Tablighi Jamaat’s Development in Malaysia, 1970–1990s

Tablighi Jamaat is a significant missionary movement towards disseminating of Islamic teaching in Malaysia. Participation of some Malay Muslim in Tablighi Jamaat in the 1970s demonstrated that Muslims were more concerned about Islam prior to that period. Hence, this paper discusses the background and challenges faced by the Tablighi Jamaat in the 1970s–1990s. Interviews were conducted with members and former members of Tabligh revealing that Islam adopted by Tabligh is relevant for Muslims in Malaysia as a manifestation of the life that is more concerned with religious values. The strength of Tablighi Jamaat in implementing the Islamic mission caused both the government and Malay society to raise issues challenging their credibility based on reports published by civil agencies and local newspapers. This study appraises the defensive response by Tablighi Jamaat to resolve the allegations placed upon them as their strategy in perpetuating their preaching mission.