When I first embarked on this leadership path, my background was not in Islamic studies—it was in Child and Family Psychology. My passion was nurturing the emotional, cognitive, and moral development of children and families. However, in my outreach work, I noticed a deeply underserved community: Chinese-speaking Muslim reverts in Malaysia. Many struggled in silence, unable to access Islamic knowledge or community support due to language and cultural gaps.
It was then that I made a life-altering decision. Though I had no formal background in Islamic studies, I embraced the responsibility of becoming a Chinese Muslim preacher (daie). I saw this not as a career pivot, but as a divine trust—a khalīfah’s role to serve humanity through wisdom, sincerity, and guidance.
"خَيْرُ النَّاسِ أَنْفَعُهُمْ لِلنَّاسِ"
"The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others."
(Hadith - Al-Muʻjam al-Awsaṭ)
The picture above captures a heartfelt moment with Dato’ Nooh Gadot, former Mufti of Johor, just before my departure to Cairo at KLIA Terminal 1. Our conversation went beyond formalities—it was a deep and inspiring exchange about the real challenges and hopes in reaching out to non-Muslims through dakwah, especially in a diverse state like Johor. Dato’ reminded me that true dakwah is not just about knowledge, but about hikmah (wisdom), empathy, and respect. That encounter strengthened my resolve and became a spiritual send-off as I embarked on this dawah journey—carrying not just luggage, but the amanah to represent Islam with sincerity, compassion, and heart.
🧠 From Psychology to Dakwah: Bridging Knowledge and Compassion
Rather than discarding my psychology background, I used it as a bridge. My understanding of emotional intelligence, moral reasoning, family dynamics, and trauma support became essential tools in dawah. Over time, I was entrusted with increasingly complex responsibilities—from delivering khutbahs and mosque tours to being appointed as Ketua EXCO Kerohanian at Kolej Matrikulasi Perlis, and leading UTM Mosque Dakwah Tour under the direct supervision of Dato' Haji Dr. Nooh Gadot, former Mufti of Johor.
I learned that true leadership requires not just ilm (knowledge), but ikhlas (sincerity), ihsan (excellence), and hikmah (wisdom)—especially when guiding people of diverse backgrounds.
💔 The Leadership Test That Changed Me Forever
Nothing tested my leadership more profoundly than the sudden death of my cousin—a Muslim convert whose status had not yet been formally registered. His passing sparked a devastating conflict between grieving family members, torn between religious obligations and emotional pain. The case was on the verge of civil litigation.
I was called upon by the Kadi Johor and the Jabatan Agama Islam Johor (JAIJ) to mediate. In that intense moment, I was not protected by theory—I was called to live it.
I led not because I had formal power, but because the moment demanded empathy, courage, clarity, and calm.
I employed Transformational Leadership, uniting hearts by invoking values of compassion, dignity, and truth.
I embraced Authentic Leadership, staying true to my moral compass while being transparent and deeply human.
I adapted using Contingency Leadership, knowing when to speak, when to listen, and when to simply be present.
I relied heavily on Emotional Intelligence, managing grief-stricken reactions while upholding the sanctity of my cousin’s Islamic wishes.
"رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِي، وَيَسِّرْ لِي أَمْرِي، وَاحْلُلْ عُقْدَةً مِّن لِّسَانِي، يَفْقَهُوا قَوْلِي"
"My Lord, expand for me my chest. Ease for me my task. Untie the knot from my tongue so that they may understand my speech."
(Surah Taha, 20:25–28)
That du'a was not just my prayer—it became my leadership philosophy.
🕌 Leadership as a Khalīfah: Islam’s Transformational Framework
In Islam, leadership is not a privilege—it is an amanah (trust). It’s a responsibility grounded in justice, wisdom, and mercy.
"وَإِذْ قَالَ رَبُّكَ لِلْمَلَائِكَةِ إِنِّي جَاعِلٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ خَلِيفَةً"
"And [mention, O Muhammad], when your Lord said to the angels, 'Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority (khalīfah).'"
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:30)
This verse reshaped my view: I was not just solving a conflict—I was fulfilling a spiritual duty. I was enjoining what is right (amar ma’ruf) and preventing what is wrong (nahi mungkar), with hikmah (wisdom) and sabr (patience). It wasn’t about winning an argument—it was about restoring peace with purpose.
🎓 My Evolving Philosophy of Leadership
Today, as a fast-track PhD candidate in Educational Psychology at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), I continue this journey of heart-driven leadership. I strive to merge academic excellence with spiritual service:
In academia, I aim to be a thought leader who mentors with empathy and challenges outdated paradigms in educational psychology.
As a Fellow Assistant at Kolej Tun Razak, I support students through emotional crises, academic struggles, and spiritual exploration.
As a Chinese Muslim daie, I continue fostering interfaith understanding, guiding reverts, and standing in spaces where few dare to go.
"كُنتُمْ خَيْرَ أُمَّةٍ أُخْرِجَتْ لِلنَّاسِ تَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَتَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ وَتُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ"
"You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong, and believe in Allah."
(Surah Ali 'Imran, 3:110)
These words are no longer just verses I recite—they are principles I live. They remind me that leadership is not confined to boardrooms or ceremonies—it unfolds in the quiet moments, the hard choices, and the unseen acts of service.
💬 Final Reflection: A Legacy of Leadership with Ikhlas
“In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” – Dr. Jamilah
“Transformational leadership begins with self-transformation. It is sustained through faith and expressed through compassion, integrity, and courage.”
To lead is not to dominate—it is to elevate others. It is a lifelong journey of becoming, grounded in humility, powered by sincerity, and driven by a commitment to make the world a better place—for Muslims, for reverts, for every soul seeking meaning.
🌹 A Final Word: For the First Leaders in My Life
As I bring this reflection to a close, I cannot forget to honour the two people who have shaped the foundation of who I am, my beloved mother, and my late father. They were my very first teachers, my earliest leaders, and my constant pillars of strength. My father, may Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah, taught me through his quiet strength, integrity, and love. Though he is no longer by my side, his values live on in every decision I make.
To my dearest mother, no words will ever be enough. Because of my commitments to study and dakwah, I am often far away from her physically, but never in spirit. Her unwavering prayers, gentle encouragement, and silent sacrifices have carried me through the darkest nights and most challenging moments. She has been my emotional home, my spiritual anchor, and my greatest supporter.
Every step I take on this journey towards knowledge, service, and purpose, is for her, and because of her. I pray that one day, InshaaAllah, she will witness me standing with the PhD graduation cap on my head at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia not just as a symbol of academic success, but as a fulfilment of her dreams, and a tribute to her endless love.
May Allah protect her, bless her with good health, and reward her for every tear, prayer, and hope she has carried for me.
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