Upload
others
View
12
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
PERCEPTIONS OF MOSQUE ADMINISTRATORS AND
MOSQUE GOERS ON MOSQUE LIBRARIES IN THE
STATE OF SELANGOR, MALAYSIA
BY
NUR LEYNI NILAM PUTRI JUNURHAM
A dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for
the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Library and
Information Science
Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology
International Islamic University Malaysia
APRIL 2019
ii
ABSTRACT
A mosque plays an important role as a centre for spreading Islam. This has been
proven since the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Mosque libraries are vital in
opening up readership opportunities to the society. However, only limited empirical
studies looked into the establishment of Mosque libraries, particularly on the
perceptions of mosque administrators and mosque goers. This study attempted to
explore the current situation of mosque libraries in the state of Selangor. In this
regard, the perceptions of mosque administrators and mosque goers towards mosque
libraries were examined. The research objectives were; RO1: To identify the current
state of mosque libraries in selected districts of Selangor, RO2: To examine the
perceptions of mosque administrators of mosque libraries, and RO3: To examine the
perceptions of mosque goers of mosque libraries. Ten mosques from the Districts in
Selangor were selected for the study. Qualitative and quantitative methods were
employed, and data were gathered through interviews and questionnaires. Ten mosque
administrators were selected and two hundred eighty (280) mosque goers were
involved as respondents. In order to ensure the validity of data collected and analysed,
the triangulation technique was employed. The findings show that, most mosques
have reading corners and few libraries. Three out of ten selected mosques have a
specific room for libraries. Moreover, the collections were acquired through donation
and all were about religion. Besides, staffs manning the library were not qualified, and
they spent most of their time on mosque activities instead of mosque library activities.
Only one mosque has an annual budget for acquiring library materials and other
library purposes. The perceptions of mosque administrators and mosque goers were
positive about mosque libraries. The study revealed that mosque libraries were
important in certain activities including reference, relaxation, and socializing. The
existence and development of mosque libraries depended on certain factors as
revealed from the findings such as sufficient staffs, reading habits, understanding with
regards to mosque libraries’ roles and functions, location, sufficient space provision,
and high Key Performance Indicator (KPI) in relation to JAIS assessment. This study
revealed that mosque libraries were not given the necessary assistance to perform their
roles and functions to support leisure reading, learning and information seeking in the
mosques. Recommendations based on these findings were that the annual budget for
mosques could be reviewed, governing authorities to provide policy and advice on
mosque libraries, administrators be trained to manage and promote mosque libraries.
Generally, the mosque administrators and mosque goers perceived mosque libraries as
important. Hence, this study contributed a guideline for improvement of mosque
libraries in Selangor as there were few publications conducted under this study.
iii
ة البحثخلاصABSTRACT IN ARABIC
. كما نبي صلى الله عليه وسلممن المنذ ز تلعب المساجد دورا رئيسياً وهاماً في نشر الإسلامومع ذلك، هناك القليل .فرص القراءة للمجتمع إتاحةتلعب مكتبات المساجد دورا حيويا في
من الدراسات التجريبية التي أجريت حتى الآن في مجال مكتبات المساجد خاصة تلك التي تهدف هذه الدراسة يخص مكتبات المساجد. فيما تتناول تصورات مسؤولي المساجد وروادها
