Contempory full book with cover

ISLAMIC CONTEMPORARY ISLAMIC CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN SOCIAL SCIENCE
ISSUES

in SOCIAL SCIENCES

This book contains selected research papers which submitted to
the 3rd International Social Science Conference - Islamic Thought
& Understansing (ISSCITU 2018), organised by University
Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Perlis and The Office of The Sultam Haji
Ahmad Shah Mosque, International Islamic University Malaysia. It
addresses the ideas of promoting peaceful Islam and strengthen-
ing the spiritual dimentions of faith and practice. Hence, the book
focuses on the role of Islamic institutions in rejuvenating for Mus-
lims discussions on contemporary issues, challenges and solu-
tions.

IIUM Press
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ISLAMIC CONTEMPORARY
ISSUES

in SOCIAL SCIENCES

Edited by:
Akmal Khuzairy Abd. Rahman
Abdul Salam Muhammad Shukri
Raudlotul Firdaus Fatah Yasin
Azhar Abdul Rahman
Azlan Abd Aziz





Edited by
Akmal Khuzairy Abd Rahman
Abdul Salam Muhammad Shukri
Raudlotul Firdaus Fatah Yasin

Azhar Abdul Rahman
Azlan Abd Aziz

IIUM
Press
Gombak • 2018

First Print, 2018
© IIUM Press, IIUM
IIUM Press is a member of the Majlis Penerbitan Ilmiah Malaysia - MAPIM
(Malaysian Scholarly Publishing Council)
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in
a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without any prioir written
permission of the publisher.

Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia Cataloguing-in-Publication Data

ISBN 978-967-491-008-2

Published & Printed in Malaysia by
IIUM Press

International Islamic University Malaysia
P.O. Box 10, 50728 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

CONTENTS

Preface xi
Introduction xii

PART I : ISSUES ON MUSLIM CONVERTS

Chapter 1 Economic Empowerment of the Chinese 1
Muslim Community in Malaysia: Challenges,
Opportunities and Prospects 21
Salina Kassim, Raudlotul Firdaus Fatah Yasin, 45
Johari Yap & Taufiq Yap Yun Hin 61

Chapter 2 Managing New Muslims: Understanding
Issues and Challenges in Malaysia, A
Literature Review.

Sharifah Hayaati Syed Ismail al-Qudsy

Chapter 3 Religious Tolerance and Freedom Among
Chinese Muslims Converts in Malaysia.

Noor Azlan Mohd Noor

Chapter 4 The Role of Chinese Muslims in Islamisation
of Malaysia: Expectations and Challenges

Mek Wok Mahmud, Sayed Sikandar Shah
Haneef & Raudlotul Firdaus Fatah Yasin

PART II : LEGAL ISSUES AND ISLAM

Chapter 5 Embarking the Role of Women Leadership 87
and Women Empowerment in Pondok
Institution: Case Study of Pondok Pesantren,
Yayasan Al-Qodiri and Yayasan Darussholah,
Jember Indonesia

'Ainatul Fathiyah Abdul Rahi & Mohamad
Zaini Abu Bakar

Chapter 6 Dispute Resolution During the Classical 99
Islamic Period and Family, Dispute Resolution
Chapter 7 in the Shari'ah Courts in Malaysia
Chapter 8
'Ain Husna Mohd Arshad, Roslina Che Soh@

Yusoff & Najibah Mohd Zain

Islamic Family Law Reform in Indonesia 122
Perspective Maqasid Shariah Jasser Auda

Muhammad Ali MurtAdlo

Legal Issues Surrounding Chinese Converts in 141
Malaysia : An Appraisal

Chapter 9 Najibah Mohd Zin, Nora Abdul Hak & Mek 163
Wok Mahmud
Legal Rights of Chinese Muslims in the Case
of Conversion to Islam in Malaysia : With
Preference To Family Law Issues

Nora Abdul Hak, Najibah Mohd Zin & Mek 200
Wok Mahmud
Chapter 10 Married to a Prisoner: The Islamic
Legal Remedy on Husband’s Imprisonment

Tengku Fatimah Muliana Tengku Muda, 211
Azizah Mohd & Noraini Md. Hashim
Chapter 11 Misconduct Offenses Provision in the Sharia
Criminal Enactment: Kelantan and Penang
States Analysis

Mohd Farok Mat Nor, Nor'Adha Abdul
Hamid & Azizah Mat Rashid

PART III : ISSUES ON ISLAM AND ECONOMY 227
Chapter 12 Alternative Models of Waqf-Based Takaful 253
Products for Flood Victims in Malaysia:
Practitioners’ Perspectives
Marhanum Che Mohd Salleh, Salina Kassim,
Siti Salwani Razali, Nor Azizan Che Embi &
Nan Noorhidayu Megat Laksana
Chapter 13 Increasing the Effectiveness of Zakat
Distribution with CIBEST Model

Novitasari, Sherrindra Avendta & Nurul

Hidayah

Chapter 14 Entrepreneurial Zakat Distribution 264
Procedures (PUASMA) for Entrepreneurs
Asnaf in Terengganu

Zainuddin Zakaria, Mohd Sabri Abdul Ghafar,

Rohana Yusoff, Mohd Ariff Kamaludin &

Azian Abdul Ghani

Chapter 15 Exploring Potentials of iREITs as an 281
Instrument to Develop Waqf Assets

Roslili Ramlee, Nor Azizan Che EMbi & Salina

Kassim

Chapter 16 Flood Victims’ Preferences Towards Takaful 301
Flood Coverage: An Analysis Based on
Structural Equation Modelling

Marhanum Che Mohd Salleh & Nurdianawati

Irwani Abdullah

Chapter 17 Indebtedness among Young Muslims in 319
Malaysia: Review of the Extant Literature

Anita Md Shariff, Muhammad Irwan &

Mustafa Omar Mohammed

Chapter 18 Issues, Challenges and Strengths of the 339
Halal Logistics in Malaysia

Syuhaida Idha Abd Rahim, Mohd Dasuqkhi

Mohd Sirajuddin, Siti Khurshiah Mohd

Mansor & Nur Hidayah Zainal

Chapter 19 Marketing Tools at a Fraction of Cost 348
Baderisang Mohamed 359

Chapter 20 The Influence of Food Quality, Service 381
Quality, Fair Price and Customer Satisfaction 395
on Re-Patronage Intention Towards Halal
Certified Restaurants 408
Dahlan Abdullah, Shaira Ismail, Baderisang 419
Mohamed & Ainatul Mardiah Mohamed
Rostum 438
457
PART IV : GENERAL CONTEMPORARY ISLAMIC
ISSUES

