The Efforts of the Kelantan Islamic Religious Council (MAIK) in the Da'wah Development of the Orang Asli in Kelantan

This study explores the development of Islamic missionary efforts (dakwah) among the Orang Asli community in Kelantan, focusing on the initiatives undertaken by Majlis Agama Islam dan Adat Istiadat Melayu Kelantan (MAIK) from 1981 to 2025. Employing a qualitative research design, data were collected through document analysis involving academic articles, journals, meeting minutes, theses, books, and other scholarly materials. Additionally, unstructured interviews were conducted to support and enrich the data. The study also incorporates insights from previous research concerning the initial stages of dakwah among the Orang Asli in remote forest areas. However, the core emphasis is on the official involvement of MAIK in these efforts starting in 1981. The findings highlight significant progress achieved through these dakwah initiatives, particularly the substantial increase in conversions to Islam among the Orang Asli, reaching a recorded growth of 64.8% by 2023. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the history and evolution of dakwah among the Orang Asli in Kelantan and aims to serve as a reference for future academic and community-based endeavours.