ف الوضع الحالي لمكتبات المساجد في ولاية سيلانجور. وفي هذا الصدد، تم استكشا إلىكما جاءت .تجاه مكتبات المساجدإفحص تصورات كل من مسؤولي المساجد وممثليها
الهدف الأول من البحث هو التعرف على الوضع الحالي لمكتبات :أهداف البحث كالتاليسيلانجور، اما الهدف الثاني فهو دراسة تصورات ةالمناطق المختارة في ولاي عضب المساجد في
دراسة تصورات فهو والأخير الهدف الثالث مسؤولي المساجد عن مكتبات المساجد، بينما( مساجد من 10الباحث باختيار عشرة ) قام المساجد عن مكتبات المساجد. كما مسؤولي
استخدام أسلوب البحث النوعي على اعتمد البحث وقد مقاطعة سيلانجور لهذه الدراسة.والكمي، حيث تم جمع البيانات من خلال المقابلات والاستبيانات. حيث تم اختيار عشرة
( من رواد المساجد تم اشراكهم 280من مديري المساجد بالإضافة الى مائتان وثمانون )، تم لتي تم جمعها وتحليلهاومن أجل ضمان صحة البيانات ا ن.لاستبيااعلى كمستجيبين
(. أشارت النتائج إلى أن معظم triangulation techniqueاستخدام تقنية التثليث )ثلاثة من أصل صصة للقراءة. وأنخعدد قليل من المكتبات وكذلك الزوايا الم االمساجد له
على ستخدم كمكتبة. كما انه تم الحصولتعشرة من المساجد المختارة لديها غرفة محددة لمكتبية من خلال التبرع ومعظمها كانت عن الدين. كما ان الدراسة بينت معظم المطبوعات ا
الذين يديرون المكتبة غير مؤهلين وانهم كانوا يقضون معظم وقتهم في أنشطة ينأن الموظفالمسجد. ومن بين النتائج المستخلصة أيضا أنه من بين عشرة مساجد، يوجد مسجد واحد
لى المواد المكتبية وغيرها من أغراض المكتبة. وقد يزانية سنوية للحصول عفقط لديه ماضطلعت مكتبات المساجد بأنشطة ترويجية محدودة. كما أظهرت الدراسة ان تصورات
iv
مسؤولي المساجد ومساعدي المساجد كانت إيجابية حول مكتبات المساجد. وكشفت راجع، الاسترخاء، بعض الأنشطة كمزود للمالدراسة أيضا أن مكتبات المساجد ذات اهميه في
كما كشفت النتائج أن وجود مكتبات المساجد وتطويرها يعتمد على والتنشئة الاجتماعية. القراءة،بعض العوامل التي كشفت عنها النتائج مثل عدد كافٍ من الموظفين، وعادات
ضاأيو كافية، مساحة وفيروت والموقع، المساجد،والتفاهم فيما يتعلق بأدوار ووظائف مكتبات ( فيما يتعلق Key Performance Indicator (KPI)) مؤشر أداء رئيسي مرتفع
وكشفت هذه الدراسة أيضا أن مكتبات المساجد لم تحصل على المساعدة JAISبتقييم اللازمة لأداء أدوارها ووظائفها لدعم القراءة والتعلم والبحث عن المعلومات في المساجد. كما
ايضا واستنادا لهذه النتائج بتقديم بعض التوصيات كالتالي: إمكانية مراجعة الباحث قامجد، وعلى السلطات الحاكمة أيضا ان تقوم بتقديم السياسات والمشورة الميزانية السنوية للمسا
اللازمة بشأن مكتبات المساجد، وتدريب المسؤولين على إدارة مكتبات المساجد والترويج لها. ام، اعتبر مسؤولو المساجد وروادها أن مكتبات المساجد مهمة جدا. كما ساهمت بشكل ع
ين مكتبات المساجد في سيلانجور وذلك لوجود عدد هذه الدراسة في دليل توجيهي لتحس .قليل من المنشورات التي أجريت في إطار هذه الدراسة
v
APPROVAL PAGE
The dissertation of Nur Leyni Nilam Junurham has been approved by the following:
_____________________________
Wan Ali Wan Mamat
Supervisor
_____________________________
Basri Hj. Hassan
Co-Supervisor
_____________________________
Roslina Othman
Internal Examiner
_____________________________
Wan Ab. Kadir Wan Dollah
External Examiner
_____________________________
Shaheen Majid
External Examiner
_____________________________
Fouad Mahmoud
Chairman
vi
DECLARATION
I hereby declare that this dissertation is the result of my own investigations, except
where otherwise stated. I also declare that it has not been previously or concurrently
submitted as a whole for any other degrees at IIUM or other institutions.
Nur Leyni Nilam Putri Junurham
Signature ........................................................... Date .........................................
vii
COPYRIGHT
INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA
DECLARATION OF COPYRIGHT AND AFFIRMATION OF
FAIR USE OF UNPUBLISHED RESEARCH
PERCEPTIONS OF MOSQUE ADMINISTRATORS AND
MOSQUE GOERS ON MOSQUE LIBRARIES IN THE STATE OF
SELANGOR, MALAYSIA
I declare that the copyright holders of this dissertation are jointly owned by the student
and IIUM.
Copyright © 2019 Nur Leyni Nilam Putri Junurham and International Islamic University Malaysia. All
rights reserved.
