The Impact of “mafunzo Kwa Waislamu Wapya" Post Conversion Course on New Muslims: a Case of Mombasa District
Abstract
This study explored the impact of "MaJunzo Kwa Waislamu Wapya" post
conversion course on new Muslims from the perspective of how it had facilitated them deal with post-conversion challenges. The research, which was done with particular reference to Mombasa District, sought to explore factors motivating peoples conversion to Islam; identify challenges new Muslims faced post conversion; assess the knowledge, skills and attitudes imparted by the course, and ascertain ways in which the same had facilitated converts deal with post conversion challenges. It also undertook to suggest ways of making the course more relevant to converts. Rambo's systemic stage model and the Islamic concept of Farah were employed in understanding conversion to Islam. A sample of sixty reverts, forty exposed to the course and twenty unexposed to any post-conversion
course, selected through purposive sampling and snow.b, alling techniques was utilized. Informants were exposed to questionnaires, interviews, and focus group
discussions. Data collected was descriptively analyzed using charts and tables. The findings established most people in Mombasa District converted to Islam due to socii -culiural factors rather than perceived truthfulness of Islam over their former faith traditions; that converts faced profound challenges post -conversion, most of which emanated from born Muslims; that the course facilitated them deal with
• some of the post-conversion challenges. The findings recommended LC.T ..,
modular approach, and day element be adopted in content delivery as to access convert- currently unreached. It was further recommended individual and group counseling be made integral to the course.
Citation
Master of ArtsPublisher
University of Nairobi Department Of Philosophy And Religious Studies