Towards a Mandarin-based da’wah model : Bridging cultural identity and Islamic communication in Malaysia

YanJu Suo; Mikail Ibrahim; Sakinah Ahmad; Yan Mei Suo

doi:10.33102/uij.722

Authors

YanJu Suo Faculty of Major Language Studies, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Bandar Baru Nilai, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Mikail Ibrahim Faculty of Major Language Studies, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Bandar Baru Nilai, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9101-4755
Sakinah Ahmad Faculty of Major Language Studies, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Bandar Baru Nilai, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Yan Mei Suo Faculty of Modern language and communication, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, 35900 Tanjong Malim, Perak, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8126-7871

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33102/uij.722

Keywords:

Mandarin-Based Da’wah Model (MBDM); Malaysian Chinese Muslim converts; Language barriers ; Cultural sensitivity; Digital Islamic outreach

Abstract

Mandarin-speaking Chinese converts often face challenges in a multicultural and multilingual country in Malaysia. It is difficult for them to access Islamic teaching in their first language (Mandarin) since most Da’wah (Islamic missionary) activities are conducted in Malaysia either in Malay or Arabic. Language barriers, cultural misconceptions, and dual-identity conflicts hinder their understanding of Islamic knowledge, and actively involve them in Da’wah activities, integration into the local muslim community. This study intends to propose the Mandarin-Based Da’wah Model (MBDM) to overcome these challenges. This study adopted a qualitative research design. Data collected through interviews with Chinese Muslim converts and Da’wah practitioners in Malaysia. The four main challenges identified from the thematic analysis revealed four main challenges: (1) the shortage of localised Islamic materials in Mandarin, (2) linguistic and terminology barriers, and (3) diverse linguistic backgrounds among Malaysian Chinese. (4) The Limitations of modern Da’wah Delivery methods. The three key pillars included in the proposed MBDM are: developing localised and easy-to-access resources, training multilingual and culturally competent preachers, and promoting cultural integration with ongoing support for converts. The MBDM is tailored for the often-overlooked Malaysian Chinese Muslim community, using the language and culture they're familiar with to communicate and understand their unique situation. This model aims to deepen religious understanding, strengthen Muslim identities, and enhance ethic harmony in Malaysia. In the future, the model will be tested in real scenarios among diverse bilingual scholars, practitioners, and digital content creators to assess its effectiveness.

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Author Biographies

YanJu Suo , Faculty of Major Language Studies, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Bandar Baru Nilai, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Suo YanJu is a lecturer at the Faculty of Major Language Studies, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM). Her current research interests include second and foreign language teaching and learning, technology in foreign language teaching and instructional technologies, and other issues in educational psychology.

Mikail Ibrahim, Faculty of Major Language Studies, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Bandar Baru Nilai, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Mikail Ibrahim is an associate professor at the Faculty of Major Language Studies, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia. His current research interests include educational psychology, Second and foreign language teaching and learning, and Measurement and Evaluation. Besides teaching, Mikail is actively involved in research and publications in his areas of interest, including psychometrics, Teaching and Learning, and Arabic.

Sakinah Ahmad, Faculty of Major Language Studies, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Bandar Baru Nilai, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Sakinah Ahmad is a lecturer in the Education Programme, Faculty of Major Language Studies, University Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM). Her research focuses on women school principals in secondary schools and women leaders in higher education institutions in Malaysia. Beyond leadership, she is also interested in broader educational issues, particularly how leadership can support values-based practices, including da’wah, to promote ethical leadership and effective management in education.

Yan Mei Suo , Faculty of Modern language and communication, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, 35900 Tanjong Malim, Perak, Malaysia

Suo YanMei is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Languages and Communication, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI). She obtained her PhD in Linguistics from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). Her current research interests include second and foreign language teaching and learning, as well as language and education. In addition to teaching, she actively engages in research and publications in the fields of language and education.

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