Exploring Religious Practices and Religious Identity Among Yemeni Postgraduate Students in Malaysia

Abstract

Many Arab Muslim students come to predominantly Muslim countries to pursue their education because they are drawn to these nations for their Islamic identity, in which they can share the same religious beliefs and practices. Nevertheless, these students still need to adapt to the differing cultural and religious aspects of the host country. This study aims to delve into the dynamics of intercultural communication among groups with similar religious identities but originating from distinct cultures. By utilizing data collected from Yemeni postgraduate students in four public universities in Malaysia, this article explores how these students manifest their religious identity through religious practices and how they establish both in-group and out-group mentalities to navigate the challenges of living in a foreign country. The findings reveal that Yemeni postgraduate students in Malaysia maintain a strong connection to their religious and cultural practices, suggesting minimal shifts in their overall religious identity. The analysis also indicates that the students who are more devout and frequent religious centers tend to assimilate more fully into Malay Muslim society.