Tamil-Language Fardhu Ain Course Strengthens Faith of Indian Converts

ᵇʸ: ᴹᴼᴴᴰ. ˢʸᴬᴴᴿᴵᴸ ᴿᴼˢᴰᴵ ᴬᴴᴹᴬᴰ ᶻᴬᴴᵁᴰᴵ

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14, 2025 – A total of 21 Indian Muslim converts took part in the three-day Intensive Fardhu Ain Course (Tamil) jointly organised by the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) at the Grand Continental Hotel, Chow Kit.

The programme, which began on Sept 12, focused on essential religious knowledge, practical worship training, motivational talks and spiritual development, serving as a vital platform to help new Muslims better understand Islam and strengthen their faith in the religion they have embraced.

The course was officially opened by PERKIM vice-president and Selangor branch chairman, Ustaz Haji Muhammad Fitri Abdullah, who also delivered an inspiring motivational address in Tamil.

Reminding participants of the temporary nature of worldly life, he stressed that every Muslim must use this opportunity to draw closer to Allah.

“Today we live, but tomorrow we may no longer be here. Do not be deceived by worldly pleasures. Instead, use this life as a means to seek closeness to Allah,” he said.

A convert of Indian descent himself, Ustaz Fitri shared how he was deeply moved by the late Tuan Guru Dato’ Dr Haron Din during a Forum Perdana Ehwal Islam, which led him to embrace Islam in 1991. He emphasised that learning religion requires patience and repetition, as not all knowledge can be fully understood at once.

“If you do not know, ask. I am still learning even after many years as a Muslim. Sometimes what we learn today may be forgotten tomorrow, so we must revise constantly,” he said.

He also reminded participants of the central importance of prayer, which he described not merely as a ritual but as a spiritual strength to face life’s challenges.

Programme coordinator Ustaz Muhammad Jais Mariappan Abdullah explained that the course was conducted in Tamil to ensure easier understanding. Initial lessons included purification, ablution (wuduk), obligatory bathing (ghusl) and basic prayer recitations.

He highlighted that congregational prayer formed an essential part of the training, with loud recitation practiced so that participants could clearly hear and correctly imitate the words.
“Many participants were able to improve their recitations after several congregational prayers,” he said.

Earlier, Ustaz Abdul Ghani Krishana Moorthy, deputy chairman of PERKIM Serendah, delivered a lecture on the Articles of Faith (Rukun Iman), breaking down the six tenets of belief in a simple and relatable manner.

The second day of the course began with dawn prayers led by Ustaz Jais, followed by lectures including one by Ustazah Nur Nazirah Vaniey, an advisory panelist on Islamic creed with the state mufti departments of Selangor, Perak and Penang. She spoke on the Pillars of Islam (Rukun Islam), stressing that the five pillars that is faith declaration, prayer, almsgiving, fasting and pilgrimage, are inseparable foundations of Muslim life.

Later, Ustaz Jais gave a session on purification in Islam, covering taharah, minor and major impurities, ablution, obligatory bathing, dry ablution (tayammum), and methods of cleansing impurities.

Participants also viewed instructional videos before undergoing hands-on practice at the hotel pool, guided by facilitators Ahmad Hasaidi Said, Muhamad Fardly Johan, Safiyya Nur Sakeena Sallehuddin and Farah Irisha Hazlizam.

Practical sessions on prayer movements and recitations were conducted after Asr prayers, helping participants build confidence and accuracy. The evening concluded with a lively Fardhu Ain quiz, reinforcing knowledge of Islamic principles while promoting healthy competition.

Several participants also shared their personal journeys to Islam, some of whom faced opposition from their families but remained steadfast in their choice of faith.

On the final day, dawn prayers were followed by a motivational reminder from Ustaz Jais, who urged participants to view life as a journey towards death and to embrace every moment as an opportunity to perform righteous deeds.

“Tarbiyah is a lifelong process. Challenges are not meant to weaken us, but to test the strength of our faith,” he said.

After breakfast, Ustaz Mohd Naim Islam Abdullah, head of the Converts and Social Development Division of Kedah Zakat Board, delivered a lecture on family management in Islam. He reminded participants that all creation belongs to Allah alone and warned against worshipping anything other than Him.

Ustaz Naim, who embraced Islam at 19 despite family resistance, also serves as chairman of AL-HIDAYAH Kedah, an association for Indian Muslim converts. He stressed that just as the human body needs physical sustenance, the soul requires spiritual nourishment through remembrance of Allah, supplication, and Quran recitation.

He cautioned converts to build households on faith, trust and patience, avoiding slander, dishonesty and external influences that could harm family ties.

“Marriage must be built on mutual understanding and support. Do not allow money, misunderstandings or third-party slander to destroy it. Always return to the Quran and Sunnah for solutions,” he said.

He also advised participants to be careful in choosing life partners and not be swayed by empty promises or mere desires, as ultimately the family and children would bear the consequences.

Before the closing, facilitators assessed participants’ performance in areas such as the Articles of Faith, Pillars of Islam, purification, Quran recitation and prayer movements.