Chapter 21 An Overview on Female Leadership in Islam
Sajeda Homaira

Chapter 22 Digital Presence of Academic Scholars: A
Case of Universiti Teknologi MARA, Perlis
Branch, Malaysia

Azrul Abdullah, Mohamad Fadhili Yahaya
& Mazlee Mohd Nor
Chapter 23 Full Reserve System as an Alternative of
Current System: Views And Concept
Zuriyati Ahmad & Abdul Ghafar Ismail
Chapter 24 Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar and Their
Experience of Long-Term Unending Pains:
Aspects of Human Rights Problem
Osman Chuah Abdullah, Raudlotul Firdaus
binti Fatah Yasin, Abdul Salam Muhamad
Shukri & Fakhrullah Zulkipli
Chapter 25 Studying Maqasid Surah Al- Hajj And Its
Influence in Solving the Moral Decay
Ruqaia Alalwani
Chapter 26 The Awareness of Reading Culture in
Kuching, Sarawak: Roles of Mosque Libraries
Suhaida Halamy & Nurfaizah Kamarudin

Chapter 27 An Online Survey on Gaming Addiction 466

Ahmad Izzat Ahmad Tajjudin, Shahrul Nizam

Ahmad Zamzali & Hajar Mohd Salleh Sahimi

Chapter 28 The Islamic Concept of Globalization 479
Guarantees Justice and Universal Brotherhood

M.A.M.H Barry

References 505
Contributors 546



PREFACE

The rigidity of science has allowed Islam to take part in bridging the
gap to link the plain world and God’s divinity. The essentiality of both
mechanisms has uplifted Muslims into a great civilization, catering
towards the emergence of modern Islamic culture, beautified by the
art of spiritual science. The concept of Ijtihad has brought the whole
new perspective to view science under the light of Islam to find the
connecting aspect of science heritage and spiritual obligation.

On the verge of finding the remedy in between the tangible
and the spiritual aspects has sparked ingenuity towards establishing
notable findings through encompassing use cases. International Science
Conference: Islamic Thought & Understanding (ISSCITU 2018) will
be the centre stage for individuals to pinpoint the consolidating theories
and concepts of science through Islamic viewpoint, moulding ideas to
refine the well-established life etiquette and practices towards achieving
the ultimate truth.

ISSCITU 2018 will be a benchmark for the scholars from
Islamic studies to explore more perspectives related to the science of
humanity. The studies presented in this conference should be a proof
that values brought through Islam are a necessity to cater issues related
to the humanity. Apart from that, the hybrid between scientific and
Islamic studies should be glorified as a milestone in Islamic scholarship.
Qur’an and As-Sunnah are definitely the absolute reference for Muslim
but with the injection of science into the exploration, the findings would
be more compelling to notice by the society.

Mahmood Zuhdi Hj. Abdul Majid



INTRODUCTION

This book is a compilation of articles on some of the Islamic
Contemporary Issues in Social Sciences in Malaysia in particular and
the rest of the world to benefit the general public, the academia and
perhaps the relevant policy makers analyzed from the perspectives of
the academics who have been keen on understanding and explaining
these issues from a number of aspects among them are the legal and
economy aspects in addition to various other generic issues.

Compiling such views from the academia is significant to mark
the contribution of the academia in discussing issues in the manner akin to
their profession objectively and without succumbing to the subjectivity,
emotion and bias that usually taint the public discourse on the matter. The
voice of the academics seldom gets the center stage attention because
of the assumed public attitude that hungers for sensation. Instead of
finding a more objective input to explain the issues, the media, in its
hype to put another log in the fire, helps no more except in stirring
uncertainty and confusion. Unfortunately, the issues, if not treated and
given their due explanation will only bring the society to a new level of
distrust among its members. In the context of Malaysian society, with
its multi-racial and multi-religions set up, as one senior politician once
remarked, we have managed to achieve racial and religious tolerance
but have yet to enjoy racial and religious harmony. Any issue that cuts
across the various ethnicities that are deemed sensitive would be easily
prejudiced as not having the merit to be solved in the manner that would
be appreciated by all. The unfortunate gambling on these issues by
some short of popularity politicians would only aggravate the situation.
Such is the situation of these issues which have become conundrums in
the multi-racial and multi-religious society.

xiv Introduction

Issues concerning co-existence with others will continue to
crop up as Muslims in this era have been a growing group of minorities
in many societies in West. But in the Muslim majority societies such
as Malaysia, the concern of other minority non-Muslim societies never
cease to pose new challenges to policy makers, leaders and academics. In
addition to this physical sphere of co-existence, there is the abstract co-
existence between Islam as a system of belief and the modern concepts
and philosophies. Both types of co-existence need to be carefully
discussed to make the responses of the Muslim society relevant to the
modern context. The failure to address this gap will result in isolationist
views that would alienate Islam from being relevant.

The issue of Muslim converts begs the attention of the academics
as it touches on many aspects of the legal system in Malaysia. The legal
tussle between the rights of the converts and their children or spouses
have been cropping up from time to time in Malaysia. The absence of the
legal provision to allow converting out from Islam is another challenge
for those who are not willing anymore to remain as Muslims. Some of
the issues confronting the converts are social as they must deal with
the acceptance and rejection of their old and newly acquainted circles.
On the other hand, some legal issues also need further deliberation
and analysis. The differences in some of the Islamic legal codes and
implementation between the states in Malaysia is interesting as noted in
one of the articles. Another valuable topic is on how to possibly keep up
as a wife whose husband is in prison.

The economic issues presented in the book show the dynamic
and diversity of this issues in Malaysia and the Islamic world. New
insights on the innovative methods to benefit from zakat and other
sources of income in the traditional Islamic economy. The papers on
these issues are very innovative, drawing from the existing practice as
their focus or conceptually examining some propositions in adapting
the Islamic tenets in enhancing some of the existing products and
resources. There is also a frank and direct critique of the role of Islamic
banks in one of the article as the writer questions the purpose of some
Islamic banks which are more profit-oriented as seen in their promotions

Introduction xv

for loans which in many instances only increase the indebtedness of
Muslims in their societies. In another article, a significantly remark
was made to increase in role of zakat as not only to be distributed but
also to continuously monitor the recipients to improve their overall
situation and to eventually delisted from the zakat recipients list. The
Halal logistic situation in Malaysia is highly beneficial exposure of the
strengths and challenges of this aspect of the industry that would be an
asset for the market observers. On a lesser scale, another contributor
presented the aspect of customer satisfaction on the services rendered
by halal-certified restaurants.

Apart from these economy-related issues, some other general
Islamic contemporary issues were also treated in the chapters of
the book. Issues concerning the role of women in leadership, the
increasingly popular online gambling and its effect on Muslim society,
a new approach in understanding the Qur'an as remedy for moral decay
and the proposed alternative concept of Islamic globalization; all are
the result of the on-going issues that are emerging in the societies of
which Muslims are inevitably a part of it.

