Pengaruh dakwah dalam kehidupan masyarakat Melanau Muslim

The Iinfluence of da‘wah in the life of the Muslim Melanau Community

Abstract

This article discusses the influence of da‘wah in the life of the Muslim Melanau community in Sarawak. Da‘wah plays an important role in shaping Islamic understanding, appreciation, and religious practices within society, particularly in communities with strong cultural and social backgrounds such as the Melanau ethnic group. The development of Islam among the Melanau community occurred gradually through da‘wah approaches that emphasised wisdom, social engagement, and sensitivity towards local culture. This study employs a qualitative approach through document analysis and literature review to examine the influence of da‘wah on the lives of the Muslim Melanau community, particularly in aspects related to social life, education, morality, and Islamic appreciation. The discussion reveals that da‘wah not only influences religious practices but also shapes social relationships, lifestyle, and the identity of the Muslim Melanau community. The findings also indicate that contemporary da‘wah challenges within the Melanau community are increasingly influenced by digital media development, social changes, and shifts in the identity of the younger generation. In addition, the role of religious institutions, local leadership, and community relationships are significant factors in strengthening the influence of da‘wah in society. The article further emphasises that da‘wah approaches which understand local culture and community realities are capable of strengthening Islamic appreciation more effectively and sustainably within the Melanau community in Sarawak.

ABSTRAK

Artikel ini membincangkan pengaruh dakwah dalam kehidupan masyarakat Melanau Muslim di Sarawak. Dakwah memainkan peranan penting dalam membentuk kefahaman, penghayatan dan amalan Islam dalam kehidupan masyarakat khususnya dalam komuniti yang mempunyai latar budaya dan sosial yang kuat seperti etnik Melanau. Perkembangan Islam dalam masyarakat Melanau berlaku secara beransur-ansur melalui pendekatan dakwah yang bersifat berhikmah, mesra masyarakat dan dekat dengan budaya tempatan. Artikel ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif melalui analisis dokumen dan sorotan literatur bagi menghuraikan pengaruh dakwah terhadap kehidupan masyarakat Melanau Muslim khususnya dari aspek sosial, pendidikan, akhlak dan penghayatan agama. Hasil perbincangan menunjukkan bahawa dakwah bukan sahaja mempengaruhi amalan ibadah masyarakat, malah turut membentuk hubungan sosial, budaya hidup dan identiti masyarakat Melanau Muslim. Selain itu, peranan institusi agama, kepimpinan tempatan dan hubungan komuniti turut menjadi faktor penting dalam memperkukuhkan pengaruh dakwah dalam kehidupan masyarakat. Artikel ini turut menegaskan bahawa pendekatan dakwah yang memahami budaya dan realiti masyarakat setempat mampu membantu memperkukuhkan penghayatan Islam secara lebih berkesan dan berterusan dalam komuniti Melanau di Sarawak.