MASJID’S ADMINISTRATOR PERCEPTION ON CHILDREN AT MASJID IN MALAYSIA – SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL ASPECTS

Abstract

Masjid is the symbol of the greatness of Islam. It is the focal point of the life of every muslim. As such, the administration of masjid acts as its backbone and plays a vital role in ensuring the purpose of the masjid is holistic and comprehensive in reaching the community, including the interest of children. Their needs must be fulfilled spiritually, physically, and socially. This study aims to identify the perceptions of the masjid's administrator on children at the masjid. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview. Nine representatives from nine masjids in the Peninsular Malaysia (7 in Kuala Lumpur, 1 in Selangor and 1 in Pahang) were interviewed. The NVivo software was used to analyse the in-depth interview data to explore and understand the issues and challenges of handling the masjid's community socially and physically when it comes to having children at the masjid, as well as initiatives taken by the masjid's administration in accommodating children at the masjid. The findings suggest that the masjid's administrators are optimistic towards the presence of children in the masjid but faced some challenges - physically and socially. Some of the masjids are in the process of realising the children-friendly masjid aspirations. They provide spaces and activities/programmes for children in the masjid. The perception of masjid’s administrator is important to be understood as these are the people responsible in managing and engaging the people with masjid.