.

“These children live deep in the mountains, much like the Orang Asli in Malaysia, yet their hearts are close to Islam. They are the seeds of future dakwah who will one day carry the message of Islam across Southeast Asia,” he added with hope.

During the emotional yet joyous ceremony, the children of Yayasan As-Siddiqin displayed courage and cheerfulness as they underwent circumcision despite their humble surroundings a reflection, said Dr Ridhuan, of their pure-hearted determination to embrace Islamic life.

“Circumcision is not just a religious duty, but the beginning of a Muslim’s journey in cleanliness, discipline, and faith. From here, they learn the meaning of sacrifice and obedience to Allah SWT,” he said.

As a gesture of care and solidarity, Dr Ridhuan Tee personally handed over small cash tokens and hygiene kits to each participant.

“The gifts may be small, but their meaning is great for these children who live far from their families. We want them to know that Muslims in Malaysia remember and care for them — this is the real meaning of ukhuwah Islamiah (Islamic brotherhood),” he remarked.

Beyond the circumcision programme, the students were also given practical and theoretical training in funeral management (fardu kifayah) at the As-Siddiqin Mosque, strengthening their understanding of communal responsibilities in Islam.

“We want them not only to know how to read the Qur’an but also to understand their duty towards the ummah,” Dr Ridhuan said.

Adding to the excitement, PERKIM organisers Ustaz Muhammad Farhan Tee Abdullah and Mohd Aizat Rosli coordinated sports and recreational sessions in the afternoon, including football for boys and volleyball for girls.

“Sports are not just for entertainment, but a platform to build discipline, teamwork, and unity,” Ustaz Farhan noted.

Later, the PERKIM delegation, medical teams, and volunteers joined a sharing session led by Ustaz Usman Che Din, Mudir (Principal) of Yayasan As-Siddiqin, who recounted the inspiring history behind the establishment of the foundation.

According to Ustaz Usman, the Yayasan As-Siddiqin was founded more than 30 years ago in the remote highlands once inhabited by the mountain tribes known locally as Orang Bukit or Cao Doi.

These groups, he explained, were ethnic minorities who had migrated from China due to political unrest and communist threats, later settling in the border regions between Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand.

“Back then, most of the people here practised animism, while some were influenced by Christianity. Only a few knew about Islam,” he recalled.

The turning point came when a young man named Yaakob embraced Islam after meeting an imam in the Dayak district. His conversion sparked the spread of Islam among the Orang Bukit. Yaakob returned to his village and began preaching patiently and wisely.

“From one convert to two, then to dozens, that is the miracle of Allah’s guidance,” Ustaz Usman said with emotion.

His efforts were later continued by Tabligh missionaries from Bangkok, including Ustaz Usman himself, who arrived in Chiang Rai at the age of 18.

“When we first came, there were no schools, no suraus, only forests and small huts. But our passion to spread Islam was stronger than our challenges,” he recounted.

From that humble beginning, the Madrasah and Yayasan As-Siddiqin have grown into a beacon of Islamic education for children of various mountain tribes. Today, the foundation not only offers religious and academic studies but also provides hostels, welfare services, and dakwah outreach for surrounding communities.

“If no one had brought Islam here, perhaps until today, these villages would still be in darkness. Alhamdulillah, now every village has a surau, and children can read the Qur’an — this is the result of decades of perseverance and help from our Malaysian brothers,” said Ustaz Usman.

The Jaulah Dakwah and Mass Circumcision 2025 programme, jointly organised by PERKIM, Yayasan As-Siddiqin, Yayasan Amal Malaysia (Kedah), MediCOM Malaysia, and JRH Thailand, stood as a symbol of dakwah synergy and Islamic solidarity between Malaysia and Thailand.

Dr Ridhuan Tee emphasised that such initiatives were not mere annual events but long-term dakwah strategies to strengthen ties between the two nations through education, healthcare, and welfare.

“We come with a message of mercy. Every visit brings knowledge shared, lives touched, and hearts connected,” he said.

