Kota Kinabalu: The United Sabah Islamic Association’s (Usia) dakwah will be going digital through its newly-formed youth wing.
Usia Youth Chief Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said they have already gathered 21 young imams Statewide, currently working with Jheains or Jakim, to host online classes.
“This ‘rejuvenation’ to Usia is more towards digitalisation, mastering the use of technology and social media.
“Smart Sabah has agreed to assist with maybe once a month short courses for the youth and at the same time give them input on dakwah (preaching).
“We would need space and the Usia dakwah centre in Kg Marasinsim Kota Marudu could be used for that purpose.
“We are not extremists but seek to be aligned with Sabah’s diverse community,” he said at a ceremony the Usia building here.
He added that half the men appointed, apart from being respective Usia division youth chiefs, are industry professionals including a doctor from the UMS Faculty of Medicine and a KDM Muslim organisation representative.
It is important, Jamawi continued, as many KDMs were mass converted in Tenom in the late 70s but the lack of dakwah had them revert.
“Problems then arise when they want to get married but in the IC is Islam,” he shared.
Yang Dipertua Usia Datuk Sapawi Ahmad said the organisation, since 1969, is already rooted in the people but the perception that it is “berusia” (aged) must be removed.
“The early preachers were Indonesians and Islam was further strengthened in Sabah with religious schools until it has become the official religion.
“That continuity is to be carried by our energetic youth. Knowing this, we are also leading up to the formation of a Puteri (women’s youth) wing”.
He said the strategic rejuvenation plan launched in 2022 is going smoothly although still incomplete.
“We have updated it to 2.0 and are now focusing on developing dakwah management including establishing a foundation, among other strategies,” he said.
Sapawi emphasised that the youth’s skills are vital, especially in the age of digital influencers to make direct connections with people.