No part of this unpublished research may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,
or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording or otherwise without prior written permission of the copyright holder
except as provided below
1. Any material contained in or derived from this unpublished research may
only be used by others in their writing with due acknowledgement.
2. IIUM or its library will have the right to make and transmit copies (print
or electronic) for institutional and academic purposes.
3. The IIUM library will have the right to make, store in a retrieved system
and supply copies of this unpublished research if requested by other
universities and research libraries.
By signing this form, I acknowledged that I have read and understand the IIUM
Intellectual Property Right and Commercialization policy.
Affirmed by Nur Leyni Nilam Putri Junurham
……..…………………….. ………………………..
Signature Date
viii
DEDICATION
This dissertation is dedicated to to my dearest Mom and Father whose constant love
and du’a reached me here today and to my beloved husband for his support and
understanding.
ix
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
First and foremost, I would like to express my immeasurable praise and gratitude to
Almighty Allah, for his abundant love and mercy, and for blessing me in so many
ways through my PhD journey. There are many people who deserve the thanks for
helping me to reach the end of this journey with their beneficial ideas and guidance.
My special thanks to my parents Mr. Junurham Roma and Mrs. Rosnawaty
Dahlan. The consistent encouragement from my siblings, Adham, Mira, SyahJaya,
Nurul and also my family-in-law. I sincerely thank you all for your du’a and ardent
support. May Allah bless us all!
Dr. Wan Ali Wan Mamat, I am expressly grateful for your guidance and
support throughout my study. I thank Allah for choosing you as my supervisor
because I believe He is the best of planners. May Allah bless and reward you in this
life and the hereafter. My appreciation also goes to my co-supervisor Dr. Basri
Hassan. I am expressly grateful for your insights and suggestions which have been a
constant guidance in my research, and for your encouragement and care which have
strengthened me to overcome the hardships I have gone through. Thank you for all the
time and support you have spared for me. May Allah bless and accepts all your good
deeds. I am also highly indebted to Prof. Dr. Ahmad Bakeri who I seek guidance in
accomplishing my PhD journey, thank you for sticking with me especially on time of
need. I ask Allah SWT to reward you and your entire family in this duniya and
hereafter.
I would also like to thank the KICT’s staffs, especially the Department Head of
Library and Information Science, my post-viva supervisor Prof. Dr. Roslina Othman,
both academic and administrative, for their input directly or indirectly to the
successful completion of my PhD. I also acknowledge the valuable contribution of my
scholarship Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) and International Islamic University
Malaysia (IIUM) for granting me opportunity to pursue my study.
I also have deep appreciation for those who granted me with their ideas and
opinions, especially Dr. Zainabu, Mdm Sikujua, Dr. Ashraf Ali. And also not
forgetting to express my cordial appreciation to my friends who were always at my
side even being absent. I have greatly benefited from all of you and very much
thankful ever. I am also grateful to the mosque administrators in Selangor and the
respondents who participated in my research. Your sharing is highly valuable and
most appreciated.
Last but not least, my deepest gratitude goes to my beloved husband
Mohammad Haris Latif. I cannot thank you enough for your inestimable love and
support. I appreciate your encouragement and support in all ramifications throughout
my task to completing this dissertation. This journey wouldn’t have been success story
without you. I glorify Allah for having you and I pray may we be blessed and happy
forever till Jannah! (Aamiin)!