The course concluded with the presentation of participation certificates to all attendees and hampers to the four best groups, followed by a group photograph and farewell lunch.

In his closing address, Ustaz Jais described the course as a solid platform for strengthening religious understanding and Muslim identity among converts.
“The knowledge gained here must be practiced in daily life. Let this be the starting point for a stronger and more steadfast journey of faith,” he said.

He also underlined the importance of continuous guidance so that new Muslims would never feel isolated after embracing Islam.

PERKIM and MAIWP pledged to continue organising similar programmes regularly, citing the positive impact on participants.
“Islam is not merely a religion but a way of life. With the support of the Muslim community and ongoing guidance, converts will grow into faithful and practicing Muslims,” said Ustaz Jais.

Over the course of three days, the Tamil-language Fardhu Ain course demonstrated that systematic religious education delivered in the mother tongue can produce more confident, knowledgeable and committed Muslims.

Among those assisting throughout the course were PERKIM National secretariat members Azura Abdul Rahman and Fatin Akmal Aksah.

Participants collecting their room key cards after registering for the Intensive Fardhu Ain Course for New Muslims (Tamil).

Ustaz Jais Mariappan, programme coordinator delivering the course briefing and introductory session with participants.

Indian Muslim converts attending the intensive Fardhu Ain course organised by PERKIM and MAIWP.

Participants who embraced Islam within the past three years taking part in the Tamil-language Fardhu Ain course.

Ustaz Abdul Ghani Krishna delivering a lecture titled Introduction to the Pillars of Faith.

Ustaz Abdul Ghani Krishna explaining the six basic tenets of faith in a simple and easy-to-understand manner.

Ustaz Fitri, PERKIM Vice President, officiating the Intensive Fardhu Ain Course for New Muslims (Tamil).

Ustaz Fitri also delivering a motivational talk and conducting an interactive session with participants.

Ustaz Fitri stressing that learning religion requires patience and repetition, as not all knowledge can be understood immediately.

Facilitator Ahmad Hasaidi leading congregational prayers with participants.

Ustazah Nazirah Vaniey speaking on the topic Introduction to the Pillars of Islam to participants.

Ustazah Nazirah Vaniey engaging with participants while emphasising that the five pillars of Islam are life’s guide in building noble character.

Ustaz Jais Mariappan also delivering a lecture titled Introduction to Purification in Islam to course participants.

Ustaz Jais Mariappan elaborating on the concept of taharah, the differences between minor and major impurities, methods of ablution, obligatory bathing, dry ablution (tayammum), and purification of impurities.

Participants being shown videos on how to perform ablution and obligatory bathing in accordance with Islamic teachings.

Facilitator Ahmad Hasaidi demonstrating ablution to participants at the swimming pool area.

Course participants practicing ablution under the supervision of facilitators.

Facilitator demonstrating the correct way of washing the face while participants followed along.

Participants performing ablution under the guidance of experienced facilitators.

Participants undergoing practical training on obligatory bathing (ghusl) at the swimming pool area.

After ablution, participants reciting the supplication for ablution guided by facilitators, followed by obligatory bathing practice.

Ustaz Jais Mariappan leading congregational prayers with course participants.

Participants raising their hands in amin to the supplication led by Ustaz Jais Mariappan.

Facilitator Farah Irisha (left) listening to and correcting participants’ recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah.

Safiyya (in white hijab) guiding participants during practical prayer training.

Ahmad Hasaidi (in red shirt) listening to each participant’s recitation of the prayer components.

Fardly Johan (with glasses) listening to participants’ recitations during practical prayer training.

Farah Irisha (left) demonstrating the correct way for women to perform prayer.

Safiyya correcting a participant’s prostration during prayer practice.

“The correct bowing (ruku’) is to bend until the back is straight (almost flat),” explained Fardly to participants.

“During prostration, seven parts of the body must touch the ground,” said Ahmad Hasaidi while correcting a participant’s hand placement.

Anthony sharing his story of embracing Islam after Maghrib prayers.

A light-hearted activity as participants passing the bottles containing Fardhu Ain quiz questions to test their knowledge.

A kids correctly answering quiz questions with accuracy.

“Tests in life are not meant to weaken us, but to measure the strength of our faith,” said Ustaz Jais Mariappan during the dawn (Subuh) reminder.

Ustaz Naim Islam delivering a lecture on Family Management in Islam.

“A household must be built on the foundation of faith, trust and patience,” emphasised Ustaz Naim Islam.

Ustaz Naim reminding participants to be cautious in choosing life partners, not to be deceived by sweet promises that could cause harm to their families.

Participants listening attentively to the advice delivered by Ustaz Naim Islam.

Participants sharing their thoughts and positive experiences from the three-day, two-night course.

Ustaz Jais Mariappan presenting a course participation certificate to a male convert.

A female convert receiving her course participation certificate from Ustaz Jais Mariappan.

Ustaz Jais Mariappan presenting a hamper to the winning group of the Fardhu Ain Quiz.

Participants posing for a group photo with facilitators and organising committee members at the conclusion of the Intensive Fardhu Ain Course for New Muslims (Tamil).