Pembangunan Kerangka Pendidikan Mualaf Berteraskan Epistemologi Islam dan Pendekatan Sosio-Ekologi di Sarawak = Development of a Mualaf Education Framework Based on Islamic Epistemology and the Socio-Ecological Approach in Sarawak

Abstract

Muallaf education is an important aspect in strengthening faith (aqidah), developing Muslim identity, and enhancing the social well-being of converts in Malaysia. However, existing educational approaches remain fragmented, overly focused on ritual practices, and insufficiently responsive to the socio-cultural realities of the muallaf community in Sarawak. This study aims to develop a muallaf education framework grounded in Islamic epistemology and a socio-ecological approach within the Sarawak context. Using a qualitative research design, in-depth interviews were conducted with sixteen participants from various institutions who have direct experience in muallaf education in Sarawak. Thematic analysis identified six main themes: (1) strengthening tawhid and Muslim identity; (2) mentoring-based education; (3) the influence of the social ecosystem on muallaf perseverance (istiqamah); (4) culturally contextualised education in Sarawak; (5) economic and psychosocial empowerment; and (6) institutional integration in dakwah governance. Based on these findings, the study proposes a muallaf education framework that integrates the foundations of Islamic epistemology with a multi-level socio ecological model encompassing the individual, family, community, institutions, and policy. By linking normative Islamic principles with local social realities, this framework offers a more structured and comprehensive approach to strengthening muallaf education, thereby contributing to theoretical discourse and policy reform in the development of minority Muslim communities.