19 Orang Asli In Sungai Rual Embrace Islam Through Outreach Programme

JELI, April 23 (Bernama) -- Nineteen Orang Asli individuals in Kampung Sungai Rual embraced Islam today during the Kembara Daie outreach programme officiated by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Marhamah Rosli.

Marhamah said all converts embraced Islam voluntarily after undergoing a period of religious exposure and learning, followed by the recitation of the syahadah in a group ceremony.

She said the outreach approach, centred on good conduct, compassion and the absence of coercion, had helped attract interest among the Orang Asli community to learn about Islam.

"When we engage with good values and provide continuous support, they are more open to understanding Islam and accepting it willingly," she told Bernama after the event here today.

Marhamah said efforts to engage the Orang Asli community would continue to be strengthened through cooperation between federal and state agencies.

She said continued guidance for new converts would be carried out through collaboration involving Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (YADIM), the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), the Kelantan Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIK) and the Kelantan Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JAHEAIK).

According to her, sustained engagement and monitoring were important to help new converts, including those from the Orang Asli community, better understand and practise Islamic teachings.

Meanwhile, one of the new converts, Jahai tribesman and rubber tapper Lokman Jali, 26, said he became interested in Islam after frequently hearing the call to prayer from a nearby surau.

"After attending religious classes for a year, I feel more at peace being able to perform prayers and learn the Quran," he said.

Another rubber tapper, Latif Gemuk, 32, said he embraced Islam in search of clearer life guidance and inner peace.

-- BERNAMA