Kota Kinabalu: Sabah will host the National Madani Muslim Converts Islamic Gathering (IJMAM), which is scheduled to take place this September.
Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Isnin Aliasnih, said the selection was both an honour and a great responsibility for the Sabah government.
“I hope the selected participants will make the best possible preparations and give their utmost in representing Sabah. Make full use of the experience gained during the Sabah State-level IJMAM as preparation for the national event.
“God willing, with the spirit of cooperation and commitment from all parties, I am confident Sabah will be an excellent host and successfully organise the National IJMAM smoothly and effectively,” he said.
Isnin said this when officiating at the opening, closing and prize presentation ceremony of the 2026 Sabah State-level Madani Muslim Converts Islamic Gathering (IJMAM) at the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (MUIS) Building here on Wednesday.
The three-day programme, held from Aug 3 to 5, brought together 155 new Muslim participants who competed in various events, including Quran recitation (Tilawah), Quran memorisation (Hafazan), Azan and Iqamah, Nasyid, and a Creative Video Competition.
Isnin said various recreational and sporting activities were also organised to strengthen relationships and foster a spirit of unity among participants.
“I believe this programme provides valuable experience while creating new friendships, allowing participants to get to know one another, exchange experiences and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among fellow Muslims,” he said.
Speaking further on IJMAM, Isnin said the religious programme should be expanded to benefit the wider community, particularly new Muslim converts.
“This programme is a positive initiative to recognise and honour our friends and fellow converts. At the same time, it provides them with the opportunity to deepen their religious knowledge through the various competitions organised,” he added.
During the ceremony, Anjung Pendidikan Penampang (Apen) was crowned the overall champion of the competition.
Also present were Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (Jheains) director Datuk Awang Juri Ag Tahir and Sabah State Mufti Datuk Ustaz Bungsu @ Aziz Jaafar.