These contemporary issues in social sciences need to be further
elaborated and examined in the continuous efforts to find common
grounds between the leaders, policy makers, legal practitioners and
the academic. Here is the contribution from some of these academics
that is hoped to expand the horizon of understanding, compromise and
rationality for our society to stride on to the future.

Akmal Khuzairy Abd. Rahman
Abdul Salam Muhammad Shukri
Raudlotul Firdaus Fatah Yasin
Azhar Abdul Rahman
Azlan Abd Aziz



PART I : ISSUES ON
MUSLIM CONVERTS



CHAPTER 1

Economic Empowerment of the Chinese
Muslim Community in Malaysia:

Challenges, Opportunities and Prospects
Salina Kassim, Raudlotul Firdaus Fatah Yasin,

Johari Yap &Taufiq Yap Yun Hin

Introduction

According to the official figures, the number of people with
Chinese descendants who are registered as Muslims in Malaysia
(or the Chinese Muslims) stood at 42,048 persons in the year
2010 compared to 57,277 persons in the year 2000 (Department
of Statistics, Malaysia, 2015; Abdullah and Shukri, 2008).
Despite being small in numbers, the Chinese Muslims in Malaysia
have continued to make increasing contribution socially and
economically.

In terms of economic profiling, majority of the Chinese
Muslim community in Malaysia falls in the middle-income
group (PERKIM, 2017). According to Ann Wan Seng (2011), the
Chinese Muslim community in Malaysia has its own economic
position. The Chinese Muslims make their presence mainly in
the halal food industry with their well-known restaurant chains
all over the country, also in the education field, entertainment

2 Islamic Contemporary Issues in Social Sciences

industry, trading businesses, and da’wah efforts (Kassim et al.,
2017). A good number of them are occupying important places in
the public and private sectors, with many are successful business
entrepreneurs and professionals. There are also quite a number
of well-known personalities who are actively doing da’wah and
becoming popular public figures. Many run their own businesses,
which are inherited even before becoming Muslims and continue
to maintain the businesses after their conversions to Islam (Seng
2011). In line with the requirements of the religion of Islam, they
have changed the orientation of their businesses from that of non-
halal in nature to one that is halal. Indeed, the halal Chinese food
restaurant business is rapidly growing especially in the Klang
Valley area particularly in Kuala Lumpur, Gombak, Ampang,
Bukit Antarabangsa, Hulu Klang, Bukit Beruntung, Klang,
and Shah Alam. The responses from the society, especially the
Malays, have allowed these restaurants to develop rapidly. For
example, Haji Sharin Low’s halal Chinese cuisine restaurant has
several branches in Klang Valley within a short period of two
years (Utusan Malaysia, 2011). Similarly, Mohd Chan Abdullah
restaurant has eight branches and Haji Yusuf Ong restaurant
has two branches in Shah Alam named Chinese Muslim al-
Munawwarah Restaurant.

The success of the Chinese Muslim entrepreneurs can be
attributed to several factors. First, the fact that they have inherited
the skills of doing business traditionally from their families, they
only have to continue the business which was already started
earlier. Second, their status as new converts in the Muslim
community is also a contributing factor to their successful business
venture as they gained support from the surrounding Muslim who
would like to contribute to their well-being in their own ways.

Chapter 1 3

Third, the non-Muslims are also keen to savour the food offered,
thus halal food business constantly attracts customers and is
well-received by all. Forthly, a motivating factor for the Chinese
Muslims is that upon embracing Islam, they find that Islam always
encourages economic improvement, motivated by the hadith of
the Prophet (peace be upon him – PBUH), that promotes Muslims
to undertake business activities, where the Prophet PBUH said
that nine out of ten sustenance come from doing business. This
motivates the Chinese Muslims entrepreneurs to refine their
entrepreneurial talent to the extent that many of them become
better than the original Muslims themselves, especially due to
the adherence to the Islamic business ethics as commanded by
the Qur’an and Sunnah of the Prophet PBUH. Furthermore, the
concept of brotherhood upheld in Islam also contributed to the
success of the Chinese Muslims business communities where
those who are more established aimed to help the newly convert
as much as possible, financially and emotionally.

According to a source from the Islamic Welfare
Organisation of Malaysia or Pertubuhan Kebajikan Islam Malaysia
(henceforth, PERKIM), around 50-60% of the Chinese Muslims
who converted to Islam at PERKIM are those from the middle-
class income category, of whom less than 15% are categorised in
the high income group (Farhan Tee, 2017). An estimated 40% of
the Chinese Muslims are categorized in the lower income group;
this is especially true among the newly converts who are facing
severe financial difficulties as they entered into their new phase
of life as Muslims.

Issues arise when there are a few among the Chinese
Muslims especially those in the lower income group who have the

4 Islamic Contemporary Issues in Social Sciences

“welfare mentality”. They prefer to receive and live on welfare
payment given by the state religious authority and relevant
government agencies, rather than making an effort to earn an
honest living by working hard at a job. In several cases, the newly
converts prefer to collect donation and banking on the sympathy
from the public as they are being chased-out by their families
and sometimes being boycott by friends due to their conversion
to Islam. Some would even reject job offers from fellow Chinese
Muslims entrepreneurs and prefer to live on allowance given
by the relevant religious authority amid the various incentives
available for them due to their conversion to Islam (Round-table
Discussion with Chinese Muslim Community at International
Islamic University Malaysia on 13th March 2016).

It is, however, important to highlight that the welfare
mentality is predominantly evident among the local Chinese
embracing Islam who normally come from poor family background
(Farhan Tee, 2017). On the other hand, Chinese Muslims
migrated from China are mainly businessmen or professionals
who are highly motivated to make a better living in an Islamic
environment such as in Malaysia. In fact, as documented by Beng
(1991), the Chinese Muslims forefathers who originally travelled
far from Quanzhou in Southern Xinjiang of the Mainland
China during the Sung Dynasty (960-1279 A. D.) to the Malay
Peninsula specifically in Terengganu are motivated in spreading
Islam through da’wah and simultaneously involving in trading
activities in efforts to find a better life. Specifically, these are the
Hui clan who are all observing Muslims and they brought with
them the skills of trading, crafting and mining which they have
inherited for generations.