x
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract ........................................................................................................................ ii Abstract in Arabic ........................................................................................................ iii
Approval Page .............................................................................................................. v Declaration ................................................................................................................... vi Copyright ..................................................................................................................... vii Dedication .................................................................................................................... viii Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................... ix
List of Tables ............................................................................................................... xiii List of Figures .............................................................................................................. xx List of Abbreviations ................................................................................................... xxi
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION ...................................................................... 1 1.1 Overview ................................................................................................... 1
1.1.1 Islam and Mosque Administration in Malaysia .............................. 1
1.1.2 Role of Mosque during Prophet and Golden Era ............................ 4 1.1.3 The Concept of Mosque Libraries .................................................. 9
1.1.4 The establishment of Mosque Libraries ......................................... 12 1.1.5 Reading Habits in Malaysia ............................................................ 15
1.2 Statement of the Problem .......................................................................... 16
1.3 Research Questions ................................................................................... 19
1.4 Research Objectives .................................................................................. 19 1.5 Significance of the Research ..................................................................... 19
1.6 Scope and Limitations of Research ........................................................... 21 1.7 Methodology ............................................................................................. 22 1.8 Operational Definitions ............................................................................. 23
1.9 Outline of the Thesis ................................................................................. 25
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW ......................................................... 26 2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................... 26 2.2 Mosque and Its Functions ......................................................................... 26
2.2.1 Mosque as a Worshipping Centre ................................................... 28
2.2.2 Mosque as a Community Centre..................................................... 30 2.2.3 Mosque as an Education Centre ..................................................... 32
2.3 Mosque Libraries in Digital Forms ........................................................... 37 2.4 Mosque Libraries in the Muslim World .................................................... 39 2.5 Mosque Libraries in Malay World ............................................................ 49 2.6 Mosque Libraries in Malaysia ................................................................... 50 2.7 Challenges Faced by Mosque Libraries .................................................... 53
2.8 Summary ................................................................................................... 58
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ........................................ 59 3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................... 59 3.2 Research Design ........................................................................................ 59
3.2.1 Qualitative Design .......................................................................... 59 3.2.2 Quantitative Design ........................................................................ 62
xi
3.3 Study Population ....................................................................................... 63 3.3.1 Sampling ......................................................................................... 64
3.3.2 Sampling design .............................................................................. 66 3.3.3 Sample Selection Strategies ............................................................ 66
3.4 Data Collection.......................................................................................... 68 3.4.1 Qualitative Data Collection ............................................................ 68 3.4.2 Quantitative Data Collection .......................................................... 69
3.5 Data Collection Techniques ...................................................................... 70 3.5.1 Interviews ....................................................................................... 70 3.5.2 Questionnaires ................................................................................ 73
3.6 Data collection procedures ........................................................................ 74 3.7 Data analysis ............................................................................................. 75
3.7.1 Qualitative Data Analysis ............................................................... 75 3.7.1.1 Transcribing and Coding the Data ..................................... 76
3.7.1.2 Translation ......................................................................... 79 3.7.2 Quantitative Data Analysis ............................................................. 79
3.8 Reliability and Validity ............................................................................. 80 3.8.1 Triangulation ................................................................................... 80
3.8.2 Peer examination ............................................................................ 82 3.8.3 Conformability ................................................................................ 82
3.8.4 Dependability .................................................................................. 82 3.8.5 Pilot study ....................................................................................... 83
3.9 Ethical Considerations .............................................................................. 85
