SKOP 18 in Kedah Explores Sacrifice of Hijrah Towards True Independence

by: SRZ

ALOR SETAR, 23 AUGUST 2025 – More than 250 participants attended the Siri Kuliah Dakwah Perdana (SKOP) held at Dewan Dato’ Sheikh Mahmood Naim, Kedah State Zakat Board (LZNK) Menara Zakat, Jalan Teluk Wanjah, here on Saturday morning.

According to Programme Coordinator, Nur Syahirah Musa, the 18th edition of SKOP, themed “The Sacrifice of Hijrah Towards True Independence,” was jointly organised by the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) National, PERKIM Kedah State Division and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP).

She added that attendees included new Muslim converts, members of PERKIM Kedah, Wanita PERKIM Kedah, PERKIM Kuala Muda Branch, as well as students from Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah International Islamic University (UniSHAMS) and Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM).

The programme, held with the cooperation of LZNK, began with the recitation of Asmaul Husna, followed by a prayer led by PERKIM Kuala Muda Branch Chairman, Ustaz Imron Kochem Haji Ahmad, after the welcoming remarks by the emcee, Muhammad Farhan Tee Abdullah, who is also an Officer from the Dakwah and Human Development Unit, PERKIM National.

Chairman of PERKIM Kedah State Division, YBhg Dato’ Haji Abd Rahman Haji Ismail, in his welcoming speech, extended heartfelt gratitude to PERKIM National for their continuous support and guidance, and to MAIWP for co-organising this impactful programme.

He said the forum’s theme carries profound significance as hijrah is not merely a physical migration but a spiritual transformation to draw closer to Allah SWT. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Verily, deeds are judged by intentions.”

Therefore, sincere intention for the sake of Allah renders every sacrifice and challenge meaningful in His sight. This, he explained, is true independence, freedom from sin and a life of purposelessness.

Dato’ Abd Rahman urged new Muslims, students, and the Orang Asli community to seize this opportunity to strengthen their spirit of hijrah and embrace positive transformation.

He expressed hope that SKOP would inspire and guide all participants to remain united and steadfast in the mission of dakwah and to be catalysts for continuous change towards the pleasure of Allah SWT.

PERKIM National Senior Director of Dakwah, YBhg Dato’ Haji Razali Haji Shahabudin, in his officiating speech, expressed gratitude to Allah SWT for allowing this 18th edition of SKOP to take place, with Kedah hosting the event following the previous series held in Melaka two weeks ago.

He stated that the chosen topic aligns with the Ma’al Hijrah and Independence Month celebrations. Hijrah, he explained, is not just a physical movement but a spiritual journey towards Allah’s pleasure, while true independence signifies liberation from the shackles of sin and ignorance.

Dato’ Razali emphasised that SKOP should not merely be listened to but reflected upon and practised, particularly by students, new Muslims, and participants across Malaysia.

He also expressed appreciation to MAIWP for funding SKOP’s implementation nationwide, even though it was originally intended only for the Federal Territories.

He further shared that, in the past, SKOP had invited international speakers and NGOs, but now the focus is on local panelists who can provide relevant insights on current issues.

This SKOP featured speakers from diverse backgrounds Indian, Malay, and Orang Asli while the emcee was from the Chinese community, reflecting PERKIM’s role as an inclusive organisation engaging all segments of society.

“On behalf of the PERKIM Honorary Secretary-General, YBhg Dato’ Dr Mohamad Marzuki Mohamad Omar, I officially declare SKOP Series 18 open, with the hope that it brings significant impact to the community,” said Dato’ Razali in closing his address.

The forum proceeded with a discussion on the theme “The Sacrifice of Hijrah Towards True Independence,” chaired by Ubal Kulim, Assistant Officer from the LZNK Mualaf Development and Social Dakwah Division and Chairman of the Lubuk Legong Orang Asli Village Committee in Baling.

The two panelists were Ustaz Sheikh Mohd Ikmal Hafif Azmi, Religious Officer of Yan District, and Independent Preacher, Ustaz Muhammad Shah Shanmugam.

Ustaz Sheikh Ikmal explained that hijrah is not merely a relocation but a transformation from evil to good and from good to better. He stressed that the Quran remains relevant at all times; thus, the spirit of hijrah must be applied in today’s context.

Among the key focuses of hijrah are moral reform abandoning negative traits such as lying, slander, envy, bullying, and body-shaming, which contradict Islamic teachings.

He also highlighted the need for intellectual migration by freeing oneself from narrow-mindedness, deviant ideologies, and superstitions, and embracing positive thinking based on Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah creed.

Quoting a poem by Dato’ Dr Awang Sariyan, he reminded that true independence begins in the soul, freeing oneself from servitude to mankind towards servitude to Allah.

