Street Da’wah at Kapitan Keling Mosque Garners Positive Response from Local and International Visitors

by: Mohd. Syahril Rosdi Ahmad Zahudi

GEORGE TOWN, Sept 21, 2025 — The Street Da’wah programme, jointly organised by the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) National Council and the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), with the support of PERKIM Penang State Branch, drew encouraging response at the historic Kapitan Keling Mosque this morning.

Held in conjunction with the Maulidur Rasul month, the event captivated both local communities and foreign tourists, showcasing Islam’s true essence of compassion, kindness and civility.

Programme coordinator, Nur Syahirah Musa said the initiative was designed to deliver the message of Islam in a simple, approachable and heartfelt manner.

“Friendly methods such as distributing souvenirs and Islamic pamphlets resonate better with the public compared to rigid approaches,” she explained.

She added that the programme also aimed to strengthen non-Muslims’ understanding of Prophet Muhammad SAW as a timeless role model, while presenting Islam as a religion of mercy and a comprehensive way of life.

Beyond outreach, Nur Syahirah noted that the initiative offered opportunities for university students and PERKIM volunteers to engage directly with people from diverse backgrounds while learning to deliver dakwah (Islamic outreach) with etiquette and wisdom.

“Such efforts are vital because instead of waiting for people to come to Islam, we go to them with warmth and sincerity,” said Nur Syahirah, who is also PERKIM’s National Dakwah Executive.

She emphasised that Street Da’wah would continue to be strengthened in the future, given its proven positive impact on Islam’s global image.

This year’s programme saw the participation of more than 20 individuals, including PERKIM officials, members of the PERKIM Club at Universiti Sains Malaysia (KPU-USM), and local volunteers. They formed small teams to interact with visitors around the mosque.

Tourists encountered hailed from the United States, Australia, China (Beijing and Shanghai), Japan, South Korea, France and Malaysia’s diverse communities, creating valuable opportunities for interfaith dialogue rooted in tolerance and respect.

Tracing its history, Nur Syahirah noted that Kapitan Keling Mosque was built in the early 19th century by the Indian Muslim community, led by Cauder Mohudeen, known as the “Kapitan Keling.”

With its Mughal architecture and distinctive white dome, the mosque remains both a place of worship and a prominent tourist attraction in George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The mosque’s open policy welcoming non-Muslim visitors to admire its architecture and learn about Islam made it an ideal venue for Street Da’wah.

Joining the outreach on the ground were PERKIM National Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Suariza @ Hidayah Muhammad and PERKIM National Senior Dakwah Executive, YBhg. Dato’ Haji Razali Haji Shahabudin, who mingled with visitors and personally distributed exclusive PERKIM souvenir bags.

Their presence inspired young volunteers to confidently engage with both Malaysians and international tourists.

The souvenir packs contained roses, Islamic brochures about Prophet Muhammad SAW, chocolates and umbrellas in commemoration of Maulidur Rasul.

Dato’ Razali, in his remarks, stressed that dakwah must be conducted with wisdom and a welcoming approach.

“The rose and chocolate symbolise Islam’s gentleness, while the brochures provide guidance on the Prophet’s teachings. Islam is a religion of love, not harshness. When we convey it with a smile and proper manners, people are more open-hearted,” he said.

He also underscored the role of youth as future agents of dakwah, adding that the involvement of USM students proved that Islamic outreach is not solely the responsibility of religious scholars, but also of creative, knowledgeable young people.

One student participant, Nur Muhammad Mohd Jusoh, 22, said the experience gave him newfound confidence in outreach.

“A smile and a simple greeting were enough to start conversations. Many foreign tourists willingly asked more about Islam after receiving the gifts,” he shared.

His peer, Rabiatul Adawiyah Ibrahim, 19, described the event as a valuable opportunity to apply the knowledge learned in university. “It is not just theory in the classroom but a real-life practice in a diverse society,” she said.

Both students agreed that a casual, tourist-friendly approach was far more effective as visitors felt at ease listening to explanations about Islam.

Meanwhile, Siti Nasyrah Rosli, PERKIM Penang’s Dakwah Executive, described this year’s Street Da’wah as among the most successful.

“Foreign tourists and non-Muslim locals gave overwhelmingly positive responses, with many touched by the simple gesture of receiving roses and chocolates.

“This proves that Islam can be introduced through compassion and gentleness while highlighting the Prophet’s birth in Rabiul Awal,” she said, thanking PERKIM National, MAIWP and PERKIM Penang for their close collaboration.

Overall, the event not only enlivened the Maulidur Rasul celebration but also elevated Islam’s image on the international stage.

The strong presence of tourists underscored Penang’s strategic role as a hub to showcase Islam’s beauty.

The half-day programme concluded with a closing prayer led by PERKIM volunteers, as participants dispersed with renewed commitment to continue grassroots dakwah efforts.

Also present were programme secretariat members Ustaz Muhammad Farhan Tee Abdullah, Ustaz Sulaiman Ding Yu Zhong, Mohamad Azrol Mohd Azmi, Umi Musfirah Abdul Ghani, Nur Syahira Ismail and Mualish Shah Haji Mohd Anuar.

Kapitan Keling Mosque served as the venue for PERKIM’s Street Da’wah programme in conjunction with the birth month of Prophet Muhammad SAW.

Dato’ Razali (left) briefing the organising committee on the Street Da’wah programme.

Ustaz Sulaiman Ding greeting and presenting PERKIM souvenirs to Australian tourists while introducing Prophet Muhammad SAW.

Three Australian tourists taking a commemorative photo with the organising committee in front of Kapitan Keling Mosque.

Members of the PERKIM USM Club gaining valuable experience by participating in the Street Da’wah programme.

KPU-USM students presenting PERKIM souvenirs while introducing Prophet Muhammad SAW to local youths.

A tourist from Beijing (third from right) posing for a photo with the organising committee after being introduced to the life of Prophet Muhammad SAW.

Ustaz Sulaiman Ding introducing Prophet Muhammad SAW in Mandarin to a local visitor after handing over a brochure.

Foreign tourists proudly posing with PERKIM volunteers.

A Chinese tourist receiving brochures from Ustaz Sulaiman Ding, who introduced Prophet Muhammad SAW to him.

Ustaz Farhan Tee (left) explaining PERKIM brochures to tourists.

International tourists taking the opportunity to photograph with PERKIM leaders in front of Kapitan Keling Mosque.

Dato’ Razali seeking feedback from KPU-USM members on their experiences during Street Da’wah.

The organising committee together with PERKIM USM Club students posing for a group photo at the close of the programme.