adaptation of muallaf youths

ADAPTATION OF MUALLAF YOUTHS IN THE COMMUNITY

MARLON P. GULENG

RAZALEIGH MUHAMAT@KAWANGIT

ABSTRACT

Adaptation is defined as continuous interaction of an individual towards himself, other people, community and the other world. The issue of muallaf youths challenges in adaptation within the community is often been associated with the apostasy cases due to the poor level of confidence in Islam, failure in adapting themselves and disappointment in facing the new situation. This research aims at analyzing the type of challenges being faced by the muallaf youths, the education and internships being implemented by the Institute of Dakwah Islamiah PERKIM (IDIP) in educating them. The main objective of this research is to assess the level of adaptation of muallaf youths within the community. The research methodology is in quantitative form with the method of survey towards 100 respondents in IDIP which is located in Pengkalan Chepa, Kota Bharu, Kelantan. The questionnaires have been distributed by using Simple Random Sampling. The data were processed and analyzed quantitatively by using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences version 20. The results show majority of the respondents are single, female, age of 19-25 years old, from Sabah ethnic, with 2-3 years of converting to Islam and the holders of SPM/PMR/SRP. There are two forms of the main challenges being faced by the muallaf youths after converting to Islam. They are insinuated by the family and labeled as ‘masuk Melayu’. In term of education and internship implemented by IDIP, the positive results are obtained whereby the effectiveness could be seen through the capabilities of the muallaf youths to adapt themselves within the community and it gives high of score values. This research would benefit the development of dakwah in exploring the new method to assist the Muslim missionaries in spreading dakwah Islamiah among non-Muslims especially in Malaysia.

Keywords: Adaptation; Challenges; Muallaf (Converted Muslims); Community; Education; Internship

ABSTRAK

Penyesuaian diri diertikan sebagai interaksi seseorang individu terhadap dirinya, orang lain, masyarakat dan dunia luar secara terus menerus. Isu cabaran belia muallaf dalam penyesuaian diri terhadap masyarakat sering dikaitkan dengan kejadian murtad disebabkan keyakinan mereka terhadap Islam masih tidak begitu kukuh dan mereka gagal menyesuaikan diri serta kecewa dengan situasi baru yang dihadapi. Kajian ini bertujuan menganalisis jenis cabaran yang dihadapi oleh golongan belia muallaf dan bentuk pendidikan serta latihan amali yang dilaksanakan oleh Institut Dakwah Islamiah PERKIM (IDIP) dalam mendidik dan melatih golongan ini. Objektif utama kajian ini adalah untuk menganalisis tahap penyesuaian diri belia muallaf terhadap masyarakat. Metodologi kajian adalah berbentuk kuantitatif yang menggunakan kaedah tinjauan terhadap 100 responden belia muallaf di IDIP Pengkalan Chepa, Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Soal selidik telah diedarkan menggunakan persampelan rawak mudah (Simple Random Sampling). Data yang diperoleh diproses dan dianalisa secara kuantitatif dengan menggunakan perisian Statistical Packages for Social Sciences versi 20. Hasil kajian menunjukkan majoriti belia muallaf di IDIP adalah bujang, perempuan, berumur

19-25 tahun, berbangsa etnik Sabah, tempoh memeluk Islam 2-3 tahun dan berkelulusan SPM/PMR/SRP. Terdapat dua bentuk cabaran utama yang dihadapi oleh golongan belia muallaf selepas memeluk Islam. Antaranya ialah disindir oleh keluarga kerana memeluk Islam dan dilabel sebagai masuk Melayu. Manakala dapatan kajian berkaitan pendidikan dan latihan yang dilaksanakan oleh IDIP terhadap golongan belia muallaf memberikan keputusan yang positif di mana keberkesanannya dapat dilihat menerusi kemampuan golongan ini dalam menyesuaikan diri terhadap masyarakat dengan nilai dapatan skor yang tinggi. Kajian ini memberi implikasi yang baik terhadap perkembangan dakwah dalam mencari satu kaedah baru bagi membantu para pendakwah Muslim dalam penyebaran dakwah Islamiah di kalangan bukan Islam di negara Malaysia khususnya.

