Challenges of religious integration among indigenous Muslim converts (Mualaf) in Sabah, Malaysia

Zaifuddin Md Rasip and Rahayu Handan and Mohd Zulfahmi Bin Mohamad and Amer Hudhaifah Hamzah (2025) Challenges of religious integration among indigenous Muslim converts (Mualaf) in Sabah, Malaysia. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), 9. pp. 605-618. ISSN 2454-6186

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Abstract

The increasing number of Muslim reverts (Mualaf) in Sabah, particularly among indigenous communities, represents a distinctive trend within Malaysia’s religious demography. Unlike in Peninsular Malaysia, where conversions predominantly occur among non-indigenous populations, reversion to Islam in Sabah involves ethnic groups such as the Kadazan Dusun, Murut, Rungus, and Sungai. This unique pattern necessitates an in-depth exploration to understand the specific dynamics influencing these religious transitions. This qualitative study aims to investigate the factors contributing to the rising number of Mualaf among indigenous communities in Sabah, identify the principal challenges these converts face post-conversion, and critically evaluate the effectiveness of support mechanisms offered by religious institutions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with selected Mualaf from various indigenous backgrounds across Sabah, complemented by secondary sources such as governmental reports, academic publications, and NGO documents. The findings indicate that indigenous reverts encounter complex and multifaceted challenges, including bureaucratic hurdles during formal conversion procedures, psychological stress associated with identity realignment, rejection by family members and local communities, limited religious literacy, and inadequate access to structured Islamic educational resources, especially in remote rural areas. Moreover, the lack of culturally sensitive religious educators and persistent societal stigma exacerbate feelings of isolation, complicating their integration into the broader Muslim community. Consequently, this research underscores the urgent need for inclusive and contextually relevant da’wah strategies tailored to indigenous cultural contexts. Additionally, practical recommendations are proposed for policymakers, religious institutions, and civil society groups to improve existing support structures, foster religious resilience, and ensure sustainable spiritual growth and communal empowerment for indigenous Mualaf.

Item Type:	Article
Keyword:	Mualaf, indigenous Sabah, religious challenges, integration, Islamic da’wah
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion > BL1-2790 Religions. Mythology. Rationalism > BL410 Religions in relation to one another D World History and History Of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Etc. > DS Asia > DS1-937 History of Asia > DS520-560.72 Southeast Asia > DS591-599 Malaysia. Malay Peninsula. Straits Settlements > DS597.22-599 Local history and description > DS597.33-597.34 Sabah. British North Borneo
Department:	FACULTY > Faculty of Islamic Studies
Depositing User:	JUNAINE JASNI -
Date Deposited:	10 Oct 2025 17:10
Last Modified:	10 Oct 2025 17:10
URI:	https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/45413

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