Ustaz Muhammad Shah Shanmugam, on the other hand, emphasised that hijrah is not a historical event but a continuous process requiring sacrifice and sincerity. He stressed that sacrifices without the right intention for Allah SWT will not succeed.

He illustrated the Prophet’s sacrifice in leaving Makkah upon Allah’s command despite his deep love for the city. Citing the first hadith in Sahih Bukhari, he reminded that deeds are judged by intentions; hence, hijrah must be for Allah, not for worldly reasons.

He shared three signs of sincerity from Sufi scholars: treating praise and criticism equally, remaining steadfast despite trials, and consistency in good deeds.

The forum also discussed the importance of family, education, and community in shaping a generation capable of meaningful hijrah and attaining true independence.

The event concluded with the presentation of special edition PERKIM Qurans by Dato’ Razali to Ustaz Muhammad Mustafa, Head of the LZNK Mualaf Development and Social Dakwah Division, and the panelists, followed by a token of appreciation from Dato’ Abd Rahman to Dato’ Razali.

Also present were PERKIM Kedah Deputy Chairman I, YBhg Tuan Haji Turedy Abdullah; Deputy Chairman II, YBhg Prof Dr Abdul Halim Abdul Majid; PERKIM Kedah Dakwah Officer, Zaatil Hidaayah Bustaman; Assistant Honorary Treasurer Officer, PERKIM National, Mohamad Azrol Mohd Azmi; and PERKIM Kedah Assistant Officer, Hazirah Azmi.

SKOP 18 was held at Kedah State Zakat Board (LZNK), Menara Zakat, Jalan Teluk Wanjah, Alor Setar.

Participants from UniSHAMS registering their attendance.

New Muslim converts of various ethnicities from Alor Setar filling in the attendance forms.

Foundation students from UUM enjoying breakfast after completing registration.

Wanita PERKIM Kedah members from Alor Setar seizing the opportunity to attend the SKOP programme.

Dato’ Abd Rahman (in brown attire) welcoming Dato’ Razali with a handshake upon his arrival.

Guests of honour standing while singing the Asmaul Husna nasheed.

PERKIM Women’s Wing members from Alor Setar collectively reciting the 99 Names of Allah in a nasheed.

Muhammad Farhan Tee Abdullah officially opening the event as the emcee.

The opening prayer led by PERKIM Kuala Muda Branch Chairman, Ustaz Imron Kochem Haji Ahmad.

UUM students raising their hands in prayer as the doa was recited.

Dato’ Abd Rahman delivering his welcoming address as Chairman of PERKIM Kedah during the SKOP session.

Audience attentively listening to the speech.

Dato’ Razali delivering the officiating address on behalf of PERKIM Honorary Secretary-General.

Dato’ Razali expressed his hope that this lecture series provides not only knowledge to be heard but also reflections to be practised.

Audience listening attentively to the address delivered.

(From left:) Ubai, Sheikh Ikmal, and Shah Shanmugam presenting the SKOP forum titled “The Sacrifice of Hijrah Towards True Independence.”

According to Ustaz Sheikh Ikmal, one of the main focuses of hijrah is moral transformation, abandoning negative traits clearly against Islamic teachings.

UniSHAMS students attentively following the forum discussion.

“Hijrah is not merely a historical event, but a continuous process that requires sacrifice and sincerity,” explained Ustaz Shah Shanmugam.

Ustaz Shah stressed that society must hold firmly to the Islamic framework (sibghah Islam) in every aspect of life to achieve true independence through hijrah.

Ustaz Sheikh Ikmal invited the community to return to Allah SWT by strengthening prayers, mastering the Quran, and reinforcing spiritual development.

More than 230 attendees participated in the SKOP held at LZNK Menara Zakat.

Ustaz Shah Shanmugam asserted that Islam is not merely a phrase on the lips but must be understood, practised, and lived in daily life.

The audience seen smiling and laughing as the panelists delivered the lecture with humorous elements.

Dato’ Razali presenting the Special PERKIM Edition Quran as a token of appreciation to Ustaz Sheikh Ikmal.

Ustaz Shah Shanmugam receiving the Special PERKIM Edition Quran from Dato’ Razali.

Ubal receiving a PERKIM souvenir plaque from Dato’ Razali.

Dato’ Razali presenting a PERKIM souvenir plaque to LZNK’s Head of Mualaf Development and Social Dakwah Division, Ustaz Muhammad Mustafa.

Dato’ Abd Rahman presenting a Kedah gift hamper to Dato’ Razali as the event’s officiator.

Guests of honour posing for a group photo with the SKOP panelists.

Guests of honour taking a memorable photo with participants at the end of the programme.