Prophet Muhammad SAW: Reflection of True Character – PERKIM’s SKOP-20 Draws Over 200 Participants in Penang
ᵇʸ: ᴹᴼᴴᴰ. ˢʸᴬᴴᴿᴵᴸ ᴿᴼˢᴰᴵ ᴬᴴᴹᴬᴰ ᶻᴬᴴᵁᴰᴵ
PENANG, SEPTEMBER 20, 2025 – In conjunction with the month of Rabiul Awal and the commemoration of Maulidur Rasul SAW, the An-Nur Grand Hall at Kompleks Darul Hidayah, Permatang Tok Gelam, Penaga, this morning played host to the 20th edition of the Siri Kuliah Dakwah Perdana (SKOP), carrying the theme “Prophet Muhammad SAW: Reflection of the True Muslim Character.”
Jointly organised by the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), the programme brought together more than 200 participants, including new Muslim converts of diverse backgrounds, residents of Kompleks Darul Hidayah, members of PERKIM Kuala Muda Branch, as well as members of various other branches across the state.
Adding vibrancy to the event were undergraduates from PERKIM Clubs of Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah (UniSHAMS) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), who showed their support towards strengthening Islamic understanding and the propagation of da’wah among multi-layered communities.
The event was also strongly supported by PERKIM Penang State Branch and the Penang Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JAIPP), which provided facilities, manpower and coordination to ensure the smooth running of the gathering.
The 20th SKOP commenced with opening remarks from PERKIM National Da’wah Executive, Nur Syahirah Musa, who underscored the importance of nurturing love for Prophet Muhammad SAW through knowledge-sharing.
The ceremony was further blessed with a prayer recital led by fellow PERKIM National Da’wah Executive, Ustaz Sulaiman Ding Yu Zhong, seeking Allah’s grace for the event to bring meaningful benefits to all attendees.
A welcoming address was then delivered by PERKIM Penang State Chairman, Dr. Amin Malik Shah Abdul Majid, who stressed that holding SKOP in Penang was highly significant as the state is known for its multicultural and multi-faith society, making da’wah efforts a vital necessity.
He emphasised that programmes such as SKOP must be continuously strengthened, as they not only guide new Muslims in understanding the fundamentals of Islam but also foster unity among Muslims from diverse backgrounds.
Dr. Amin also extended his gratitude to PERKIM National, MAIWP and JAIPP for their full support in realising the 20th SKOP.
“With the sharing of knowledge from distinguished panellists and the strong backing from multiple quarters, SKOP-20 does not merely ignite love for Prophet Muhammad SAW, but also reinforces our resolve to emulate him as the true reflection of Muslim character,” he said.
The officiating ceremony was graced by PERKIM National Senior Da’wah Executive, Dato’ Haji Razali Haji Shahabudin, who expressed gratitude that SKOP could be successfully held in Penang, following earlier editions in Kedah and Melaka.
He conveyed warm regards from PERKIM Honorary Secretary General, Dato’ Dr. Haji Mohamad Marzuki Mohamad Omar, who was unable to attend due to unavoidable commitments.
Dato’ Razali explained that SKOP has long been PERKIM’s signature platform to reach out directly to communities across states with knowledge-sharing and da’wah.
“The continuation of this lecture series proves PERKIM’s steadfast commitment in connecting Islamic knowledge, experience and exemplary values with the people,” he remarked.
On this year’s theme, he stressed that Prophet Muhammad SAW epitomises the true character of a Muslim, a timeless model to be emulated across generations.
“The Prophet’s life story should not only be reflected upon during the month of Maulidur Rasul but must serve as a lifelong guide,” he emphasised.
Dato’ Razali also acknowledged Yayasan Taqwa MAIWP for its contribution of RM10,000 to fund medical equipment for new Muslims in Penang, including patient beds, wheelchairs and walking aids – assistance which he said would ease the burden of the underprivileged and converts in need.
He then officially launched the 20th SKOP with the invocation of Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.
Also present were PERKIM National Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Suariza Hidayah Muhammad; PERKIM Penang Deputy Chairman I, Dato’ Haji Shariful Azhar Othman; and PERKIM Penang Honorary Secretary, Dr. Abdul Bahrin Riad Abdullah.
Their presence underscored the collective commitment to strengthening the da’wah agenda at both state and national levels.
The highlight of SKOP-20 was a da’wah forum themed “Prophet Muhammad SAW: Reflection of the True Muslim Character”, moderated by PERKIM National Da’wah Executive, Ustaz Muhammad Farhan Tee Abdullah.
The panel featured Dato’ Haji Kamarudin Abdullah, President of the International Islamic Propagation Society (IPSI), alongside independent preacher Ustaz Muhammad Miqdad Mohamad Jan.
Dato’ Kamarudin opened his discourse with a prayer and tribute to the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, PERKIM’s founder, whose pioneering efforts in da’wah remain etched in memory. He praised the indispensable role of women in PERKIM’s growth, likening them to Khadijah and Aisyah during the Prophet’s era.
