PERANAN DAN SOKONGAN SOSIAL KUMPULAN SOKONGAN KEPADA MUALAF IBAN DAN BIDAYUH: KAJIAN KES BAITUL ILMI, KOTA SAMARAHAN, SARAWAK, MALAYSIA.

Abstract

This article examines the extent of social support provided by an independent social support group, Baitul Ilmi, to Iban and Bidayuh Muslim converts in Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia. A total of 17 respondents, comprising 15 Muslim converts of Iban and Bidayuh ethnicities, the founder, and an administrator of Baitul Ilmi, were interviewed. The thematic analysis reveals that Baitul Ilmi plays three main roles: a mediator, a platform for preaching, and a bonding agent. Besides that, Baitul Ilmi also offers social support, such as organising religious classes, social and leisure activities, providing financial and welfare assistance, empowering self-esteem, and offering emotional support. The findings of this study prove the effectiveness of Baitul Ilmi as a support group that assists the roles of government agencies such as Jabatan Agama Islam Sarawak (JAIS) and other organisations in providing social support to Muslim converts in Kota Samarahan