By: SRZ
MELAKA, 16 AUGUST 2025 – More than 220 participants enlivened the Siri Kuliah Dakwah Perdana (SKOP) Forum themed “The Sacrifices of Hijrah Towards True Independence” held at the PERKIM Masjid Tanah Complex, Masjid Tanah, here on Saturday morning.
The audience comprised new Muslim converts, members of PERKIM Masjid Tanah, PERKIM Women’s Division of Melaka, as well as students from Universiti Islam Melaka (UNIMEL) and Universiti Kuala Lumpur – Malaysian Institute of Chemical & Bioengineering Technology (UNIKL-MICET).
The event commenced with a prayer recitation by Muhammad Jais Mariappan Abdullah, Officer of the Dakwah and Human Capital Development Unit, PERKIM Kebangsaan, following the welcoming remarks by the master of ceremony, Muhammad Farhan Tee Abdullah, who is also an officer of the same unit.
In his welcoming address on behalf of the Mufti of the State of Melaka and Chairman of PERKIM Melaka, Sahibus Samahah Datuk Wira Haji Abdul Halim Tawil, Tuan Haji Bahaudin Haji Abdullah, Deputy Chairman II of PERKIM Melaka, expressed his gratitude to PERKIM National for its concern and to the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) for its contributions.
He stressed that such support had greatly assisted activities involving mualaf, the local Muslim community, and university students.
“Forums like this enhance Islamic knowledge among the audience. The theme of SKOP this time, held in conjunction with Merdeka month, is very timely as it explores the meaning of true independence through hijrah, a shift in thinking, action, and transformation towards goodness,” he said.
Haji Bahaudin also extended appreciation to the university representatives in attendance and prayed that the students would be guided with beneficial knowledge. He further thanked PERKIM Masjid Tanah Chairman, Tuan Haji Taib Haji Baba, for providing the hall which enabled the programme to be successfully organised.
The ceremony was further graced by the officiating speech of PERKIM National Senior Director of Dakwah, YBhg Dato’ Haji Razali Haji Shahabudin, representing PERKIM Honorary Secretary-General, Dato’ Dr Haji Mohamad Marzuki Mohamad Omar.
In his speech, Dato’ Razali conveyed warm greetings from Dato’ Dr Marzuki, who could not attend due to his participation in the International Youth Leadership Training 2025 organised by the Regional Islamic Da’wah Council of Southeast Asia and the Pacific (RISEAP) in Sabah with more than 1,200 participants.
Dato’ Razali also acknowledged the collaboration and strong support from MAIWP, which has consistently assisted PERKIM’s dakwah, welfare, and educational initiatives.
He further explained that SKOP, which has been held since 2023, was designed to provide clarity on current issues and a comprehensive understanding of Islam for society.
“Previously, SKOP was only organised in Kuala Lumpur. Now, it has expanded nationwide, and today Melaka is the second location after Negeri Sembilan. This outreach approach allows more layers of society, including students, to deepen their Islamic knowledge,” he said.
He emphasised that the theme of Hijrah and Independence should be seriously reflected upon. “What sacrifices have we made, and what more are we willing to make to achieve true independence? Independence is not merely freedom from colonial rule but also liberation from desires, heedlessness, and ignorance,” he remarked.
Dato’ Razali ended his speech by congratulating PERKIM Melaka for inviting two local universities, UNIKL-MICET and UNIMEL, and reminded students to become dakwah leaders who share their knowledge with fellow peers and the wider community.
The morning-long SKOP session successfully enlightened participants on the significance of Hijrah as a symbol of sacrifice and personal transformation, reaffirming the message that true independence can only be attained through obedience to Allah SWT.
The SKOP forum, themed The Sacrifices of Hijrah Towards True Independence, was moderated by YBhg Dr Suariza @ Hidayah Muhammad, PERKIM National Director of Education and Human Capital Development, and featured two distinguished panelists: YBhg Datuk Haji Rahimin Bani, Chairman of the Dakwah Bureau, Dunia Melayu Dunia Islam (DMDI), and Bro Lim Jooi Soon, Chief Executive Officer of the Interactive Dakwah and Tarbiyah Association (IDT).
The discussion underscored that Hijrah is not merely a historical event but a timeless guide for building resilient Muslim character.
In his presentation, Datuk Rahimin Bani highlighted that the Hijrah of Rasulullah SAW from Makkah to Madinah laid the foundation for the establishment of a complete Islamic society in terms of faith (aqidah), law (syariah), and morals (akhlaq). He reminded that Hijrah does not only mean physical migration, but more importantly, a transformation of mindset, spirituality, and behaviour.
He stressed that in Islam, Hijrah means leaving behind what Allah has forbidden and striving towards righteousness, even if it demands sacrifice. He asserted that the sacrifices of Hijrah lead Muslims to “true independence” – liberation from shirk, selfish desires, and worldly deception, in order to return to being obedient and responsible servants of Allah.
He also urged today’s Muslim community to embrace the spirit of Hijrah as inspiration to strengthen education, unity, and leadership. Just as the companions of the Prophet left their homelands to defend their faith, Muslims today must be willing to migrate out of their comfort zones and complacency towards excellence in knowledge and piety.
Meanwhile, Bro Lim Jooi Soon shared his personal journey in search of religion before embracing Islam as his way of life. He was raised in a family with Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucianist traditions, before turning to Christianity, and finally discovering Islam after studying the truth in the Qur’an.