3.10 Chapter Summary..................................................................................... 85
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF RESULTS .............. 87 4.1 Introduction ............................................................................................... 87
4.2 Data Analysis - Interview.......................................................................... 87 4.2.1 Demographic of Respondents ......................................................... 88
4.2.1.1 Demographic Profiles of the Mosque Administrators ....... 88 4.2.2 The Current state of Mosque Libraries in selected mosque
districts of Selangor ........................................................................ 90
4.2.2.1 The Library Collection and its organization ...................... 93 4.2.2.2 Library Personnel .............................................................. 101 4.2.2.3 Budget................................................................................ 103
4.2.2.4 Promotion .......................................................................... 105
4.2.2.5 Service and Facilities ......................................................... 107 4.2.2.6 Location of libraries and Mosque reading corners
within mosque ................................................................... 108
4.2.3 Perceptions of Mosque Administrators on Mosque Libraries ........ 109 4.2.3.1 Perceptions about the Importance of Mosque
Libraries ............................................................................. 109 4.2.3.2 Perception on the challenges of mosque libraries ............. 113
4.3 Data Analysis -Survey Questionnaire ....................................................... 120
4.3.1 Descriptive analysis ........................................................................ 120 4.3.2 Demographic Information of Mosque Goers .................................. 120 4.3.3 Level of awareness and opinion on Mosque Libraries ................... 123 4.3.4 Current status of Mosque libraries .................................................. 132
4.3.5 Perception on the importance of mosque library ............................ 149
xii
4.3.6 Perception on the Challenges of mosque libraries .......................... 154 4.4 Triangulation ............................................................................................. 195
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS....... 213 5.1 Introduction ............................................................................................... 213 5.2 Overview of Findings ................................................................................ 213 5.3 Limitations of the Study ............................................................................ 219
5.4 Contributions ............................................................................................. 219 5.5 Recommendations ..................................................................................... 220 5.6 Future Works ............................................................................................. 222 5.7 Conclusion ................................................................................................ 222
REFERENCES ........................................................................................................... 224
APPENDIX A: INFORMED CONSENT FORM ................................................. 237 APPENDIX B: RESEARCH INTERVIEW QUESTIONS .................................. 238 APPENDIX C: SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE ...................................................... 239 APPENDIX D: SAMPLE OF MOSQUE ADMINISTRATOR
TRANSCRIPTION ........................................................................ 243 APPENDIX E: SAMPLE OF JAIS OFFICER TRANSCRIPTION ................... 257
APPENDIX F: SAMPLE OF LETTER TO CONDUCT SURVEY ................... 271
xiii
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1.1 Distribution of mosques recorded in Malaysia from year
2016- 2018 3
Table 3.1 Sample of Population of Respondents in State of Selangor
Malaysia 63
Table 3.2 Sample Distribution for qualitative 65
Table 3.3 Interview Transcriptions 76
Table 3.4 Coding of the Interview 78
Table 3.5 Notation Conventions of the transcriptions* 78
Table 4.1 Demographic data of Mosque administrators 89
Table 4.2 Demographic Information (N = 280) 120
Table 4.3 Breakdown of Age vs. Level of Education 121
Table 4.4 Breakdown of Age vs. Employment status 123
Table 4.5 Awareness on the existence of Mosque Library 124
Table 4.6 Mosque Library Visited 124
Table 4.7 Breakdown of awareness of the existence of mosque library
vs. Gender 125
Table 4.8 Breakdown of awareness of the existence of mosque library
vs. Level of Education 126
Table 4.9 Usage of mosque library 126
Table 4.10 Breakdown of Usage of Mosque Library vs. Gender 127
Table 4.11 Breakdown of Usage of Mosque Library vs. Level of
Education 128
Table 4.12 Frequency usage of Mosque library 129
Table 4.13 Responses on the importance of Mosque library 129
Table 4.14 Breakdown of the importance of Mosque library vs. Age 130
Table 4.15 Breakdown of the importance of Mosque Library vs. Level of
Education 130
xiv
Table 4.16 Perception about Mosque Library 132
Table 4.17 Current status of Mosque Library 132
Table 4.18 Breakdown of Awareness of the existence of Mosque Library
vs. Library facilities 134
Table 4.19 Breakdown of Experience on the Usage of Mosque Library
vs. Library facilities 135
Table 4.20 The frequency on the usage of Mosque Library vs. Library
facilities 135
Table 4.21 Breakdown of Awareness on the Existence of Mosque
Library vs. Reading corner 137
Table 4.22 Breakdown of Experience on the usage of Mosque Library
vs. Reading corner 137
Table 4.23 Breakdown of the Frequency on the Usage of Mosque
Library vs. Reading corner 138
Table 4.24 Breakdown of the Importance of Mosque Library vs. Reading
Corner 139
Table 4.25 Awareness on the Existence of Mosque Library vs. Special
Rooms for Mosque library 140
Table 4.26 Breakdown of Experience on the Usage of Mosque Library
vs. Special Rooms for Mosque library 141
Table 4.27 Breakdown of the Frequency on the Usage of Mosque
Library vs. Special Rooms for Mosque library 141
Table 4.28 Breakdown of the Importance of Mosque Library vs. Special
Rooms for Mosque library 142
Table 4.29 Breakdown of the Existence of library will increase the
number of mosque goers vs. Awareness on the existence of
mosque library 143
Table 4.30 The Experience on the Usage of mosque library vs. Existence
of library will increase the number of mosque goers 144
Table 4.31 Breakdown of the Frequent on the usage of mosque library
vs. Existence of library will increase the number of mosque
goers 144
Table 4.32 Breakdown of the Importance of Mosque Library vs.
