The Role of Masjid in the Development of Islamic Personality: An Appraisal of the Theory and Practice in Malaysia.

Abstract

The masjid or in English, ‘mosque’ is an important institution and plays a huge role in the formation of a Muslim personality since the beginning of the Prophet’s (ﷺ) migration to Medina. It has functioned as a center for the study of knowledge, the spread of da’wah, the place to perform special acts of worship towards Allah; such as the five daily prayers, supplement prayers, zikr, and reading the Qur’an. In addition, mosques serve as a venue for the Muslim community to gather. All of these important factors play important roles in building a true Muslim personality. Despite the Muslim community facing various heavy challenges in today’s modern day, such as the colonization of the Western powers, the effects of modernization and the globalization era, the institution of the mosque continues to be recognized especially in non-Muslim countries today. Furthermore, the mosque remain more progress and play a role in preserving the Islamic personality among the Muslim community. Now here is where a question arises, as to what extent the mosque can now function perfectly in cultivating a real Muslim personality, as required by The Qur’an and The Sunnah. Have the institution of the mosque really succeed in defending the Muslim community's faith and personality from the attack of Western ideology and culture that now comes with modern technology? In most Muslim countries today, it can be seen that Muslims are starting to lose their identity as Muslims, resulted from the influence of Western culture and lifestyle. Therefore, this is the main issue that needs to be tackled and discussed in order to find some solution through this research paper.