Kata Kunci: Penyesuaian Diri; Cabaran; Muallaf; Masyarakat; Pendidikan; Latihan Amali

INTRODUCTION

Every year there is increasing pattern of converting to Islam among non Muslims. It has been reported by Saudi Gazette on February 13, 1995, about 50 thousands of people converted to Muslim in America. Muslims population in America exceeds the number of Jews by 6 millions. Due to that, Islam is said to be the second of religion with the highest followers in United States of America. It was also reported by Riyadh Daily on April 14, 1995, about 2 millions of Muslims were estimated in Britain and Ireland with 1/3 of children and 1/5 of teens. Riyadh Daily dated on June 16, 1995 also reported that 7% of the Franch citizen are represented by Muslims with 38% of them live in Paris.in Italy, there are about 650 thousands of Muslims and at least 85 thousands of Muslims are reported in Rome. It made Islam as the second religion with the largest followers in Italy (Nawi Jusoh 2006: 3-5). In Malaysia, the statistic shows that the new convert Muslims between 1990-2004 are estimated as 82,530from various race, ethnic and ancestry (http://www.islam.gov.my 2004).

In the research done by Mariam Abdul Majid, it has been stated by The Sectional Head of Muallaf Record in Department of Human Development, there are about 7,553 of new Muslim converts in Selangor in the year of 2005 until 2009 (Mariam binti Abdul Majid 2011:122). The figure shows that 1,500 of people converted to Muslim every year only for Selangor excluding the other states. From 418 respondents, 72.5% (303) stated their self-satisfaction for having iman and Islam (Mariam binti Abdul Majid 2011:188). This issue shows that the new Muslim converts are highly expecting Islam as their new religion.

THE DEFINITION OF ADAPTATION

Adaptation refers to the human effort in a way of achieving happiness for himself and the surrounding until no animosity, jealousy, envy, suspicion, prejudice, anger and other sort of negative emotions as the poor interaction of social relationship (Kartini Kartono 2002: 56).

According to Calhoun and Acocella, adaptation is defined as continuos individual interaction towards himself, others, communities and the whole world (Alex Sobur 2003: 526). Schneiders stated the adaptation as a process comprising of mental response and human behaviour, an individual effort to overcome internal needs such as conflict, stress, problems and frustation until the existing of harmony between internal needs and the things expected from surrounding or within his residence (Desmita 2009: 192). In other words, adaptation involves the individual personality in the interaction towards himself and the respective community.

http://www.islam.gov.my/

Adaptation means a process of overcoming the constraints to utilize the limited resources. Adaptation also means a process of change to adapt the oneself with the changeable situation (Md Rosli Haji Ismail 2007: 16). Adaptation particularly means the self adaptation among the individual within the foreign community. An individue who converts to Muslim would face and get along with the plural society, various cultures and different of cultural values from the original community.

THE FORMS OF ADAPTATION

a. Adaptive

It is well known as self adaptation. The self adaptation comes in physical nature, means the physical changes to adapt ownself within the residence. For example, exercise is an individual effort to keep warm from cold temperature (Alex Sobur 2003: 529). In this case, physical structure is the main measuring instrument in determining the behavioural change for the self adaptation and it is known as physiologist (Nofiana Sari 2010: 17).

b. Adjustive

This form of adaptation is more on psycology, means the self adaptation of the individual behaviour on towards his surrounding which comprise certain rules and norms to be met. For instance, if we are attending the funeral event within the group of people whom are in grief, thus we have to show our sadness (Alex Sobur 2003: 530).

In this case, there are plenty of psycological factors may influent the self adaptation including experience, stress, frustation, positive and negative happiness (Nofiana Sari 2010:17). According to Enung, the features of adaptation to be highlighted are:

a) No sign of excessive emotional tension, in which are able to control the emotion and be patient in facing all sort of constraints in life.

b) No mechanism of false self defence. The individu has to be positive until the problems resolved.

c) No frustation and mental depression which can harm himself.

d) Have rational consideration. Every single step to has to based on rational not on anger.

e) Able to learn from experience. The past experiences could mativate him to be better.

f) Be realistic and objective. Look at those problems based on real life and have objective thoughts (Nofiana Sari 2010:18-19).

DEMOGRAPHY OF MUALLAF RESPONDENTS IN INSTITUTE DAKWAH ISLAMIAH PERKIM

Demography of repondents among Muallaf in IDIP consist of ages, gender, race, year of converting to Islam, marital status and academic qualification. The study of demography is vital in revealing the important information of this research.

i. Ages

Table 1.1 shows the respondents ages in 6 categories; 18 years old and below, 19-25 years old, 26-30 years old, 31-35 years old and 36-40 years old. It shows that among 100 respondents, the highest frequency goes to the category of 19-25 years old with 61% followed by the group of 18 years old and below with 18%. The lowest number goes to the group of 31-35 years old with only 3%. The result shows that the age of 19-25 years old is the normal range of ages for students in IDIP to register their education.

