Dakwah Approach of Government and Non-Government Agencies in Addressing The Challenges of Muallaf in The State of Johor

Abstract

Issues concerning muallaf in Malaysia include difficulties with funerals, arguments over religious status, fraudulent registrations, disagreements on the Islamization of children under 18, and conflicts over inheritance. These have garnered widespread attention in print media and online platforms. Nevertheless, the elements contributing to the issue are mostly focused on the legal side rather than the technique of dakwah. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine the dakwah strategy employed by both governmental and non-governmental organizations in tackling the challenges faced by the converts in the State of Johor. Qualitative methods employing sampling techniques are designed to acquire comprehensive and intricate data. The structured interview method comprises six informants, specifically the officers on duty at JAIJ and the NGOs engaged. The study's findings indicate that the collaboration between dakwah organizations MAINJ and JAIJ with NGOs aligns with the recommended method of dakwah approach by the Prophet PBUH (Zikmal Fuad et al., 2019) and is consistent with the approach outlined by PERKIM. This approach aims to ensure that dakwah is disseminated positively to Muslims, avoiding continuous systematic educators, and prioritizing the welfare of muallaf from social, psychological, and legal perspectives. Nevertheless, there is a noticeable neglect in prioritizing the act of spreading religious teachings through social media platforms using cutting-edge technology. This matter deserves serious consideration from MAINJ, JAIJ, and relevant NGOs to ensure that the conversion of new Muslims can have a significant influence in the ever-growing internet-driven globalization of society. Ultimately, a comprehensive strategy that integrates aspects of consciousness, cooperation among all stakeholders, and maximizing the utilization of social media can undeniably have a more significant influence in tackling the obstacles faced by muallaf individuals in the State of Johor.