Existence of library will increase the number of mosque
goers 145
xv
Table 4.33 Breakdown of Level of Education vs. Mosque library
supports the learning process 146
Table 4.34 Breakdown of the Importance of Mosque Library vs. Mosque
library supports the learning process 147
Table 4.35 Breakdown of the Experience on the Usage of Mosque
library vs. Skilled staff are needed to operate Mosque Library
effectively 148
Table 4.36 Breakdown of the Importance of Mosque Library vs. Skilled
staff are needed to operate Mosque Library effectively 148
Table 4.37 Perception on the importance of Mosque Libraries 150
Table 4.38 Breakdown of the Importance of Mosque Library vs. Mosque
Libraries Improve the Community's Reading Habits 151
Table 4.39 Breakdown of the Importance of Mosque Library vs. Mosque
Libraries are Useful for Getting References 151
Table 4.40 Breakdown of the Importance of Mosque Library vs. Mosque
Library serve alternative places for children 152
Table 4.41 Breakdown of the Importance of Mosque Library vs. Mosque
Library serve as avenues for meeting with friends 153
Table 4.42 Breakdown of the Importance of Mosque Library vs. Mosque
library can be used for relaxation purpose 154
Table 4.43 Perception on the Challenges of Mosque Library 155
Table 4.44 Breakdown of Low reading interest among community
members vs. Mosque library supports the learning process 156
Table 4.45 Breakdown of Low Reading Interest among Community
Members vs. Mosque libraries improve the community's
reading habits 157
Table 4.46 Breakdown of Lack of Financial Support vs. Library facilities 158
Table 4.47 Breakdown of Lack of Financial support vs. Reading corner 159
Table 4.48 Breakdown of Lack of Financial support vs. Special Rooms
for Mosque Library 159
Table 4.49 Breakdown of Lack of financial support vs. Skilled staff are
needed to operate Mosque Library effectively 160
Table 4.50 Breakdown of Lack of financial support vs. Mosque Library
serve alternative places for children 161
xvi
Table 4.51 Mosque library location vs. Special Rooms for Mosque
library 162
Table 4.52 Breakdown of Mosque library location vs. Mosque library
supports the learning process 163
Table 4.53 Breakdown of Technology advancement vs. Mosque library
supports the learning process 164
Table 4.54 Breakdown of Insufficient staff vs. Skilled staff are needed to
operate Mosque Library effectively 165
Table 4.55 Breakdown of Insufficient Space vs. Library Facilities 166
Table 4.56 Breakdown of Insufficient Space vs. Special Rooms for
Mosque library 166
Table 4.57 Breakdown of Insufficient space vs. Mosque Library serve
alternative places for children 167
Table 4.58 Breakdown of Insufficient Space vs. Mosque Library serve as
meeting place with friends 168
Table 4.59 Breakdown of Less promotion vs. Skilled staff are needed to
operate Mosque Library 169
Table 4.60 Type of Collections expected to be in Mosque library 169
Table 4.61 Breakdown of Books vs. Mosque library supports the
learning process 170
Table 4.62 Books vs. Mosque Libraries improve the community's
reading habits 170
Table 4.63 Breakdown of Books vs. Mosque libraries are useful for
getting references 171
Table 4.64 Breakdown of Books vs. Low Reading interest among
Community Members 171
Table 4.65 Breakdown of Magazines vs. Mosque library supports the
Learning Process 172
Table 4.66 Breakdown of Magazines vs. Mosque Libraries improves the
Community's Reading Habits 172
Table 4.67 Breakdown of Magazines vs. Mosque library is useful for
getting references 173
Table 4.68 Breakdown of Magazines vs. Low Reading Interest among
Community Members 173
xvii
Table 4.69 Breakdown of Newspapers vs. Mosque library supports the
learning process 174
Table 4.70 Breakdown of Newspapers vs. Mosque library Improves the
Community's Reading Habits 174
Table 4.71 Breakdown of Newspapers vs. Mosque Library is Useful for
Getting References 175
Table 4.72 Breakdown of Newspapers vs. Low Reading Interest among
Community Members 175
Table 4.73 Breakdown of Electronic & Digital Collection vs. Mosque
library supports the learning process 176
Table 4.74 Breakdown of Electronic & Digital Collection vs. Mosque
Library Improves the Community's Reading Habits 176
Table 4.75 Breakdown of Electronic & Digital Collection vs. Mosque
Library is useful for getting references 177
Table 4.76 Breakdown of Electronic & Digital Collection vs. Low
Reading Interest among Community Members 177
Table 4.77 Type of Reading Materials 178
Table 4.78 Breakdown of Islamic Collection vs. Mosque library supports
the learning process 178