Table 1.1 The Ages Distribution of Muallaf Youths Respondents in IDIP

Category of Ages (Years Old)

Frequency (F) Percentage (%)

18 and below 18 18

19-25 61 61

26-30 12 12

31-35 3 3

36-40 6 6

Total 100 100

Source: Questionnaires (2014)

ii. Gender

The gender of repondents in table 1.2 shows that female dominates the whole total of 100 respondents with 57% exceeding the male with 14 people. The remaining percent of 43% is represented the number of male respondents in IDIP.

Table 1.2 The Gender Distribution of Muallaf Youths Respondents in IDIP

Category of Gender Frequency (F) Percentage (%)

Male 43 43

Female 57 57

Total 100 100


iii. Race

In term of race, the muallaf youths respondents in IDIP consist of 6 categories as shown in table 1.3. Most of the respondents originated from Sabah ethnic with the highest percentage of 30% (30 people) followed by Aboriginal with 29% (20 people), Sarawak ethnic with 13% (13 people), non-citizens with 9% (9 people) and Indian with 11% (11 people). The minority is represented by Chinese with 8% (8 people).

Table 1.3 The Race Distribution of Muallaf Youths Respondents in IDIP

Category of Race Frequency (F) Percentage (%)

Chinese 8 8

Indian 11 11

Sarawak Ethnic 13 13

Sabah Ethnic 30 30

Aboriginal 29 29

Non-citizens 9 9

Total 100 100


iv. Year of Converting to Islam

The year of converting to Islam is shown in table 1.4. Majority of the respondents have converted to Islam for 2-3 years with 39% (39 people). This is in line with the teen age of the majority of IDIP students. Only 24% of them have accepted Islam for less than a year. The rest of 20% and 17% are represented by those who have embraced Islam above four years.

Table 1.4 Year of Converting to Islam of Muallaf Youths Respondents in IDIP

Category of Year of Converting to Islam

Frequency (F) Percentage (%)

Less than one year 24 24

2-3 years 39 39

4-5 years 20 20

6 years and above 17 17

Total 100 100


v. Marital Status

For the marital status, most of the muallaf youths respondents are from single with 92% as shown in table 1.5. This correlates to the range of 18-25 years of ages with 79 respondents as general standard of age for the pre-marriage. Only 7 of them are married and one with divorced status.

Table 1.5 Marital Status of Muallaf Youths Respondents in IDIP

Category of Marital Status Frequency (F) Percentage (%)

Single 92 92

Married 7 7

Divorced 1 1

Total 100 100


vi. Academic Qualification

As represented in table 1.6, majority of respondents with 74% are certificates holders (SPM/PMR/SRP) whereas 15 of them hold UPSR/Penilaian Darjah 5. About 10 of respondents own Diploma/STPM and only one who graduated as degree holder.

Table 1.6 Academic Qualification of Muallaf Youths Respondents in IDIP

Category of Academic Qualification Frequency (F) Percentage (%)

Degree 1 1

Diploma/STPM 10 10

SPM/PMR/SRP 74 74

UPSR/Penilaian Darjah 5 15 15

Total 100 100


CHALLENGES IN THE FAMILY

From the result regarding the challenges faced by the muallaf in IDIP, the author have found that item of B7 “Been humiliated after converting to Muslim” and item of B10 “Been labelled as Malay convert” were the most two prominent items. For item of B7, about 71% of respondents agree and strongly agree on it. For B10, about 70% of respondents agree and strongly agree on the challenge that they face. There are 10 items been asked but only two items have shown the the highest average with the choices of agree and strongly agree. The whole answers were shown in table 1.7.