Chapter 1 5

On the back of these issues, the present study aims to explore
various possible measures to address the economic and financial
challenges faced by the Chinese Muslim community in Malaysia.
In achieving this objective, the study conducts a critical review
of the literature, focusing specifically on the challenges, issues
and opportunities that exist in the Chinese Muslim community’s
economic involvement. To further provide enriching discussions,
interviews are conducted with selected Chinese Muslims figures
so as to share their views on the issues and opportunites facing
the Chinese Muslim community’s economic involvements. The
role of NGOs, with specific references to the Malaysian Chinese
Muslim Association (MACMA) and Persekutan Seruan Islam
Selangor dan Wilayah Persekutuan (Jamiyah), in contributing
towards the effort of empowering the economic status of the
Chinese Muslims in Malaysia will also be discussed. The study
hopes to provide inputs to the relevant authorities and NGOs on
further improving the socio-economic well-being of the Chinese
Muslim community in Malaysia.

Efforts to Improve Economic Standing of
Chinese Muslim Community in Malaysia

Zakat collections

A potentially good source of funding to assist the Chinese
Muslims financially is through zakat collections. There are eight
groups of people on whom zakat should be spent, as mentioned
in the Qur’an:

6 Islamic Contemporary Issues in Social Sciences

“The alms are only for the Fuqara’ (the poor), and Al-
Masakin (the needy) and those employed to collect (the
funds); and to attract the hearts of those who have been
inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for
those in debt; and for Allah’s Cause, and for the wayfarer
(a traveler who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed
by Allah. And Allah is All-Knower, All-Wise.”

[Qur’an 9:60]

Since the new converts fall under one of the eight
categories of the deserving zakat recipients as stated in the
Qur’an, namely in the category of “the hearts of those who have
been inclined (towards Islam)”, then tapping this huge potential
and more importantly, systematically managing the funds could
greatly assist the community economic improvements. In 2011,
for example, in the case of the Selangor State Islamic Religious
Council (SIRC), the amount distributed to the newly converts
(muallaf) reached RM15 million, one of the highest categories
of the zakat fund distribution in the state (Selangor State Islamic
Religious Council, 2012). Financial assistance through zakat
could help assist the newly converts to start on a new life, increase
their sense of belonging to the Muslims society and subsequntly
strengthen their belief (iman) in the new faith of Islam. Over the
years, zakat has indeed been shown to be an important mechanism
of income redistribution measure in the Muslim society and has
also played an important role in Islamic social welfare system
to alleviate poverty in Muslim nations (Fuadah Johari, 2004;
Patmawati, 2006). Thus, this is a huge potential to be tapped for
the Chinese Muslim community in Malaysia.

Chapter 1 7

The administration of zakat falls under the purview of the
SIRCs of each state; thus, it is important for the relevant parties
or NGOs such as MACMA to collaborate and seek a mechanism
to be able to tap this huge funding source. In this regard, realizing
the importance of sustainable financial sources for the Chinese
Muslim community, MACMA Kelantan has initiated a series of
efforts with the Kelantan Religious Authority (or Majlis Agama
Islam dan Adat Istiadat Melayu Kelantan - MAIK) to tap the
available funding for the Chinese Muslim community in the state
of Kelantan. The effort has resulted in a success when MACMA
Kelantan has been officially appointed by MAIK as an official
‘amil’ (or zakat collector) in Kelantan starting 1st March 2017
(Johari Yap, 2017). Since amil is another category of the eight
zakat recipients mentioned in the Qur’an, the zakat collected can
be used to finance the expenses for welfare activities undertaken
by MACMA Kelantan. In particular, amil is allowed to take 1/8th
of the zakat collection for their own usage of admistrating and
managing the activities for the benefits of the Chinese Muslim
community in the state..

Financial assistance and welfare

As mentioned earlier, there are several financial assistance
being provided by the relevant state and government agencies in
providing for the welfare of the newly converts in Malaysia. In
efforts to assist the newly converts as they start their new life
as a Muslims and pre-empting the possible difficulties that they
might face such as rejections from family members and society,
there are also direct monthly cash assistance given by the relevant
authority.

8 Islamic Contemporary Issues in Social Sciences

At the national level, the National PERKIM is collaborating
with several mosques in identifying the new reverts nearby their
areas, who are in need of financial assistance and welfare (Farhan
Tee 2017). This is in line with the objectives of the establishment
of PERKIM, which among others to undertake welfare activities
including providing various forms of financial assistance to the
newly converts especially during their difficult times. Similarly,
MACMA are being pro-active in undertaking various financial
assistance activities to ensure the welfare of the Chinese Muslim
community are taken care of. This effort is also undertaken by
MACMA chapters in other states in the country.

Meanwhile, at the state level, as in the case of Selangor
SIRC, a monthly cash allowance of RM500 for five years upon
their conversion to Islam is given to the newly converts.

Special programs by collaborating with mosques/
local authorities

Another potential mechanism towards economic empowerment
of the Chinese Muslims is to collaborate with the mosques
or other local authorities to organize fair, festival or bazaar to
provide a platform for the Muslim Chinese community to market
their products, especially halal Chinese cuisines or delicacies.
This effort would promote the entrepreneurial spirit among the
Chinese Muslim community, especially the new converts who are
striving to be economically independent from the welfare. This
event can be done on a frequent basis such as weekly or monthly
so that the local community would have anticipation, thus gaining
support for the event.

Chapter 1 9

Chinese Muslim cuisines with the establishments of a
few chains of restaurants such as Restoran Haji Sharin Low and
Restoran Mohd Chan are flourishing and well-accepted by the
general Muslim communities. However, these establishments
provide delicious Chinese Muslim cuisines at a quite premium
price which may be out of reach of certain low-income group
including the newly converts. Therefore, Chinese Muslim
hawker-style centres would be a good idea for the newly converts
to start their business and promoting halal Chinese cuisines at the
same time.

Apart from promoting Chinese Muslim food business, a
few celebrations should be held to make sure the Chinese Muslim
feel like they are welcome into the community. There are several
programmes conducted to gather and to celebrate these Chinese
converts by NGOs and local authorities as an effort to make sure
that these converts feel like they belong to Muslim community.
Commonly, Chinese New Year is among celebrations that will be
used as an initiative of the organisations which would like to help
these low-income Chinese converts to make sure they will not
feel like the burden of throwing a celebration with their financial
limitation. For example, the Persekutuan Seruan Dakwah Selangor
and Wilayah Persekutuan (Jamiyah) has recently managed a
gathering event at the building of the secretariat office on 24
February 2018 in conjunction with Chinese New Year celebration
(Interview with Ann Wang Seng, 2018). The targeted participants
were among the low-income Chinese-Muslim converts from
Kuala Lumpur and Selangor areas, especially those who have
been a Muslim for more than five years and are no longer receiving
monthly allowance from the religious authority and welfare
department despite of their economic problems. Accordingly, it

10 Islamic Contemporary Issues in Social Sciences

is an effort to strengthen their relationship with Muslims brothers
and sisters and also to ensure that they feel the presence of those
who always concern about them (Seng, 2018).