Table 4.79 Breakdown of Islamic Collection vs. Mosque Library
Improves the Community's Reading Habits 179
Table 4.80 Breakdown of Islamic Collection vs. Mosque Library is
Useful for Getting References 179
Table 4.81 Breakdown of Islamic Collection vs. Age 180
Table 4.82 Breakdown of Law Collection vs. Level of Education 180
Table 4.83 Breakdown of Law Collection vs. Mosque Libraries Improve
the Community's Reading Habits 181
Table 4.84 Law Collection vs. Mosque Libraries are Useful for Getting
References 182
Table 4.85 Breakdown of Psychology Collection vs. Gender 182
Table 4.86 Breakdown of Psychology Collection vs. Mosque Library
Supports the Learning Process 183
Table 4.87 Breakdown of Psychology Collection vs. Mosque Libraries
Improve the Community's Reading Habits 183
xviii
Table 4.88 Breakdown of Economic Collection vs. Mosque Library
Supports the Learning Process 184
Table 4.89 Breakdown of Economic Collection vs. Mosque Libraries
Improve the Community's Reading Habits 184
Table 4.90 Breakdown of Economic Collection vs. Mosque Libraries are
Useful for Getting References 185
Table 4.91 Breakdown of Leisure Collection vs. Mosque Library
Supports the Learning Process 186
Table 4.92 Breakdown of Leisure Collection vs. Mosque Libraries
Improve the Community's Reading Habits 186
Table 4.93 Breakdown of Leisure Collection vs. Mosque Libraries are
Useful for Getting References 187
Table 4.94 Breakdown of Leisure Collection vs. Low Reading Interest
among Community Members 187
Table 4.95 Facilities that Mosque Library should provide 188
Table 4.96 Breakdown of Table and Chair vs. Mosque library supports
the learning process 188
Table 4.97 Breakdown of Table and Chair vs. Mosque Libraries Improve
the Community's Reading Habits 189
Table 4.98 Breakdown of Table and Chair vs. Low Reading Interest
among Community Members 189
Table 4.99 Breakdown of Computer vs. Gender 190
Table 4.100 Breakdown of Computer vs. Mosque Library Supports the
Learning Process 190
Table 4.101 Breakdown of Computer vs. Mosque libraries improve the
community's reading habits 191
Table 4.102 Breakdown of Computer vs. Mosque Libraries are Useful for
Getting References 191
Table 4.103 Breakdown of Computer vs. Low Reading Interest among
Community Members 192
Table 4.104 Breakdown of WiFi/Internet Connection vs. Age 192
Table 4.105 Breakdown of WiFi/Internet Connection vs. Mosque Library
Supports the Learning Process 193
xix
Table 4.106 Breakdown of WiFi/Internet Connection vs. Mosque
Libraries Improve the Community's Reading Habits 193
Table 4.107 Breakdown of WiFi/Internet Connection vs. Mosque
Libraries are Useful for Getting References 194
Table 4.108 Suggestions on the Improvement of Mosque library 195
xx
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 3.1 Stages of data collection and data analysis 84
Figure 4.1 The Mosque Library of the District Mosque of Kuala Selangor 90
Figure 4.2 The Mosque Library of the District Mosque of Klang 90
Figure 4.3 The Mosque library of the State mosque 91
Figure 4.4 The Mosque Reading Corner of the District Mosque of Shah
Alam 92
Figure 4.5 The Mosque Reading Corner of the District Mosque of Sabak
Bernam 92
Figure 4.6 The Mosque Reading Corner of the District Mosque of Hulu
Selangor 93
Figure 4.7 The Religious Books Collection in State Mosque Library of
Selangor 95
Figure 4.8 The Religious Books Collection in Mosque Library of Klang 96
Figure 4.9 The Religious Books Collection in the Mosque Reading
Corner of Sabak Bernam 96
xxi
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
JAKIM Department of Islamic Development of Malaysia
JAIS Islamic Religious Department of Selangor/Jabatan Agama Islam
Selangor
JAIN Jabatan Agama Islam Negeri
PBUH Peace Be Upon Him
UU Undang-Undang / Law
1
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 OVERVIEW
1.1.1 Islam and Mosque Administration in Malaysia
Malaysia is a Muslim dominated country, with more than 60% of her population being
Muslims (Department of Statistics Malaysia Official Portal, 2017). It is the second
most populated Muslim country in South East Asia, after Indonesia. Besides, Malaysia
is a multicultural society which consists of other religions such as Buddhism,
Hinduism, and Christianity. However, the status of Islam is exceptional among other
religions (Hassan, 2007) as it is recognized as the official religion in the Malaysian
constitution. Specifically, Articles 3 (1), (2) and (5) of the Malaysian constitution
regards Islam as the official religion, and this is also reflected in the Islamic values
and framework in administration of the government.