Table 1.7 The Challenges Faced by The Muallaf Youths in IDIP

Code Number

Item Strongly Disagree

F (%)

Disagree

F (%)

Agree

F (%)

Strongly AgreeF (%)

B1 Been boycotted by biological family 36 (36%) 25 (25%) 30 (30%) 9 (9%)

B2 Not been acknowledged as biological son by parents

55 (55%) 32 (32%) 6 (6%) 7 (7%)

B3 Far in family relationship 48 (48%) 41 (41%) 4 (4%) 7 (7%)

B4 Lost financial aid and income 43 (43%) 33 (33%) 12 (12%) 12 (12%)

B5 Been locked up in the house 53 (53%) 34 (34%) 5 (5%) 8 (8%)

B6 Been beaten and forced to leave Islam 55 (55%) 31 (31%) 5 (5%) 9 (9%)

B7 Been insinuated after converting to Muslim 14 (14%) 15 (15%) 48 (48%) 23 (23%)

B8 Threated to be killed 47 (47%) 40 (40%) 6 (6%) 7 (7%)

B9 Lost inheritance of property 37 (37%) 46 (46%) 8 (8%) 9 (9%)

B10 Been labelled as Malay convert 13 (13%) 17 (17%) 40 (40%) 30 (30%)


Referring to the mean and mode obtained from the analysis of challenges faced by the muallaf youths in the family, the most items chosen by the respondents were known. In table 1.8, it was clearly shown that item of B7 and B10 were the most prominent items faced by the muallaf youths in IDIP.

Table 1.8 The Challenges Faced by The Muallaf Youths in IDIP

Code Number

Item Minimum Maximum Mean Mode

B1 Been boycotted by biological family

1 4 2.12 1

B2 Not been acknowledged as biological son by parents

1 4 1.65 1

B3 Far in family relationship 1 4 1.70 1

B4 Lost financial aid and income 1 4 1.93 1

B5 Been locked up in the house 1 4 1.68 1

B6 Been beaten and forced to leave Islam

1 4 1.68 1

B7 Been insinuated after converting to Muslim

1 4 2.80 3

B8 Threated to be killed 1 4 1.73 1

B9 Lost inheritance of property 1 4 1.89 2

B10 Been labelled as Malay convert 1 4 2.87 3


CHALLENGES IN THE COMMUNITY

From the questionarres about the challenges being faced by the muallaf in IDIP towards the community, there are about 17-33% of the 100 respondents told that they had faced 10 items of the challenges in the community. In other words, there are 67-83% of them in average, who do not face any challenge in the community. In table 1.9, it shows that most of the respondents have not undergo much challenge within their community. This finding is supported by their responses through questionarres.

Table 1.9 The Challenges Faced by The Muallaf Youths in The Community

Code Number


F (%)

Disagree

F (%)

Agree

F (%)

Strongly AgreeF (%)

B11 Not been taken care of by the community 28 (28%) 50 (50%) 14 (14%) 8 (8%)

B12 The adoptive family neglect the Islamic teaching

33 (33%) 48 (48%) 10 (10%) 9 (9%)

B13 Underestimated by the community 31 (31%) 36 (36%) 23 (23%) 10 (10%)

B14 Lost guidance in the muallaf development 32 (32%) 43 (43%) 14 (14%) 11 (11%)

B15 Been disputed about the attention of converting to Islam

26 (26%) 44 (44%) 19 (19%) 11 (11%)

B16 The community prejudice to my purpose of embracing Islam

28 (28%) 46 (46%) 16 (16%) 1 (1%)

B17 The community is unable to defend the fate of muallaf

29 (29%) 47 (47%) 18 (18%) 6 (6%)

B18 Been humiliated by the community after converting to Islam

25 (25%) 57 (57%) 11 (11%) 7 (7%)

B19 Lost the source of problem references 25 (25%) 43 (43%) 22 (22%) 10 (10%)

B20 Lost of Islamic educational references 30 (30%) 45 (45%) 17 (17%) 8 (8%)


In table 1.10, it shows that the mean and mode obtained from the challenges faced by the muallaf in IDIP towards their community are low in average. About 10 items of the variables questioned to the respondents got low score with “not agree” towards all of variables in the questionarres. In table 1.10, it is clearly shown that only a few of muallaf youths face the challenges in the community.

Table 1.10 The Challenges Faced by The Muallaf Youths in The Community

Code Number


B11 Not been taken care of by the community

1 4 2.02 2

B12 The adoptive family neglect the Islamic teaching

1 4 1.95 2

B13 Underestimated by the community

1 4 2.12 2

B14 Lost guidance in the muallaf development

1 4 2.04 2

B15 Been disputed about the attention of converting to Islam

1 4 2.15 2

B16 The community prejudice to my purpose of embracing Islam

1 4 2.06 2

B17 The community is unable to defend the fate of muallaf

1 4 2.01 2

B18 Been humiliated by the community after converting to Islam

1 4 2.00 2

B19 Lost the source of problem references

1 4 2.17 2

B20 Lost of Islamic educational references

1 4 2.03 2


CHALLENGES IN THE INTEGRATION OF ISLAMIC CULTURE

In term of the challenges in the integration of Islamic culture, there are 3 items with the highest score from total 10 items of the variables been asked to the muallaf in IDIP. The item is B27 “Difficult to keep constant in practising Islamic teachings”, B28 “Difficult to differentiate among the Malay and Islamic practices” and B29 “Difficult to pronounce Arabic alphabets”. In average, about 49% of the respondents choose ‘agree’ and ‘strongly agree’ for item B27 while 52% and 57% for item B28 and B29 respectively. This data can be seen in table 1.11.

