The identity development and consolidation of Muslim women preachers: The Malaysian experience

In recent times, female preachers have become increasingly visible in the dakwah (Islamic missionary) activities for the masses in some Muslim societies. In Malaysia, the existence of female preachers who engage with the broadcasting media is currently seen as a success, especially in attracting young viewers to religious programmes. Based on the anthropology of religion research methodology this article examines the rise of the role and contribution of female Muslims in disseminating Islamic dakwah to the general Malaysian society. The focus is on the challenges encountered, and opportunities availed of, by five Malaysian Muslim women preachers who routinely utilised the electronic media to perform their tasks. The general findings dispelled the view held for the past decade which underrated the Muslim women’s role in public (religious) arenas. Instead, they illuminated how the Muslim female preacher’s identity was shaping and shaped by practically all aspects of the dakwah movement in the country. From a purely anthropological perspective, it may be concluded from the findings that the responses of the other Muslim women towards the dakwah activities were actually affirming the Muslim women preacher’s very own identity as a legitimate female preacher.