Moreover, Malaysia operates a constitutional monarchy (elective monarchy)
system of government which is normally headed by Yang Dipertuan Agong, generally
referred to as the King. The Yang Dipertuan Agong plays the role of the Head of the
Islamic religion, Head of State, and Supreme commander of the armed forces. He
also acts as the Head of State for the states which do not have Sultan (such as Penang,
Malacca, Sabah and Sarawak). Meanwhile, the Sultans are the heads of Islamic
religion in their respective states. Therefore, the constitution requires the
establishment of a council known as the Majlis Agama Islam (Islamic Religious
Council), in order to advise the Yang Dipertuan Agong and Sultans in performing
their function as the Head of the Islamic religion (Muhammad Haniff & Zuliza, 2016).
2
At the Federal level, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia
(JAKIM) coordinates programmes and activities relating to Islamic affairs. Hence, a
minister is appointed to manage and coordinate Islamic Affairs at the Prime Minister’s
Department (Shuhaimi and Abdullah, 2013). Meanwhile, at the State level, the
“Majlis Agama Islam” spearheads the administration of the Islamic religion. Mosques
in Malaysia fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Islamic Religious Affairs
for each State. This is similar to what exists in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iran,
whereby all the mosques are organized and conducted by the local state government.
In contrast, this does not happen in countries such as Indonesia and Pakistan, where
the administration of the mosques is the responsibility of the community (Rastika,
2015).
In pre-colonial Malaya, religious institutions were locally administrated with
each village (kampung) having their own mosque or surau; and the appointment of
religious leaders were conducted by the head of village or “Penghulu” (Means, 1969).
However, these locally sustained institutions were changed when the British
restructured the religious administration with the treaties made with the Rulers. Thus,
it marked the beginning of the official role of rulers as the protectors of Malay
customs and Islam; because they were deprived of other administrative roles by the
British. By 1950s, most of Malay states had established their own religious
department to serve Malay Muslim community, and upon gaining independence,
Islam was officially declared as the religion of the Federation, enabling the state to
provide financial and other support to the Islamic authorities.
Islam and the Malay World has a unique peculiar relationship. Islam plays an
important role in the everyday life of the people of the Malay world. Therefore, Malay
world is very intimately attached to the Islamic teachings, and very close to the Arab
3
culture. The teachings and practices of Islam are expressed everywhere throughout the
Malay world. Generally, teaching practices take place in the mosque, madrasah, and
palace (Shuhaimi and Abdullah, 2012).
The existence of religious institutions at the very heart of the country’s
administration provides several advantages for the mosque management in Malaysia.
Although this institution was seen as an attempt to introduce corrective religious
measures in a secular state, it cannot be denied that the existence of these institutions
has enabled Malaysia to launch grand and ambitious mosque construction projects
(Nagata, 1997). Like other Muslim dominated countries, the mosque is an important
symbol of Islamic identities as well as the centre for community integrations.
The increasing number of mosques from time to time in Malaysia is a proof
that the government supports the establishment of Islamic institution (Table 1.1).
According to the latest survey, there are 6,324 mosques registered with the authority
in Malaysia (JAKIM, 2018). In 2015, RM1 billion was allocated to JAKIM in order to
fulfil its functions (JAKIM, 2015). The agency employed over 15,000 Imams, 34,000
Fardhu Ain and Kifayah (KAFA) teachers, and 4,000 takmir teachers nationwide.
Table 1.1: Distribution of mosques recorded in Malaysia from year 2016- 2018
Year Number of mosques
2016
2017 6230
2018 6324
Source: JAKIM, 2018
However, the records on allocations for mosques managed by the states’
Islamic departments vary and are inconclusive. There are no comprehensive data on
the details of the budget, allocations and resources of these mosques. Therefore, the