According to him, verses from the Qur’an, particularly Ayat al-Kursi gave him conviction that Allah SWT is the One and Only God, self-sufficient, whose power never diminishes.
He emphasised that guidance (hidayah) is a gift from Allah, while the role of a daie (caller to Islam) is simply to convey the message of Islam with wisdom. “A daie cannot force or convert someone, but must respond to non-Muslims’ questions with clarity and courtesy so that they may appreciate the beauty of Islam.” His experience demonstrates that wise and thoughtful dakwah can open hearts in Malaysia’s plural society.
Overall, the SKOP forum reaffirmed that Hijrah symbolises sacrifice, change, and struggle that lead Muslims towards spiritual independence. Hijrah teaches liberation from ignorance and worldly distractions, while nurturing individuals, families, and communities towards stronger faith and piety.
The internalisation of Hijrah values is believed to strengthen the well-being of Muslims and contribute to balanced national development in both worldly and spiritual aspects.
Datuk Rahimin stressed that guidance belongs to Allah alone, while human responsibility is to deliver dakwah with sincerity and integrity. He reminded that families, schools, and communities play vital roles in nurturing a knowledgeable, moral, and spiritually free generation.
Early education at home must be prioritised, followed by school support and community involvement to curb social ills and individualism. Datuk Rahimin also emphasised that shaping human character requires continuous tarbiah (education and nurturing), hence dakwah efforts must be carried out consistently.
Bro Lim, meanwhile, shared his experiences in dakwah both domestically and abroad. He observed that challenges in Malaysia differ from those in minority Muslim countries, where locals are often more receptive to learning about Islam due to a thirst for knowledge.
He highlighted that in Malaysia, non-Muslims may be constrained by cultural misconceptions and negative perceptions, whereas abroad they are more open to dialogue. He reiterated that Islam is a religion of knowledge, not blind following, and that religious rulings must be understood through proper methodology and syariah principles.
At the end of the programme, Sahibus Samahah Datuk Wira Haji Abdul Halim Tawil presented PERKIM souvenirs to the SKOP panelists.
This edition of SKOP concluded with the message that dakwah is a collective responsibility that transcends racial and cultural boundaries in pursuit of true independence.
The event ended with a photography session and lunch.
Also present were PERKIM Melaka Honorary Secretary, YBhg Tuan Haji Mohamad Nor Haji Mansor; PERKIM Melaka Honorary Treasurer, YBhg Dr Adam Wong Yun Kang; PERKIM Masjid Tanah Chairman, YBhg Tuan Haji Taib Haji Baba; PERKIM National Dakwah Officer, Nur Syahirah Musa; PERKIM Melaka Executive Officer, Rukiah Sungip; and PERKIM Melaka Youth Council Chairman, Muhammad Shahril Abdul Rahman.
UNIMEL and UniKL-MICET students arrived at the PERKIM Masjid Tanah Complex to attend SKOP.
Students and local community members arrived and registered.
Haji Bahaudin greeted Dato’ Razali upon his arrival at the PERKIM Complex.
Members of PERKIM Masjid Tanah Branch after completing registration.
Farhan Tee delivered the welcoming remarks as the Master of Ceremony.
Muhammad Jais Mariappan led the opening prayer of the event.
The panelists and honoured guests raised their hands in prayer.
Dato’ Razali (left) together with honoured guests joined in the prayer.
Haji Bahaudin said that the organisation of SKOP would enhance participants’ Islamic knowledge on independence and hijrah.
He expressed hope that new Muslims, students, and the local community would be granted divine guidance and beneficial knowledge.
Dato’ Razali emphasised that the theme of Hijrah and Independence should be seriously reflected upon.
Dato’ Razali congratulated PERKIM Melaka for inviting UNIKL-MICET and UNIMEL and expressed hope that the students would become dakwah leaders.
Dr Suariza, as the moderator, opened the SKOP session on The Sacrifices of Hijrah Towards True Independence.
According to Dr Suariza, independence and hijrah are not merely historical events but timeless guidance for building resilient Muslim character.
UniKL-MICET and UNIMEL students listened attentively to the SKOP presentations.
More than 220 participants attended the Siri Kuliah Dakwah Perdana organised by PERKIM and MAIWP.
Dato’ Rahimin reminded that hijrah does not merely mean relocating, but more importantly a transformation of mind, spirituality, and attitude.
Members of PERKIM Masjid Tanah Branch listening to the SKOP forum.
Some non-Muslim students were also present to listen to the SKOP discussions.
Lim Jooi Soon shared his personal journey in seeking religion before embracing Islam as his way of life.
According to Lim Jooi Soon, Ayat al-Kursi gave him conviction that Allah SWT is the One and Only God.
Sahibus Samahah Dato’ Wira Abdul Halim attended to listen to the SKOP session.
Dato’ Wira Abdul Halim presented a PERKIM plaque souvenir to Dato’ Rahimin.
Lim Jooi Soon received a Special Edition PERKIM Qur’an from Dato’ Wira Abdul Halim.
Dato’ Wira Abdul Halim presented a PERKIM plaque souvenir to Tuan Haji Taib.
The honoured guests posed for a photo with the SKOP panelists.
The honoured guests posed for a photo with participants who supported the SKOP Forum on The Sacrifices of Hijrah Towards True Independence.
