Beyond Conversion: Factors Behind the Growing Number of Mualaf in Sabah and the Challenges of Religious Integration

The Muslim population in Malaysia has continued to increase over time. One of the contributing factors to this growth, particularly in the state of Sabah, is the rising number of mualaf. This observation is further supported by official mualaf statistics released by the Sabah State Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAINS), which indicate a consistent year on year increase in the number of formally registered mualaf. Sabah has also been recorded as the state with the highest increase in the number of mualaf compared to other states in Malaysia.
Accordingly, this study aims to examine the factors that contribute to the increase in the number of mualaf in Sabah, as well as the challenges encountered after embracing Islam. This study adopts a qualitative approach through a literature based research design. By employing a literature review approach, the study engages with scholarly texts, da‘wah related articles, and other relevant sources to synthesise current understandings related to the topic. The study summarises that the primary factors contributing to the increase of mualaf in Sabah include active da‘wah efforts, admiration for Islamic moral conduct, interfaith marriage, and collaboration between governmental and non-governmental agencies. Meanwhile, the major challenges faced by mualaf across most areas in Sabah relate to financial constraints and issues of accessibility.

Mualaf, Muslim, Sabah

1. Abdul bin Imam Basirun, Nur A’thiroh Masyaa’il Abdullah, & Abdul Ghafar Don. (2020). Da‘wah of the United Sabah Islamic Association (USIA) towards mualaf in Sabah through educational da‘wah. AtTahkim, 10(5), 1–20. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Abdul Rahman, A., & Mustapha, R. (2020). Challenges propaganda against the aboriginal community by the Islamic religious council and Malay customs council. Islamiyyat, (42), 59-67. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Abdullah, R., Jayos,S., Yahya,F., Bandar,N. F. A., Mat Yusoff, N. F., & Ifdil, I. (2022). Adaptation strategies by Muslim convert: A study on ‘saudara kita’ in Sarawak Malaysia. Islamic Guidance and Counseling Journal (IGCJ), 5(2), 185-204. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Abd Malik, N. A., Tarmuji, R., Ahmadun, M., & Datu Asal, S. S., (2022). Synergism of contemporary Islamic philanthropy in Malaysia. Institut Kajian Zakat Malaysia (IKaZ). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Ab. Rahman, A., Mohd Subri, I., Abdul Mutalib, M., @ Taib, Wan Razali, W. M. F. A., Mohd Dali, N. R. S., Ibrahim, R. I., & Ismail, N. (2015). Mualaf perceptions towards conversion programmes and mualaf development initiatives: A study in Negeri Sembilan. Journal of Fatwa Management and Research, 6(1), 135–148. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Abu Bakar,S. A., & Ismail, S. Z., (2018). Mualaf management in Malaysia: Dynamic collaboration between governmental and non-governmental agencies. Jurnal Usuluddin, 46(2), 97–122. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Adul, S. (2014). Sources of religious knowledge and the level of religious understanding among mualaf in the West Coast of Sabah. In Proceedings of the International Seminar on Da‘wah and Ethnicity. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Adul, S., Kasan, H., & Mohd Nor, A. H. (2015). Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of mualaf youth towards responsibilities to non Muslim parents in Sabah. Institut Penyelidikan Pembangunan Belia Malaysia (IYRES). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Ahmad Zaluki, N. A., & Abdul Rahman, A. (2019). Muallaf: problems and suggestions solution. International Journal of Zakat and Islamic Philantrophy (IJZIP), 2(1), 229-236. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Aliakbar, M. Z. A. & Rasip, Z. M. (2024). The challenge of converts in malaysia and proposed solution. Jurnal Pengajian Islam (JPI), 16(1), 121-132. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Awang, A., & Hambali, K. M. (2015). Factors influencing conversion to Islam: A study of the Chinese Muslim convert community in Terengganu. Jurnal Pusat Penataran Ilmu dan Bahasa (MANU), 22, 21-45. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Awang, A., Ghani, R. A., Musa, R., Che Mat, A. 2022. The challenges of mixed marriage in Malaysia from mualaf’s circle. Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 11(6), 203-216. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Borham, A. H., & Abdul Kadir, F. A. (2017). Attractive factors of Mohd Fadli Yusof’s da‘wah in the Islamisation of non-Muslim communities in rural Pensiangan, Sabah. Jurnal Usuluddin, 42, 77–99. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Borham, A. H., Abdullah, W. H., & Abdul Rahim, M. M. (2021). Da‘wah methods in the Islamisation of Sabah before the British Crown Colony era. Jurnal Usuluddin, 49(1), 1–26. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Che Abah, N., Suhid, A., Mohd Fakhrudin, F. (2019). Issues and challenges of Muslim converts in Malaysia: A preliminary review. Jurnal Al-Anwar, 8(2), 1-13. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Fakhruddin, A., & Awang, A. (2020). A literature review on challenges in Islamic education among children of mualaf in Malaysia. Jurnal Al-Irsyad, 5(2), 444–455. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Fatimah, S., Nordin, N., Ismail, S. K., & Mohamad Yusoff, S. H. (2018). Challenges and implications in managing documentation for new converts. In Proceedings of the International Seminar on al-Qur’an in Contemporary Society 2018. Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Jabatan Hal Ehwal Agama Islam Negeri Sabah (JHEAINS). (2023). Mualaf data (2010–2023). Conversion Unit, Da‘wah Division. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Jominal, N. A. M. (2020). Da‘wah patterns of Lilis Mulyani towards mualaf in Sabah, Malaysia. ANIDA: Aktualisasi Nuansa Ilmu Dakwah, 20(2), 146–164. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Hajimin, M.N.H.H., & Ibrahim, I. A. (2019). Tun Mustapha and his role in establishing Islam as the official religion of Sabah. In Proceedings of the National Seminar on Islamic Civilisation and Heritage (TAWIS). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. Hajimin, M.N.H.H., Faezulfikri, P. G. M., & Afiqahathirah, N. (2020). Tun Mustapha and the strengthening of Islam in Sabah: 1963–1973. Akademika, 90(1), 181–191. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. Hajimin, M.N.H.H., Marinsah, S. A., Mokhtar, S., & Pullong, A. (2022). Religious migration and its impact on Muslim customs and culture in Sabah. Journal of Islamic, Social, Economics and Development, 7(47), 350–363. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