Cash Endowment through Sadaqah/Infaq/Waqf

Cash endowment can be established through formal and informal
sources. In addition of the existing official instruments including
Lembaga Zakat etc., the informal way of providing the aid may
also be contributed through charity or sadaqah by corporates
or wealthy individuals, especially from the Chinese Muslim
communities themselves. This is a highly viable method of
funding source as the community embraces the brotherhood spirit
and helping each other which is highly encouraged in Islam. More
importantly, Islam highly promote the act of giving anything
in way of Allah SWT and this is considered the highest form
of charity. In this context, charity for the cause of helping the
newly convert can be considered as a form of jihad and da’wah in
spreading of Islam. In the Qur’an, Allah SWT says:

“The example of those who spend their wealth in the
way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven
spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah
multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is
all-Encompassing and Knowing.” 

(Qur’an 2:261)

In the context of the Chinese Muslim community, cash
payments in the form of sadaqah and waqf can be collected
from the wealthier segment of the community such as from the

Chapter 1 11

businessmen and professionals and be allocated for the lower
income group among the community. Cash waqf fund is also
expanding in the Muslim society in Malaysia and can be a potential
source of fund for the Chinese Muslim economic advancements.
In this regard, the experience of MACMA Kelantan is worth
highlighting. The MAIK has been very supportive of the da’wah
activities by MACMA Kelantan by not only appointing MACMA
Kelantan as the amil for zakat collection, but also giving MACMA
Kelantan the trust and responsibility to manage a 9 ½ acres of
waqf land in Mukim Banggu, Kota Bharu, Kelantan.

In realizing the importance of sadaqah as a voluntary gift
of charity out of the goodness of one’s heart, as mentioned in one
of the hadith of the Prophet PBUH, narrated by Abu Musa (R.A)
that the Prophet Muhammad PBUH said:

“Every Muslim has to give in sadaqah (charity).” The
people asked, “O Allah’s Messenger PBUH! If someone
has nothing to give, what will he do?” He PBUH said, “He
should work with his hands and benefit himself and also
give in charity (from what he earns).” The people further
asked, “If he cannot do even that?” He PBUH replied,
“Then he should help the needy who appeal for help.”
Then the people asked, “If he cannot do that?” He PBUH
replied, “Then he should perform all that is good and keep
away from all that is evil, and this will be regarded as
charitable deeds.”

(Bukhari)

12 Islamic Contemporary Issues in Social Sciences

Many Muslims NGOs including MACMA, PERKIM,
Jamiyah, have been seriously working on establishing at least
a welfare bureau within their societies, specifically to prepare a
platform for charity collection from the generous to the needy
Chinese converts. It has been the practice of these organisations
for decades that they will always lend their hands to assist the
needy and the poor to at least lessen some of the burdens if not all.

Through the formal channel, there are also funds coming
from zakat returns by corporates, the amount that the zakat paying
corporates can get in excess of the compulsory zakat payment
which are returned to them that they are able to distribute as well
will further enhance the economy of the converts. Taking the
example of the International Islamic University Malaysia who
has been appointed as amil by the Lembaga Zakat Selangor to
collect zakat among the IIUM community; the zakat payment
done by the IIUM community through monthly salary deductions
(known as the Barakah scheme) are being “returned back” to
the IIUM Endowment Fund and being distributed to the asnaf
among students and needy staff in the IIUM. In particular, 50%
of the zakat paid being returned by Lembaga Zakat Selangor to
IIUM for distribution back to the IIUM community. This “zakat
return” model practised by the IIUM can be applicable in the
context of the Chinese Muslim community, especially when the
Chinese Muslim NGOs such as MACMA Kelantan which has
been appointed as amil by MAIK.

Setting-up of Cooperative

A cooperative is an institution that is established based on the
principle of voluntarism, democracy and shared interests.

Chapter 1 13

Economically, the primary objective of every cooperative is
advance the interests of its members through giving various
benefits such as providing goods and services to its members,
thus enable them to attain increased income and savings,
investments, productivity and purchasing power and promote
among them equitable distribution of net surplus through
maximum utilization of available resources. It is a flexible form
of financial intermediation, allowing equal financial access which
is otherwise not accessible, to every member of the society.

The concept of cooperative can very well be applicable
in the context of the Chinese Muslim community in Malaysia.
In this regard, MACMA Kelantan has taken a pro-active effort
in establishing a MACMA Cooperative. The MACMA Kelantan
has officially set up a cooperative in April 2017, namely Koperasi
MACMA Kelantan Berhad (D-5-0832) in order to help the newly
converts in their economic “jihad”. Various activities can be
organised by the cooperative in improving the economic well-
being of its members such as help promoting and selling their
halal Chinese cuisines or products to market. As in the case of
many other cooperatives, once the MACMA Cooperative has
gained strong financial standing, it should be able to advance
financial assistance in various forms to its members. Additionally,
the cooperative can also be a platform for its members to have
access to other financial products and services such as micro-
saving and micro-takaful; these are all moving towards higher
financial security for members of the cooperative.

14 Islamic Contemporary Issues in Social Sciences

Role of NGOs to Improve Economic Well-
being of Chinese Converts in Malaysia

The Case of MACMA

NGOs such as MACMA play an important role in the economic
development of Chinese converts in Malaysia. MACMA can
assist the government and State Islamic Religious Councils in
identifying and helping to improve the economic well-being for
the Chinese converts.

One of the ways is by providing micro-credit or micro-
finance to the newly reverts to start their new life. Certain
low income converts, due to their financial difficulties and
desperations, sought help from the unregistered money lenders or
also known as “Along”. This would make the matter worse as the
interest is very high. Furthermore, “riba” is forbidden and they
should go somewhere else asking for assistance. MACMA can
help them by providing micro-finance and collect the repayments
from as low as RM50 a month for a RM1000 loan. They can also
provide mentor-mentee services to a new business establishment.

Now it is the time to set up the Chinese Muslim Chamber
of Commerce (CMCC) which can be headed by MACMA. The
CMCC can be the catalyst for the newly reverts businesses
to expand thus improving their economic well-being. The
government or State Islamic Religious Councils can set up certain
funding or grants to be distributed to the businesses. It can be in
soft loan depending on the type of businesses.