Table 1.11 The Challenges In The Integration of Islamic Culture Among Muallaf Youths in IDIP

Code Number


F (%)

Disagree

F (%)

Agree

F (%)

Strongly AgreeF (%)

B21 Difficult to leave the old practices before converting to Muslim

34 (34%) 40 (40%) 19 (19%) 7 (7%)

B22 Still practising the taboos of the old society 35 (35%) 43 (43%) 16 (16%) 6 (6%)

B23 Still practising the old customs which not forbidden in Islam

28 (28%) 39 (39%) 22 (22%) 11 (11%)

B24 Difficult to pray 5 times in a day 31 (31%) 45 (45%) 16 (16%) 8 (8%)

B25 Difficult to fast in Ramadhan month 32 (32%) 48 (48%) 16 (16%) 4 (4%)

B26 Difficult to learn Al-Quran 24 (24%) 43 (43%) 22 (22%) 11 (11%)

B27 Difficult to keep constant in practising Islamic teachings

13 (13%) 38 (38%) 42 (42%) 7 (7%)

B28 Difficult to differentiate among the Malay and Islamic practices

14 (14%) 34 (34%) 39 (39%) 13 (13%)

B29 Difficult to pronounce Arabic alphabets 15 (15%) 28 (28%) 39 (39%) 18 (18%)

B30 Difficult to practise the Islamic teaching 26 (26%) 45 (45%) 20 (20%) 9 (9%)


For the challenges in the integration of Islamic culture, the value of mean and mode are low in average except for three items; B27, B28 and B29. There are 7 items been asked to the respondents and all of them obtain the low scores with selection of “not agree” in the questionarres B21 until B30. In table 1.12, it shows that item B27 has mean value of 2.43 and mode value of 3. For item B28, the mean value is 2.51 and the mode value is 3. For item B29, it shows 2.60 and 3 for the mean and mode value respectively. These three items obtain the highest response among the variables of B21 until B30 in the questionarres.

Table 1.12 The Challenges In The Integration of Islamic Culture Among Muallaf Youths in IDIP

Code Number


B21 Difficult to leave the old practices before converting to Muslim

1 4 1.99 2

B22 Still practising the taboos of the old society

1 4 1.93 2

B23 Still practising the old customs which not forbidden in Islam

1 4 2.16 2

B24 Difficult to pray 5 times in a day 1 4 2.01 2

B25 Difficult to fast in Ramadhan month

1 4 1.92 2

B26 Difficult to learn Al-Quran 1 4 2.20 2

B27 Difficult to keep constant in practising Islamic teachings

1 4 2.43 3

B28 Difficult to differentiate among the Malay and Islamic practices

1 4 2.51 3

B29 Difficult to pronounce Arabic alphabets

1 4 2.60 3

B30 Difficult to practise the Islamic teaching

1 4 2.12 2


THE EDUCATION AND TRAINING UNDER IDIP

There are 25 items of the variables been used to measure the education been implemented by IDIP for the muallaf. Each section is divided into five subsections. Item C1 until C5 are the variables used to measure the education of al-Quran, item C6 until C10 for aqidah, item C11 until C15 for fiqh, item C16 until C20 for akhlak while item C21 until C25 are used to measure the education of Sirah Nabawi. The educational method in the muallaf youths development is an essential approach to enhance their understanding about Islam and particularly for their self adaptation in the community.

From the results in table 1.13, it shows that the item used to measure the education of al-Quran has the positive response whereby majority of the respondents choose “agree” and “strongly agree”. About 91 to 99% of the total 100 respondents agree to 5 items of the variables used to measure the education of al-Quran.

For the item used to measure the education of Aqidah, there are 98 to 100% of respondents agreed with 5 items of the variables. For the education of Fiqh, there are 99 to 100% of respondents gave positive responses for the 5 items been asked to them. For the item used to measure the education of akhlak, there are 96 to 99% of the repondents agreed with all of 5 items. Lastly, for the item on education of sirah Nabawi, it shows 94 to 99% of muallaf youths respondents in IDIP agreed with the items been asked in the questionarres.