He further urged Muslims in Malaysia to continue praying for the strength of daie (missionaries) who serve in foreign lands, describing them as heirs to the prophetic mission.

“Imagine these young boys we circumcised today, in ten or twenty years, will become imams, teachers, and preachers carrying Islam to the highest mountain peaks,” he said with conviction.

For PERKIM, this mission reflects its ongoing commitment to field dakwah efforts beyond Malaysia, especially among Muslim minority communities abroad.

Dr Ridhuan reiterated that true dakwah should not remain confined within mosques or lecture halls but be practised holistically encompassing education, welfare, health, and character development.

“Real dakwah doesn’t happen on stage it lives here, among the people, when we walk beside them, nurture them, and teach with love,” he affirmed.

He concluded with a heartfelt prayer:

“May every small effort we make be accepted by Allah SWT and serve as a continuation of the Prophet’s mission. May Allah bless our steps and count them as righteous deeds, Insya-Allah.”

The event ended harmoniously with the children of Yayasan As-Siddiqin performing nasheed renditions of “Allah-Allah Aghisna Ya Rasulullah” and “Allahummarhamna Bil Quran” as a gesture of gratitude to the guests and volunteers.

Also present were Tuan Haji Abdullah Othman, Co-Founder of Yayasan As-Siddiqin, and Ustaz Azatul Ridzuan Hassan, Founder of Jom Buat Baik.

The PERKIM Jaulah Dakwah and Mass Circumcision 2025 not only left a profound impact on the mountain children of Chiang Rai but also reminded the world that Islam’s power to unite transcends language, ethnicity, and borders when dakwah is carried out with love, wisdom, and sincerity.

Dr Ridhuan Tee with the children of Madrasah Yayasan As-Siddiqin who were about to undergo circumcision.

Dr Ridhuan Tee shares a light moment with the As-Siddiqin children before the circumcision session begins.

Dr Ridhuan Tee observes one of the As-Siddiqin boys undergoing the circumcision procedure.

Dr Ridhuan Tee at the As-Siddiqin Hall, where the madrasah children were undergoing the circumcision process.

Volunteers from Yayasan Amal Malaysia (Kedah), MediCOM Malaysia and Jariyatham Ruampat Krabi Hospital conducting the circumcision procedure for the As-Siddiqin children.

Eight treatment stations were set up to ensure the procedure was carried out smoothly and safely.

The mass circumcision ceremony was professionally managed by 20 doctors and medical personnel.

As-Siddiqin boys who had completed their laser circumcision were given time to rest in a section of the hall.

A theoretical and practical training session on funeral management was also held at As-Siddiqin Mosque.

As-Siddiqin children being taught the proper way to shroud a deceased body.

Dr Ridhuan Tee, together with the As-Siddiqin children, observes a demonstration on Islamic funeral management.

The fully shrouded body is carefully tied and secured.

Ustaz Usman shares the history of the establishment of Yayasan As-Siddiqin with the visiting guests and medical volunteers.

Dr Ridhuan Tee, Ustaz Farhan Tee, and the medical volunteers listen attentively to Ustaz Usman’s presentation.

As-Siddiqin children perform a nasheed rendition of “Allah-Allah Aghisna Ya Rasulullah.”

The children of As-Siddiqin deliver another heartfelt nasheed performance, “Allahummarhamna Bil Quran.”

Dr Ridhuan Tee presents contributions to the As-Siddiqin children who had completed their circumcision.

Children who underwent circumcision received special tokens of appreciation from Dr Ridhuan Tee, PERKIM Deputy President.

Dr Ridhuan Tee and Ustaz Farhan Tee pose with some of the children who had successfully completed the circumcision.

Volunteers from Yayasan Amal Malaysia (Kedah) and MediCOM take a group photo with Dr Ridhuan Tee at the end of the programme.

As-Siddiqin children pose together with the medical volunteers at the conclusion of the event.

Volleyball remains a favourite sport among the As-Siddiqin girls.

Football is one of the most popular activities among the children of Yayasan As-Siddiqin.