Responsibility Towards Converts Extends Beyond Shahadah

The responsibility towards newly converted persons to Islam requires continuous guidance, attention, compassion and support, and they need spiritual guidance and welfare assistance.

“We must nurture converts to understand Islam who are not only recipients of the faith but eventually become contributors; and who are not only guided, but one day are able to guide others,” Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said at the closing ceremony and prize presentation of the national-level Ijtima' Amal Islami Mualaf Madani (IJMAM) 2026 on 5 September 2026 at Dewan Bangkuasi, Sabah State Legislative Assembly, Kota Kinabalu.

“The Islam that we preach must be reflected through good character. The Islam that we uphold must be translated into action. And the Islam that we practise must give rise to a society that is peaceful, caring, respectful and helpful towards one another.” IJMAM is also a platform to strengthen the understanding of Islam, discover talent, build self-confidence, shape identity and strengthen brotherhood among new Muslims, Hajiji said.

For Sabah, which is rich in ethnic, cultural, linguistic and religious diversity, Islamic outreach must always be carried out with wisdom, compassion, moderation and respect for the diversity of society, the CM added. “IJMAM participants including new Muslims must continue the spirit of IJMAM with their families and communities, Hajiji said.

“Be new Muslims who not only receive guidance, but who one day are able to guide others. Be preachers. Be leaders. Be an inspiration. And be proof that Allah’s guidance can transform a person’s life for the better and make it more meaningful.” This year’s IJMAM theme was, “Empowering Converts, Strengthening the Ummah.”