From the research done, it shows that majority of the muallaf respondents in IDIP have the capabilities to well understand all the items of variables been asked to them. This is important for the muallaf as a tool of helping them in adapting themselves towards all kind of challenges that they would face within their communities.

Table 1.13 The Education and Training Implemeted by IDIP

Code Number


F (%)

Disagree

F (%)

Agree

F (%)

Strongly AgreeF (%)

a) Al-QuranC1 Get to know Al-Quran everyday 0 (0%) 1 (1%) 41 (41%) 58 (58%)

C2 Get to know hijaiyyah alphabets and its pronounciation

1 (1%) 1 (1%) 46 (46%) 52 (52%)

C3 Get to know tajweed laws 1 (1%) 3 (3%) 43 (43%) 53 (53%)

C4 Memorize selected surahs 0 (0%) 3 (3%) 48 (48%) 49 (49%)

C5 Understand the meaning of Al-Quran verses

3 (3%) 6 (6%) 38 (38%) 53 (553%)

b) Faith (Aqidah)

C6 Get to know the obligation of reciting syahadah

0 (0%) 2 (2%) 29 (29%) 69 (69%)

C7 Understand the pillar of Islam and Iman 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 29 (29%) 71 (71%)

C8 Get to know 25 prophets 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 34 (34%) 66 (66%)

C9 Get to know the concept of Qada’ and Qadar

0 (0%) 2 (2%) 31 (31%) 67 (67%)

C10 Get to know about heaven and hell 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 34 (34%) 66 (66%)

c) Fiqh

C11 Get to know the concept of purification 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 36 (36%) 64 (64%)

C12 Get to know about the obligation of performing prayer

0 (0%) 0 (0%) 37 (37%) 63 (63%)

C13 Get to know the concept of zakat 0 (0%) 1 (1%) 36 (36%) 63 (63%)

C14 Fasting in Ramadhan month 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 29 (29%) 71 (71%)

C15 Get to know the pillar of Umrah and Hajj 0 (0%) 1 (1%) 30 (30%) 69 (69%)

d) Akhlak

C16 Get to know the responsibilities of servant towards Allah SWT

0 (0%) 4 (4%) 31 (31%) 65 (65%)

C17 Understand the responsibilities towards others

0 (0%) 2 (2%) 35 (35%) 63 (63%)

C18 Understand the responsibilities of children towards parents

0 (0%) 1 (1%) 30 (30%) 69 (69%)

C19 Understand the responsibilities towards the development of Dakwah Islamiah

0 (0%) 2 (2%) 36 (36%) 62 (62%)

C20 Understand the responsibilities towards neighbour and society

0 (0%) 2 (2%) 41 (41%) 57 (57%)

e) Sirah NabawiC21 Learn about the efforts of Rasulullah SAW

in spreading Islam0 (0%) 1(1%) 47 (47%) 52 (52%)

C22 Memorize the hadiths of Rasulullah SAW 2 (2%) 4 (4%) 45 (45%) 49 (49%)

C23 Get to know the biography of Rasulullah SAW

0 (0%) 3 (3%) 40 (40%) 57 (57%)

C24 Take Rasulullah SAW as role model 0 (0%) 2 (2%) 39 (39%) 59 (59%)

C25 Always pray and selawat for Rasulullah SAW

0 (0%) 2 (2%) 38 (38%) 60 (60%)


According to Julie Pallant, to calculate the score level, we have to look at the total set of variable items times with the score of 4 (the answer scores used in 1 until 4). Based on the calculation of score ranges for the four educational components been implemented in IDIP lies between 5 (score 1 X 5 questions) until 20 (score 4 X 5 questions). The minimum score of 5 and the maximum score of 20 would be the estimator for the scores of education been implemented by IDIP (Julie Pallant 2001: 77-78). The data in table 1.14 shows the score level of education been implemented by IDIP gave the good impact on the muallaf youths in IDIP.

Table 1.14 The Scores Level of Education Been Implemented in IDIP

Item Mean Value Minimum Score

Maximum Score

Level

Al-Quran 17.41 5 20 High

Akidah 18.35 5 20 High

Fiqh 18.28 5 20 High

Akhlak 18.05 5 20 High

Sirah Nabawi 17.61 5 20 High


THE INTERNSHIPS IN IDIP

There are 15 items of the variables being used under three categories. The items of C26 to C30 refer to the variables to measure the internship of ibadah, item C31 to C35 for the intership of ukhuwwah/social interaction and item C36 to C40 for the internship of dakwah practices.

