Analysis of Dakwah Approaches in the “Dekat Di Hati Anak Malaysia†Program at Kampung Pahu Sarayo, Ranau, Sabah

This study aims to analyze the dakwah approaches and the impact of implementing the Dekat di Hati “Anak Malaysia†2023 program, which was conducted through the Kursus Amali Dakwah (MPU 2613) by students of the Institut Pengajian Islam dan Dakwah Sabah (IPDAS). The program was implemented over a two-week period in Kampung Pahu Sarayo, Ranau, Sabah, focusing on community-based dakwah activities encompassing religious enrichment, community engagement, and human development. This study employed a qualitative approach through direct observation, participant involvement, and informal feedback from the villagers throughout the program. The findings indicate that the dakwah approaches applied particularly through high-impact activities such as the Halal Skills Course, Tahsin Ibadah (Funeral Management), Sports Carnival, Islamic Festival, and Tausiyah Air Mata Palestin positively influenced the strengthening of social relations, increased community participation, and enhanced basic religious understanding among the villagers. Additionally, the program successfully improved students’ soft skills, including effective communication, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. However, the study also identified several key challenges, such as limited understanding of fiqh and the Qur’an, confusion regarding certain muamalat issues, low mosque attendance, language barriers, and logistical constraints. Overall, the findings demonstrate that systematically planned and contextually implemented community based dakwah programs can provide mutual benefits for both students and the community. Therefore, programs of this nature should be sustained and strengthened as a platform for field dakwah training and as a medium for the continuous development of the Muslim community.