Muslim Converts’ Narratives of Tolerance Towards Non-Muslim Celebrations in Malaysia: A Qualitative Study in Sabah and Kelantan

This study aims to explore the narratives of experiences among Muslim converts in facing the celebration of non-Islamic festivals in two culturally distinct states, Sabah and Kelantan. The diverse composition of the pluralistic society and the dynamic level of interfaith interaction in both states make them significant locations for investigation. The study adopts a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews involving six Muslim converts, three in Sabah and three in Kelantan, as well as two religious figures who are directly involved in managing Muslim convert affairs at the state level. The findings reveal that the level of tolerance toward non-Islamic celebrations is higher among Muslim converts in Sabah compared to those in Kelantan. These differences are also evident in the acceptance of local cultural practices and social interactions. The narratives shared by the respondents reflect various forms of personal adaptation and challenges faced in balancing Islamic identity with family relationships. Key factors influencing the level of tolerance include confusion regarding the boundaries of Islamic creed (aqidah), social pressure from their original families, and a lack of post-conversion guidance. The study recommends strengthening integrated guidance programs and interfaith education to help converts understand the concept of tolerance based on the principles of Islamic creed. It is hoped that these findings will contribute to enriching the discourse on interfaith relations and the building of a harmonious society within Malaysia’s multicultural and multi-religious context.