TEACHING ISLAM SUBJECT TO NON-MUSLIM STUDENTS AT UiTM PERLIS

Abstract

The teaching of Islam subject at the higher education system in this country does not solely focus on Muslim students as it been long exposed to non-Muslim students in the form of a compulsory university subject at UiTM which previously known as the MARA Institute of Technology (ITM). After enroll and undergo the subject, it turns out that non-Muslim students are at a significant level of acceptance of Islam, especially when talking with Muslim students at UiTM. Understanding the subject of Islam for non-Muslim students is not easy even if at the beginning level. There are various questions, doubts, and uncertainties among non-Muslim students about Islam before they enroll to the subject of Islam. In addition, the reality is more challenging when there are many negative perceptions and misunderstandings about Islam in the mass media that they perceive from the wrong perspectives. Therefore, this study aims to explore the experience and teaching methods of two subject codes, namely IDA 202 (Islamic Society and State) and IDA 102 (Man and Religion) at UITM Perlis in order to identify the level of acceptance of non-Muslim students for the subject of Islam. The analysis of non-Muslim students intake semester one and three in October 2022 to February 2023. The data was retrieved from the commitment of teaching staff during teaching and learning process throughout the semester. Furthermore, the study will present the results of the SUFO (Student Feedback Online Survey) and the final test scores to analyze the effectiveness of teaching the subject of Islam to non-Muslim students at UiTM Perlis. The results of the study found that the IDA subject content was able to explain the negative perception of non-Muslim students toward the knowledge of Islam. They respond positively, understood and respects the practices of Muslim friends. This study also suggests there should be more efforts be executed for IDA teaching staff in UiTM, to enable apply the techniques or methods of dawah bil hal in treating non-Muslim students who enroll the IDA subject code that able to form high morals, ethics, and shaping good character.