Chapter 1 15

The Case of Persekutan Seruan Islam Selangor
dan Wilayah Persekutuan (Jamiyah)

Besides giving donations through various financial support which
has been a common practice among Muslims NGOs, Jamiyah,
one of active Muslim NGOs, has introduced “Biro Saudara
Baru” (New Converts Bureau) which will conduct a series of
economic development plan and welfare programmes which
includes improvement of education, fardhu ayn classes, family
development, parenting, and Mandarin language classes. The
bureau caters the vision and mission of the NGO that would
like to help the converts to increase their knowledge and also to
uplift their economic status, so they will get to be at the same
level with other Muslims in terms of social development. This
will enhance their various skills that can be useful for their
improvement and for preaching (da’wah) especially. In addition,
a language course which purposely teaches Mandarin language to
the Chinese-Muslim converts has been introduced recently so that
the Cantonese-speaking Chinese Muslims may gain the ability
to communicate in Mandarin language. The language skills will
help them to do business and also will help them in economic
growth among Chinese Muslim community (Seng, 2018).

The Jamiyah is moving forward to provide various skills
for the Chinese Muslims to enable them to become the agent for
the development of their community. Among its road map is to
establish a proper and official center for new converts to serve the
purpose of individual development such as polishing existing and
potential skills of the converts so that they can contribute back to
the society. Seng (2018) also highlighted their long-term planning
is to establish a formal educational center for the new converts

16 Islamic Contemporary Issues in Social Sciences

which consists of the lowest to highest level education. Although
there is an existing educational center which has been established
and known as Institut Da’wah Islamiah in Kelantan, according to
Seng (2018), there should be more rooms for improvement that
can be made to enhance the role of the center.

It is worth noting that there are three stages of road map
for financial sustainability of Chinese Muslims through Jamiyah
which are as follows: -

a. Short Term: Held occasionally such as classes,
seminar, discussion (wacana), visits to the needy,
Chinese New Year celebration, Aidil fitri and Aidil
Adha. The purpose is to unite the new converts as
a mean of gathering and polishing their potentials
through event organizing.

b. Long Term: The challenges lied on financial constraint
and human resources. Therefore, new converts have
been recruited to involve in all programmes organized.
This is towards materializing the plan of having an
official center for the development of new converts.

c. On the Spot: When the need arises and when there is
an urgency and emergency.

As a matter of fact, the current situation shows that those
who have a good business background are not fully utilizing their
skills to contribute to the development of Muslims economy
as a whole. Despite the fact that some new converts have an
outstanding educational background such as in accounting,
education, medical, engineering etc., it is unfortunately that

Chapter 1 17

their contribution in Muslim society are nowhere to be seen or
yet to be ultimately recognized by the public. By having these
programmes, it is believed that Chinese converts can have the
platform to know each other, share and contribute their expertise.
In achieving this, all programmes organized by the bureau will
ensure that there is profiling work done to compile the data of the
Chinese-Muslim converts. This is very crucial to ensure that the
bureau can have a complete profiling to identify their strength and
possible contribution to the community (Seng, 2018).

Chinese Muslims Economy Empowerment,
a Comparative study of Approaches
between MACMA, PERKIM and Jamiyah

Empowerment of economy is seen as an overall modifier to
change the economy of Chinese-Muslim converts. There are
several organisations that seem to be interested in helping and
guiding these converts to change their economic status. MACMA,
PERKIM and Jamiyah are those who are responsible to handle the
converts and to provide them the aid for new Muslims. Between
these three, they have their own approaches on how to empower
the economy among Chinese-Muslim converts.

As a body that is responsible to provide functional skills
to the new Muslims, Jamiyah focuses more on shaping and
developing the skills that the Chinese-Muslim converts should or
could possess. Construction skill, leadership skill, inventing skill,
cooking skill are among skills that Jamiyah helps to provide to the
converts. Apart from that, the organisation also manage various
area of skills such as political, art, and science.

18 Islamic Contemporary Issues in Social Sciences

Besides Jamiyah, PERKIM helps the Chinese-Muslim
converts to improve their knowledge on Islam. Islamic education
is a must as a Muslim because it is compulsory for a Muslim
to know the religion and also to have the knowledge about it.
PERKIM provides classes and meetings to assist these new
Chinese-Muslim converts in answering their questions regarding
Islam and also by providing them the knowledge that they need.

Dr. Ann Wan Seng stated that MACMA has been providing
Chinese-Muslim societies by helping to them to construct their
own society which will immerse in Muslim community. Being
appointed as the secretary from the year of 2005 until 2015, he
pointed that MACMA has been focusing on collective effort in
constructing Chinese mosques and introducing Chinese cultures
as a means of preaching Islam.

In addition, to avoid overlapping, Dr Ann Wan Seng
planned a different approach in Jamiyah. Therefore, he focuses
on strengthening the personal development of the individual
of the converts, so that with the strong personality, the strong
unity will be developed. As enshrined in the Divine Revelation,
everything starts with the individual development, building a
strong relationship between the person with their Creator. Hence,
the economy empowerment can be achieved, although the result
may not be expected in one or two years efforts.

In addition, participation of women in the organisations is
considered as an important feature for development of the society.
According to the number of people who are actively involved with
Jamiyah, Chinese Muslims female participants seem to be the
most active members that keep contributing to the body. Jamiyah
has been vigorously making effort to help the converts. With this

Chapter 1 19

power, it is possible that the needs for Chinese-Muslim converts
will be satisfied and the economy promotion will keep happening
with the assistance from the woman’s society.

Conclusions

With the aim of exploring possible measures to address the
issues of economic and financial challenges faced by the Chinese
Muslim community in Malaysia, this study came up with several
mechanisms to enhance and increase the economic standing
of the Chinese Muslim community in Malaysia. Economic
empowerment can be possible through establishing sustainable
sources of funds such as tapping the potentials of zakat funds,
financial assistance and welfare, conducting special programs
by collaborating with mosques/local authorities, increasing
collection of cash endowment through sadaqah/infaq/waqf, and
setting up of Cooperative.

In general, it is observed that fostering close collaboration
and better understanding with the SIRCs would go a long way
in enabling various activities to be undertaken to empower the
socio-economy of the Chinese Muslim community in all states
in Malaysia. Reflecting continuous efforts to improve the socio-
ecoomic standing of the Chinese Muslim community, a “Workshop
on the Roadmap of Administration and Development of the New
Converts Asnaf in Selangor” has been held on 5-7 March 2018.
The workshop which was organised by the Selangor SIRC, among
others, contained various recommendations of further improving
the socio-economic standing of the newly converts in the state.
This initiative is a reflection of the efforts to empower the socio-
economic standing of the newly converts.