From the results obtained through responses from the respondents regarding the interships implemented in IDIP, most of them reponded with ‘agree’ and ‘strongly agree’. About 98 to 99% of the respondents agreed with 5 item of the variables in measuring the internship o ibadah.

Then, for the measurement of internship in ukhuwah/social interaction, about 98 to 99% of the respondents agreed on the 5 items. The same percentage goes to the intership of dakwah practices as depicted in table 1.15. The finding shows that majority of muallaf respondents in IDIP are able to get practise with 15 set of the variables regardinng the internship in IDIP. This is an essential effort for the muallaf as the implementation of the internship together with regular practises could help them in adapting themselves towards the various challenges within the community.

Table 1.15 The Internship Implemeted by IDIP

Code Number


F (%)

Disagree

F (%)

Agree

F (%)

Strongly AgreeF (%)

a) Ibadah

C26 Practise Islamic teaching in daily life 0 (0%) 1 (1%) 43 (43%) 56 (56%)

C27 Perform congregrational prayers 0 (0%) 2 (2%) 39 (39%) 59 (59%)

C28 Fasting in Ramadhan month 0 (0%) 1 (1%) 34 (34%) 65 (65%)

C29 Recite Al-Quran everyday 0 (0%) 2 (2%) 36 (36%) 62 (62%)

C30 Listen to tazkirah/ religious talk 0 (0%) 1 (1%) 38 (38%) 61 (61%)

b) Ukhuwah/Social Interaction

C31 Obey to parents 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 34 (34%) 66 (66%)

C32 Help friends in need 0 (0%) 1 (1%) 38 (38%) 61 (61%)

C33 Help the society 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 41 (41%) 59 (59%)

C34 Respect teachers for giving the knowledge 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 38 (38%) 62 (62%)

C35 Respect the neighbours 0 (0%) 2 (2%) 38 (38%) 60 (60%)

c) Dakwah Practices

C36 Perform dakwah to non Muslims society 0 (0%) 2 (2%) 40 (40%) 58 (58%)

C37 Perform dakwah to Muslims society 0 (0%) 1 (1%) 44 (44%) 55 (55%)

C38 Call for people to acknowledge the oneness of Allah SWT

0 (0%) 0 (0%) 40 (40%) 60 (60%)

C39 Advise people to avoid the evil 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 39 (39%) 61 (61%)

C40 Remind people to obey the rules of Allah SWT

0 (0%) 0 (0%) 37 (37%) 63 (63%)


The results obtained as in table 1.16 shows the high of score values which means the internship implemented in IDIP gives the high impact on the respondents. The full responses given by the respondents can be observed through the 15 items being questioned on them.

Table 1.16 The Score Level on the Internship Implemented in IDIP

Item Mean Value Minimum Score

Maximum Score

Level

Ibadah 17.96 5 20 High

Ukhuwah/Social Interaction 18.05 5 20 High

Dakwah Practices 17.94 5 20 High


THE LEVEL OF ADAPTATION AMONG MUALLAF IN THE COMMUNITY

A descriptive analysis involving the frequency (F), percentage (%) and min scores is implemented to determine the level of adaptation among muallaf youths towards the

community in IDIP. Table 1.17 shows that all of the respondents are able to adapt themselves in the community. It can be seen through the answer of ‘agree’ and strongly ‘agree’ given by 87% to 100% of the respondents for the 15 set of variables questioned on them.

Table 1.17 The Level of Adaptation Among Muallaf Youths in The Community

Code Number


F (%)

Disagree

F (%)

Agree

F (%)

Strongly AgreeF (%)

D1 I am able to well practise with Islamic teaching without any pressure

F (%) F (%) F (%) F (%)

D2 I can be patient, accept and tawakkal to Allah SWT in facing the test

1 (1%) 1 (1%) 51 (51%) 47 (47%)

D3 I have strong spirit to learn Islam in deep 1 (1%) 3 (3%) 42 (42%) 54 (54%)

D4 I can mingle with other societies of various races

0 (0%) 0 (0%) 41 (41%) 59 (59%)

D5 I still in contact with biological and other non-Muslim relatives

0 (0%) 3 (3%) 35 (35%) 62 (62%)

