Framework of Empowering Mosque Institution in Malaysia

Abstract

Mosques are commonly associated with Islamic religious rituals such as salah, dhikr and du’a. They are also perceived as the prime location for celebrating Islamic festivals, and they physically are considered general places of worship for Muslims. For this matter, it should be understood that the word ibadah (religious rituals) itself is not restricted to the meaning of worshipping God. It has a broader definition which touches every procedure in every aspect of life which is to be executed with Islamic manners. This research, accordingly, will uncloak the role that mosques, particularly in Malaysia, play in contributing to the community transformation especially within Malaysian Muslims community. Also, a model will be proposed by which optimal participation and contribution can be presented by its potent status. Library research methodology is mainly used in this research, with focuses on every related written material found, either printed or electronic. Acts, statistics, official reports and other similar are analysed thoroughly for data collection. The findings show that the mosque should not be narrowly defined as a place to perform only worship but should also be seen as an agent for the transformation of society towards a better life in society.