20 Islamic Contemporary Issues in Social Sciences

To ensure financial sustainability of the Chinese Muslims,
there are several efforts that have been made by several parties such
as PERKIM, Jamiyah, and MACMA. These three organisations
provide various support in terms of finance, education, and
motivation to help Chinese Muslims who embraced Islam to
stay better in terms of their economy status. This improvement
of economy status among Chinese Muslims should not involve
only these three organisations but they will need help from the
Muslim community. Muslim community should welcome new
converts with open hands so that they will not feel the burden of
getting themselves stable to start a new life. Apart from that, an
enhancement of economy status should be seen a paradigm shift
to develop Chinese-Muslim community to a better and bigger
community so Islam will expand wider through the globe.

CHAPTER 2

Managing New Muslims:
Understanding Issues and Challenges in

Malaysia, A Literature Review.
Sharifah Hayaati Syed Ismail al-Qudsy

Introduction

This chapter focuses on reviewing studies themed on new
Muslims management (NMM) issues and challenges in Malaysia
published in journals from 2003 to 2017. There are fifteen
selected studies identified as source of references for new
muslims management by religious authorities and RNGOs. The
related authorities in Malaysia include Malaysian Department
of Islamic Affairs Development (hereafter, Jakim) and State
Department and Muslim Religious Council. While the religious
non-governmental organizations (RNGOs) such as Muslim
Welfare Organization Malaysia (PERKIM), Malaysian Chinese
Muslim Association (MACMA) and the Malaysian Indian Muslim
Congress; Kongres India Muslim Malaysia (KIMMA). These
are some of these bodies which play great roles on NMM issues
in Malaysia. Understanding related and current studies on NM
can foster and enhance better administration for their maslaha
in future. (Sharifah Hayaati et.al 2016) With better information
based on research as source of public services input can assist

22 Islamic Contemporary Issues in Social Sciences

in safeguarding the authority management reputation.(Moshe
2013: Moshe 2016) The Authority of Muslim affairs is under the
state legislation with State Department and Muslim Religious
Council as a central player. The policy on new Muslims (NM) in
Malaysia is in line with Article 3(1) of the Constitution that states
Islam shall be the religion of the Federation, but other religions
may be practiced in peace and harmony within the Federation.
It is also in line with a freedom of religion in Islam. The Federal
Constitution under Article 11 also provides that every person has
the right to profess and to practice his or her religion and (subject
to applicable laws restricting the propagation of other religions to
Muslims) to propagate it.

Malaysia is a multi-ethnic and multireligious country
consisting of three major ethnics namely Malay, Chinese, and
Indian with a total population of 29,566,417 people (Department
of Statistics, Malaysia, 2012, Figure 1). The official religion of
the country is Islam while other religions are Buddhists, Hindus
and Christians are openly embraced in the country. (Laderlah,
Rahman, Awang, & Man, 2011). The division between the
population according to the religion is as follows; 63 percent
Muslims, 20 percent Buddhists, 9 percent Christians, 7 percent
Hindus, and the remaining 1 percent adherents of other Taoism,
Confucianism, Tribal and Traditional Chinese Religion.

Chapter 2 23

Figure 1: Ethnic Demography in Malaysia. Source: Department of Statistics, Malaysia
(2012)

While Muslim’s population percentage is as Figure 2 below;
;

Figure 2. Malaysia’s Muslim population (percentage) Source: Geo Currents (2013)
(http://www.geocurrents.info/cultural-geography/controversies-ethnicity-

affirmative-action-economic-development-malaysia)

Census 2010 states, “Islam was the most widely professed
religion in Malaysia with the proportion of 61.3 per cent. As a
multi-racial nation, other religions embraced were Buddhism
(19.8%), Christianity (9.2%) and Hinduism (6.3%) (Malaysia,
Department of Statistics, 2012)”. Over 90% of Muslim populations
are located at Northern part whereas less than 50% in Penang and
Selangor as in Figure 2 below. (Geo Currents (2013) However,

24 Islamic Contemporary Issues in Social Sciences

number of new muslims or muallaf are not recorded. Muslims in
the country are governed under the Islamic or Syariah law. The
matter relating to conversion to and renouncement of Islam is not
specifically stated in the State List under the Federal Constitution.
This is followed by national policy on Islamic values inculcation,
dialogues, tolerance and respect for not to violate other religious
boundary through collective responsibility. Cited from the Speech
of Sultan of Perak, He said,

Muslims and the institutions responsible for Islamic affairs
need to be aware of the sensitivities of the followers of
other religions and at the same time non-Muslims must
understand and respect Muslims’ religious sensitivities.
(http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/
perak-sultan-calls-for-interfaith-respect-bernama#sthash.
laPUUSiC.dpuf. ) (Retrieved Jan 10, 2018)

Managing New Muslim in Malaysia.

Uniquely, managing new muslims (MNM) is a crucial
responsibility and effort to manage the maslahah or benefit of
muallaf. As Allah SWT command;

The alms are only for the Fuqara’ (the poor), and Al-
Masakin (the needy) and those employed to collect (the
funds); and to attract the hearts of those who have been
inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for
those in debt; and for Allah’s Cause, and for the wayfarer
(a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed
by Allah. And Allah is [the] All-Knower, [the] All-Wise.
(Qur’an 9:60)

Chapter 2 25

Those who have been inclined (towards Islam) in the
above verse is named in Arabic as Muallafat al-Qulub which mean
reconciliation of hearts because they may have recently converted
to Islam or to bring them closer to Islam and known as muallaf.
Muallaf is a term to represent people who just reverted to Islam
from other religions. Muallaf, based on Administration of Islamic
Law Enactment in Malaysia is defined as the recent convert. In
this chapter the term new Muslims (NM) will be used instead.
In Malaysia, after a person has become a muallaf, they have the
rights to get zakah, circumcision (for male), worship equipment,
and funeral. These rights have been assigned by Majlis or Jabatan
Agama Islam. Moreover, muallaf can also get help to counter
racism issue, a place for living, medicine, marriage, and Islamic
education.

Jakim has established several efforts for new muslim
management including convert unit under Daawa Division,
manual or guidelines for management of converts in 2010,
allocations for converts and teaching classes. This efforts are in
line with Jakim mission to establish an Efficient and Effective
Islamic Affairs Management.(Sharifah Hayaati et.al, 2016)

Lemiere (2014) has made an attempt to elaborate how
Malaysia manages NM. According to her writing, conversion to
Islam is encouraged, yet conversion out of Islam is preposterous
and punishable by the law. Lemiere (2014) is of the view that
"proselytism and conversion are at the source of recurrent
tensions between religious groups, and jeopardize the balance of
this plural society" in Malaysia.

26 Islamic Contemporary Issues in Social Sciences

Objective

This chapter aims at looking into the issues and challenges on
NM based on current studies and writings published in journals
from year 2003 to 2017. It is hoped that from this study, the
Islamic department authority and RNGOs can enrich their source
of references for new Muslims management through latest
data collections. Besides, this study is hoped to foster effective
management for new Muslims (MNM) affairs in Malaysia.