He highlighted that the Prophet’s very life was the greatest miracle, as stated by classical scholar Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, surpassing even famous miracles such as the splitting of the moon, Isra’ Mi’raj and water flowing from his fingers.
Dato’ Kamarudin stressed that true love for Allah must be translated into obedience to the Prophet, citing Surah Ali ‘Imran, verse 31. He cautioned that current Maulidur Rasul celebrations often focus only on processions or talks, whereas living the Prophet’s Sunnah – even a simple smile regarded as charity – holds far greater value.
He also recalled the Prophet’s uncompromising stance when offered wealth, power and women by the Quraysh to abandon da’wah, reminding Muslims today to embody such firmness, especially in defending Palestine.
Touching on the Prophet’s rejection at Taif, where he endured insults and injuries, Dato’ Kamarudin highlighted the Prophet’s humility in attributing the rejection to his own shortcomings, and his compassion in praying for Taif’s descendants to embrace Islam rather than condemning the city.
“Only by following the Prophet will we attain the love of Allah,” he concluded, urging Muslims to adopt the Prophet’s forgiving nature, patience and steadfastness in upholding Islam.
Meanwhile, Ustaz Miqdad built upon Dato’ Kamarudin’s points, stressing that Prophet Muhammad SAW never yielded to worldly temptations of power, wealth and women but remained resolute in his divine mission.
He also reflected on how true love is grounded in faith and piety, contrasting it with worldly desires. Quoting Surah al-Ahzab verse 21, he reminded that the Prophet is the ultimate role model for humanity, and cited the hadith: “I was sent to perfect noble character.”
He further highlighted Surah al-Ahzab verse 56, underscoring the Prophet’s unparalleled honour whereby even Allah and His angels send blessings upon him.
Ustaz Miqdad urged Muslims to demonstrate genuine love for the Prophet through three means: first, by sending abundant salutations (selawat); second, by practising the Sunnah in all aspects of life, from major rituals to daily etiquette; and third, by safeguarding and elevating Islam, as the Prophet declared, “Islam is supreme and nothing surpasses it.”
He warned that today’s adversaries of Islam seek not to demolish mosques but to erode the Prophet’s character from the hearts of Muslims – making the revival of the Sunnah the community’s strongest defence.
“Love for the Prophet must not remain mere words but must be proven through actions, sacrifices and steadfastness in upholding Islam in everyday life,” he concluded.
The programme also saw Dato’ Razali presenting commemorative plaques to both panellists, while PERKIM National CEO, Dr. Suariza, handed over a RM10,000 mock cheque from Yayasan Taqwa MAIWP to Dr. Amin Malik for healthcare assistance to new Muslims and the underprivileged in Penang.
The event concluded with a group photography session with invited guests, participants and university students, followed by a luncheon.
The secretariat registered participants comprising new Muslims, PERKIM members and university students.
Nur Syahirah chaired the 20th SKOP at the An-Nur Grand Hall, Kompleks Darul Hidayah, Penang.
Sulaiman Ding led the opening prayer of the ceremony.
Participants raised their hands in supplication during the prayer.
Dr. Amin Malik, Chairman of PERKIM Penang State Branch, delivered the welcoming address at SKOP-20.
Dato’ Razali delivered the officiating speech on behalf of PERKIM Honorary Secretary General, YBhg. Dato’ Dr. Marzuki Omar.
The audience attentively listened to the officiating address.
Ustaz Farhan Tee moderated SKOP-20 under the theme “Prophet Muhammad SAW: Reflection of the True Muslim Character.”
New Muslims and tahfiz students also listened to the forum session.
Dato’ Kamarudin offered prayers and conveyed appreciation to PERKIM’s founder, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman, whose contributions to da’wah remain remembered to this day.
Distinguished guests listened and reflected upon the SKOP presentations.
PERKIM members also joined in appreciating the knowledge shared during the 20th SKOP.
Dato’ Kamarudin urged Muslims to truly emulate Prophet Muhammad SAW in da’wah, to be forgiving, and to remain patient.
According to Ustaz Miqdad, Prophet Muhammad SAW demonstrated that he never succumbed to the temptations of wealth, women or power, but remained steadfast in delivering Allah’s message.
Ustaz Miqdad called on Muslims to increase their salutations (selawat), deepen their understanding of the Sunnah, and love Prophet Muhammad SAW through three true signs of love.
New Muslims listened attentively while taking notes of the knowledge shared.
Dato’ Razali presented a commemorative plaque and a special PERKIM edition of the Qur’an to Dato’ Kamarudin.
Ustaz Miqdad received a PERKIM commemorative plaque from Dato’ Razali.
Dr. Suariza handed over a mock cheque from Yayasan Taqwa MAIWP for medical equipment assistance to the underprivileged, to Dr. Amin Malik.
Distinguished guests had the opportunity to pose for photographs with the SKOP-20 panellists.
PERKIM dignitaries posed for a group photo together with participants.
PERKIM Penang leadership took a commemorative photograph with members of PERKIM Clubs from UniSHAMS and USM.
New Muslims enjoyed the buffet luncheon provided.