D6 I also join in the celebration and customs which are not aginst the Islamic teaching

4 (4%) 3 (3%) 33 (33%) 60 (60%)

D7 I have good relationship with the society 6 (6%) 7 (7%) 37 (37%) 50 (50%)

D8 I attend the religious activities 0 (0%) 5 (5%) 36 (36%) 59 (59%)

D9 I can share problem with other Muslim converts

1 (1%) 2 (2%) 42 (42%) 55 (55%)

D10 I have good affair with those who can enhance my understanding about Islam

1 (1%) 4 (4%) 35 (35%) 60 (60%)

D11 I can adapt with the new environment 2 (2%) 1 (1%) 34 (34%) 63 (63%)

D12 I can get along with the local societies 0 (0%) 1 (1%) 43 (43%) 56 (56%)

D13 I can have good understanding with local societies

0 (0%) 1 (1%) 41 (41%) 58 (58%)

D14 I can show my respect on the cultures being practiced by the local societies

0 (0%) 0 (0%) 44 (44%) 56 (56%)

D15 I can tolerate with the various ways of life within the local societies

1 (1%) 0 (0%) 41 (41%) 58 (58%)


Table 1.18 shows the scores level of adaptation among muallaf youths in the community. It is found that all of 15 items questioned to the respondents gave the high of score values. In average, the minimum score value for each of item starts from 3.31 (item D6) until 3.64 (item D15) which means the muallaf youths in IDIP are able to well adapt themselves within the community.

Table 1.18 The Scores Level of Adaptation Among Muallaf Youths in The Community

Code Number

Item Mean Value MinimumScore

MaximumScore

Level

D1 I am able to well practise with Islamic teaching without any pressure

3.44 1 4 High

D2 I can be patient, accept and tawakkal to Allah SWT in facing the test

3.49 1 4 High

D3 I have strong spirit to learn Islam in deep 3.59 1 4 HighD4 I can mingle with other societies of

various races3.59 1 4 High

D5 I still in contact with biological and other non-Muslim relatives

3.49 1 4 High

D6 I also join in the celebration and customs which are not aginst the Islamic teaching

3.31 1 4 High

D7 I have good relationship with the society 3.54 1 4 HighD8 I attend the religious activities 3.51 1 4 HighD9 I can share problem with other Muslim

converts3.54 1 4 High

D10 I have good affair with those who can enhance my understanding about Islam

3.58 1 4 High

D11 I can adapt with the new environment 3.55 1 4 HighD12 I can get along with the local societies 3.57 1 4 HighD13 I can have good understanding with local

societies3.56 1 4 High

D14 I can show my respect on the cultures being practiced by the local societies

3.56 1 4 High

D15 I can tolerate with the various ways of life within the local societies

3.64 1 4 High

Mean Values (Overall)52.96 15 60 High


CONCLUSION

This research is done with the aims of assessing the adaptation of muallaf towards the community among students in Institute of Dakwah Islamiah PERKIM (IDIP). The data were analysed by using the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The challeges being faced by muallaf among students in Institute of Dakwah Islamiah PERKIM (IDIP) consist of three categories. The challenges in the family, the challenges within the community and the challenges towards the integration of Islamic culture. The results showe that the main challenge faced by the muallaf is in family. Item of B7 “Being insinuated by the family for converting to Islam” and item B10 “ Being labeled as Malay convert” showed the highest of mean value with mode of 3. It shows that majority of the respondents face the same challenge. The challenges within the community show the low scores; with the mean value of 2 (low) and mode of 2 (‘not agree’) towards 10 items of the variables. The challenges in the integration of Islamic culture also show the low mean value with mode of 2 except for three items B27, B28 and B29 which in mode of 3 respectively. Howver, among 30 items of the variables being questioned to the respondents, there are only a few of them act as challenges among the muallaf after converting to Islam.The results regarding the education and internship implemented by IDIP show the high of mean and score values. It can be observed through the answers given by respondents towrads 40 set of variables in the questionnaires. In conclusion, through the implementation of education and internship in IDIP together with the regular practises by the muallaf could help them in adapting themselves within the community.

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Profil Penulis:

Marlon P. Guleng (Calon Ijazah Sarjana)

Jabatan Dakwah dan Kepimpinan

Fakulti Pengajian Islam

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor

[email protected]

Razaleigh Muhamat@Kawangit, PhD

Profesor Madya





[email protected]

Abu Dardaa Mohamad

Pensyarah





[email protected]

adaptation of muallaf youths

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