Understanding Several Characteristics of Islam and Good Muslim: A Study of University Students in Malaysia

Abstract

This paper examines the understanding of foundational Islamic doctrines as well as definition of authentic Muslim characteristics among Middle East, African (MEAS), and Asian (AS) university students in Malaysia. Outcomes have been drawn from an in-depth survey in which both qualitative and quantitative methods were applied to three hundred (300) respondents from several Universities. In addition, a questionnaire survey of MEAS and AS in Malaysia government universities was carried out. A quantitative approach was used to systematically evaluate and draw the empirical results. Findings have revealed that the majority’s knowledge levels were generally good in both realms while a small minority was poorly informed. The findings also indicate that respondents who displayed a better understanding of Islam benefited from their learning from religious scholars. It can be summed up that those whose understanding of Islam is poor are influenced by official or mainstream Islam.