23. Harakah Daily. (2022, January 28). Sabah as a vast and fertile field for da‘wah activities. Retrieved April 2, 2024, from https://harakahdaily.net/index.php/2022/01/28/sabah-lapangan-luas-subur-bagi-gerakkerja-dakwah/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

24. Kamaruddin, A., & Mokhtar, A. E. (2024). A Review of Factors Influencing Conversion to Islam Among Orang Asli in Malaysia. ‘Ulum Islamiyyah: Malaysian Journal of Islamic Sciences, 36(2). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

25. Kawi,K., & Tan Abdullah, N. A. M., @ Tan Ai Pao. (2020). Issues and challenges of mualaf at the Sarawak State Islamic Religious Department. BITARA International Journal of Civilizational Studies and Human Sciences, 3(2), 28–43. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

26. Khairulnazrin Nasir, & Muhammad Syafee Salihin Hasan. (2018). Animistic beliefs from the Qur’anic perspective. Jurnal Pengajian Islam, 11(2), 80–93. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

27. Khoza, M. F., Ambo,N. I., & Saari, N. F. Z. (2025). Islamic education for converts in Sabah: Analysis of challenges and the role of implementing agencies. International Journal Of Education, Psychology And Counselling (IJEPC), 10(59), 1127-1138. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

28. Lazimin, B. (2018). Christianisation strategies in Kota Marudu District: 1954–1994. Jurnal Borneo Arkhailogia, 3(2), 185–199. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

29. Majul, C. A. (1973). Muslims in the Philippines. University of the Philippines Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

30. Mohd Amin, M. A., & Don, A. G. (2021). The role of Islamic organisations in da‘wah movements among mualaf in Sabah. QALAM International Journal of Islamic and Humanities Research, 1(2), 42–52. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

31. Mohd Mazlan, N. A., & Mohad, A. H. (2022). Challenges faced by mualaf in building a new life: A case study in Mukah, Sarawak, Malaysia. Seminar Antarabangsa Falsafah, Tamadun, Etika dan Turath Islami (i-STET). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

32. Mohad, A. H., Mansur, K., & Mohd Mokhtar, R. A. (2016). Islamic da‘wah in Sabah, Malaysia: A preliminary exploration. INSANCITA: Journal of Islamic Studies in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, 1(2),151- 166. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

33. Mohd Mazlan, N. A., & Mohad, A. H. (2022). Challenges faced by mualaf in building a new life: A case study in Mukah, Sarawak. In Proceedings of the International Seminar on Philosophy, Civilisation, Ethics and Islamic Heritage (i-STET 2022). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

