Masjid AT-Taqwa, Kampung Pinang Jawa, Kuching: Factors Influencing the Kariah to Patronise the Masjid

Abstract

Masjid AT-Taqwa, Kampung Pinang Jawa, Kuching is one of the many Masjids in Kuching Sarawak, East Malaysia. This Masjid is very active in carrying out its activities and programs in relation to Islamic teaching and dahwah activities. However, it was found that eventhough there are many initiatives to attract the kariah/jumaah to patronage the Masjid, but the programs and / or activities did not motivate the vast majority especially among the young people and profesionals / scholars. Hence, this study main attempt is to investigate the contributiong factors that can effectively drive and attract more groups of kariah and/or jumaah to patronage the Masjid irrespective of age, education and occupational background. It is anticipated that those factors that are assumed to drive and attract the kariah’s interest towards the Masjid activities and programs among others are fullfilling the basic needs, wants and expectation of the kariah in relation to religious activities, conducive masjid environment, kariah friendly, the quality of the imam, professional masjid management team, providing services on Islamic activities and counseling, modern-of-art facilities and the provision of accommodation for visitors or guests and temporary settlement for new converts as well as to place homeless individuals that need help. In conclusion, the findings of this study are expected to provide an insight on how the masjid’s management team develop a way forward its appropriate programs and activities and implement them effectively that fullfill the needs, wants and expectation of the kariah and the community at large. The findings also could help the decision-makers at a higher level to develop plans and provide financial support to the masjid in particular and  other masjids in Sarawak.