Methodology

In getting inputs on current new Muslims issues and challenges in
Malaysia, fifteen related studies were selected. Using systematic
literature review (SLR) method, the selections are made for several
reasons including these are the studies that were found from free
online access reading to public. Open access journals will benefit
more readers from public and not only from academia. Public
access will give more impact on positive or negative perceptions,
understandings and reactions on the issue. Besides, some studies
are selected because of their study on what media covers on NM
issue. Media plays important role in the management of public
perception as well as reporting on this issue. Acknowledging what
are reported, therefore, are important for NMM in Malaysia. The
SLR is thematised by subject matter and chronologically with the
most recent publications first.

Chapter 2 27

Systematic Literature Review on New

Muslims in Malaysia.

The SLR on the NM studies starts with Khadijah et.al 2017.
This article examine the role played by the Zakat institution in
Selangor in distributing funds and supporting Muallaf. Finding
of this research shows that the department has supported NM,
particularly in terms of education, finance and monitoring through
various programmes from the early days of their converts. This
research also clarifies the issues raised by the NM community
concerning the unfair treatment in distributing the Zakat fund and
supporting them.

Second study by Ansfiksia Eka Poetra Yudha et.al 2016
explores the role of Muslim centre in Malaysia in providing
psychological and economical guidance which found important
for NM survival. The study found that there are 6.3% or
1.864.800 person from total citizen in Malaysia becomes muallaf.
This article suggests that with the psychological and economical
guidance by the muallaf centre, the muallaf will be capable of
adapting to the social environment around them and rebuild their
economic life. According to this article, there are two points
that can be a reference to design a muallaf centre. First, muallaf
needs a Continuous Education, Support, Patience, Counsel,
and Motivation and second, the need of facilities to build the
Psychology and Economic Life.

Third, study by Razaleigh Muhamat et.al 2016 titled,
"Consciousness of Muslim Converts towards Halal Food in
Malaysia”. This study aims to identify the consciousness level
of Muslim converts towards halal food in Malaysia. This is a

28 Islamic Contemporary Issues in Social Sciences

quantitative study involving 100 of Malaysian NM who attend
classes at Malaysian Islamic Welfare Organisation (PERKIM)
Centre, Malaysian Chinese Association (MACMA), Department
of Federal Territory Islamic Affairs (JAWI) and Darul Falah
Hostel located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The students were
randomly selected for the study. The main objective of the study
is to identify the most frequent attended food stores, to analyse
the aspects affecting the NM prior to food purchase as well as
to identify the common action been taken regarding the status of
a food product for self-satisfaction. The findings show that the
frequency of those NM attending the food stores is at the low
level (mean 2.52). However, the significant level for the aspects
affecting them prior to food purchase is at the moderate level (mean
2.84), while the level of common action been taken regarding the
status of a food product for self-satisfaction as a whole is also
at the moderate level (mean 3.37). The results obtained led to
the discovery of degree of consciousness among NM towards
food product at a moderate level and it indicates that this group
have knowledge on the concept of halal in Islam. However, it is
suggested to prepare them with ongoing education about fardhu
ayn in order for them to practice Islam in their daily life.

Fourth, Norlina Ismail et.al study in 2016 titled “The

Conversion Procedures of Muallaf in Negeri Sembilan: Issues
and Challenges”. According to this study conversion to Islam in
Malaysia have a positive growth. In Malaysia, the number of
muallaf convert to Islam is increased rapidly every year. In fact,
the statistic released by the Syarie Lawyer Association of Malaysia
indicates that an increase rate of the Muslim conversion up to 76,
663 people between 2002 until the year 2010 that should be given
proper attention particularly on muallaf welfare, social support

Chapter 2 29

and Islamic education. The objective of this article is to identify
the procedure of conversion to Islam practiced in Negeri Sembilan
and to explore the current issues and challenges encountered by
muallaf in the state. This article stressed on conversion procedure
as one of the important aspect that should be clearly understood
by the NM before embracing Islam. To embrace Islam, one must
complete the requirement and conditions for NM. The conversion
procedure in the state is governed by the Enactment 2003 the
Administration of the Religion of Islam (Negeri Sembilan), Part
IX-Conversion to the Religion of Islam. Some of the procedures
provide that for those who are converted other than at the Islamic
Religious Office, the person in charge should bring them directly
to the Islamic Religious Office for registration. While for those
who converted to Islam in abroad, they should register in Malaysia
immediately. The article also encountered issue of syahadah
pronunciation and witnesses of muallaf. Several respondents
from the study indicated that some of the conversion process
was quite complicated. According to them,there are too many
conditions imposed before the pronouncement of the syahadah.
Some of the respondents had to come to the relevant religious
office in numerous times because they did not comply with the
conditions imposed. Conditions discussed include the witnessing
and the pronunciation of the Syahadah.The implication of the
article will provide sufficient information for further development
of conversion procedures’ guideline. This study suggested for
more investigations to enhance the effectiveness of conversion
procedure.

Fuadah Johari et.al on “Determinant factors affecting
poverty among new converts in Selangor, Malaysia” 2015 found
that the amount of zakah distribution to the NM is consistently

30 Islamic Contemporary Issues in Social Sciences

increasing from MYR 11.67 million (2008) to MYR 19.95
million in the year 2010.It is also reflected the total number of
registered NM in Selangor every year. This study found that zakah
distribution has the highest significant effect towards eliminating
poverty and therefore has a positive effect towards improving the
income distribution for the NM.

Fuadah Johari et.al in her 2013 study mentioned that NM
faced various issues after they converted. For example, some
were thrown out from their family, loss their job and loss their
financial sources.

Another important study is on the “Malaysian News
Report on Muslim Converts” by Nizam Sahad, Siti Aishah Chu
Abdullah, SuhailaAbdullah, 2013 proved that issues involving the
NM are numerous and complex. Among them are the challenges
of understanding Islam as a religion, welfare and psychological
pressure from their family, foster family and society as well as
psychological pressure to adapt to the new religion. The study
focused on issues concerning the NM published in a Malaysian
on-line newspaper published in Malaysiakini from 2007 to 2011.
The study reported the findings of content analysis in quantitative
and qualitative aspects where news report and the way of news
reporting on NM’s issues were explored in a selected Malaysian
newspaper. Newspaper articles on the issues regarding NM which
were analyzed to evaluate the news category of NMs’ issues that
have been identified. Results showed a high statistical fact on
positively-toned headlines of articles on NM in Malaysiakini within
the five-year period. The study concluded that Malaysiakini did
perform the mentor role of transmitting appropriate information
to its readers. This study however proposed a more effective form