34. Muhamat, R., @ Kawangit. (2016). Da‘wah development among mualaf in Malaysia: Challenges within society. In Proceedings of the 1st International Keynote on Mualaf Development and Empowerment (DE MUALAF). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

35. Nasution, S., & Ghofur, A. (2017). Islamic development in Sabah, Malaysia: A socio-historical perspective. TOLERANSI, 9(2), 152–183. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

36. Othman, M. F. (2017). The steadfast faith of the Companions of the Prophet. Retrieved from https://www.bharian.com.my/taxonomy/term/61/2017/03/262726/keutuhan-iman-sahabat-rasulullah [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

37. Pasiran, K., & Mokhtar, A. E. (2024). Management of da‘wah for Muslim converts at the Sabah State Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAINS): A preliminary review. Jurnal al-Sirat, 24(2), 93-107. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

38. Rasip,Z. M., Ramli, I., & Hamzah, A. H. (2025). Mualaf in Sabah: A study of factors contributing to the increase of mualaf and the challenges they face. Al-Qanatir International Journal of Islamic Studies. 34(2). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

39. Rasip, Z. M., & Ab Razak, M. S. (2024). Factors leading to conversion to Islam: A study on converts in Sabah. Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 9(10), 1–14. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

40. Rasip, Z.M., Hamzah, A.H., Hajimin, M.N.H.H., Ab Razak, M.S., Adol, S., Marinsah, S.A. (2025), The Historical Development of Islam and Converts in Sabah, Malaysia: From the 14th century to the Official Designation of Islam as the State Religion, International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 15(3), 1556-1572. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

41. Sabah State Government Official Website. (2023). The people and history of Sabah. Retrieved March 8, 2024, from https://sabah.gov.my/ms/content/rakyat-sejarah [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

42. Sh. Othman, S. M. F., Mokhtar, A. E., Abdul Karim, S. R., Suhaimi, H., Saidi, H. (2021). The concept of honoring new brothers in Islam: challenges and approaches in Pahang. Jurnal Al-Sirat, 19(2), 143-159. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

43. Sintang, S. (2003). Conversion to Islam and Christianity among the Kadazan-Dusun community in Sabah. Jurnal Usuluddin, 18, 59–80. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

44. Sintang, S. (2005). The historical development of mualaf in Sabah: The role and contribution of the United Sabah Islamic Association (USIA). Jurnal Al-Tamaddun, 1, 51–90. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

45. Sintang, S., Kasim Mansur, Dayangku Aslinah Abd. Rahim, Sarip Adul, Dullah Muluk, Roslinah Mahmud. (2018). ‘Saudara Baru’ Di Sabah: Isu Dan Permasalahan Masakini. Jurnal Penyelidikan Islam. Bil 30. 140-160.. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

46. Sintang, S., Budi Anto Mohd Tamring, Siti Aidah Hj. Lukin, & Halina Sendera Mohd Yakin. (2019). Religious phenomena in rural Sabah. Journal of History Department, University of Malaya, 28(2), 187– 199. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

47. Sintang, S., Mohd Tamring, B. A., Hj. Lukin,S. A., Mohd. Yakin, H. S. (2019). Religious phenomena in the interior of Sabah. Journal of History Department, University of Malaya, 28(2), 187-199. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

48. Tabari, Z. (2024). Process of Preaching in The Islam of The Murut Tribes in Tenom Sabah. Jurnal Borneo Akhailogia (Warisan, Arkeologi & Sejarah), 9(1), 131-140. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

49. Tan Abdullah, N. A. M. @ Tan Ai Pao. (2021). Post-conversion challenges among mualaf in Malaysia. In Proceedings of the Islamic Education System for Mualaf in Malaysia. Institut Pengajian Islam dan Dakwah Sabah (IPDAS). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

50. Tom & Harrison, B. (1970). The prehistory of Sabah (Monograph Vol. IV). Sabah Society Journal. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

51. Yusin, M. (1990). Islam in Sabah. Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Sin Reconsidered: A Comparative Study of Classical Theology and Murphy-O’Connor’s Pauline Anthropology
• Spiritual Warfare as Intervention: An Ethnographic Analysis of Johane Masowe Chishanu Church in Combating Drug Abuse in Zimbabwe
• Conceptualizing Muslim and Non-Muslim Social Interaction in Malaysia Based on the Maqasid Shariah Framework
• Melchizedek and the Levitical Priesthood: A Comparative Theological Study
• Yoruba Concept of Omoluabi: An Ideaological Antidote against Corruption in Nigeria