The Role of Religious Agencies in Negeri Sembilan in Carrying out Da'wah Bi Al-Hal to the Aboriginal Community

This study aims to identify the role of religious agencies in Negeri Sembilan, namely the Department of Islamic Religious Affairs Negeri Sembilan (JHEAINS) in carrying out da'wah bi al-hal to the Orang Asli (aboriginal) community in Negeri Sembilan. This is a qualitative study using case study design. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews with four informants and analyzed thematically. The results of the study found that the Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAINS) used the approach of da’wah bi al-hal through the education and welfare in the implementation of Islamic dakwah to the Aboriginal community. The results of this study can be used as a reference by relevant agencies that carry out da'wah bi al-hal to the Aboriginal community so that improvements can be made in order to promote the the true teachings of Islam and be able to correct the misconception of the Aboriginal community about Islam.


Introduction
Da'wah is an effort made by the preacher to invite others to accept, practice, and appreciate the teachings of Islam with faith and obedience to Allah SWT in order to achieve happiness and well-being in this world and the hereafter (Mokhtar, Hashim, Jemali, & Ismail, 2017). In short, da'wah is the summon, invitation or call to all mankind to believe in Allah, by doing His commands and abandoning what is forbidden (Ismail, 2014).
Da'wah can be divided into two categories, namely da'wah to Muslims so that they can improve the quality of their Islamic faith, knowledge and understanding and da'wah to the non-Muslims by introducing them to Islam (Aziz & Ismail, 2018). In addition, the obligation to convey the Islamic teaching is obligatory for every Muslim whether male or female, big or small, old or young, and leader or citizen (Hussian, Abd. Majid, & Abdullah, 2018). Therefore, every Muslim is a preacher (Aziz & Ismail, 2018). In addition, da'wah can be delivered either individually or in groups. In the context of group da'wah, it can be done by government or private agencies, educational and social institutions, as well as non-governmental organizations (Razak & Rahim, 2017).
The preachers play a role in upholding the message of Islam and continuing the noble task of the Prophet and Messenger to summon people towards goodness and stay away from evil (Abu Zaid, 1996). Whereas, the target of da'wah is the person who receives da'wah (Ismail, 2014). Da'wah is delivered to the target of da'wah according to certain approaches and techniques. According to al-Bayanuni & al-Fath (1995), the approach of da'wah stated in the Qur'an is al-hikmah, al-maw'izah al-hasanah and al-mujadalah bi allati hiya ahsan, based on the words of Allah SWT through surah al-Nahl verse 125. The form of da'wah delivery is through various techniques such as da'wah through oral, written and behavior (Anuar, 2017). Each technique has its own modus operandi depending on the wisdom of the preacher who conveys the message of da'wah to the target group.

Research Problem
The approach of da'wah through talks or dialogues that are too formal and requires a high level of thinking and mastery of knowledge is not suitable for the Aboriginal community. This is because some of them are illiterate and have never received formal education. Thus, it is difficult for them to understand what is being conveyed (Mohd Zain & Engku Alwi, 2014). In addition, there are preachers who think that da'wah is sufficient to be delivered orally or through talking with entertaining jokes without taking into account the various da'wah approaches (Jalal, Ismail, & Ab Ghani, 2019). Oftentimes, the ability of the da'wah target to understand the da'wah message conveyed is not taken into account.
Da'wah does not only involves the delivery of messages from the preachers to the target of da'wah but how the principles and approaches of da'wah appropriate to the target group are implemented as found in the Qur'an (Aini et al., 2019). The passage of time and the state of society demands a suitable da'wah approach, not only talks and lectures but also the contemporary approach that meet the needs of the da'wah targets (Abdul Hatim & Sahad, 2015).
Apart from that, there is a misunderstanding among the Orang Asli community about Islamic-themed programs. They thought that the program was aimed to force them to embrace Islam. Some Aboriginal people, on the other hand, think that programs run by religious agencies or any agency with an Islamic background are specific to Aboriginal Muslims only. This makes them less interested in participating in the related programs (Abd. Rahaman & Don, 2018).
This problem encourages researchers to study how the Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Affairs Department uses the approach of da'wah bi al-hal to the Aboriginal community so that the message of da'wah can be conveyed comprehensively and can be understood by all regardless of age, education and religion.

Literature Review a. Orang Asli
Orang Asli (aboriginal/indigenous people) is categorized as bumiputera (native-born) in the main ethnic groups along with the Malays and natives of Sabah and Sarawak. The naming and identification as Orang Asli is in accordance with the provisions of the law in 1954. This is because the interpretation of the Orang Asli from a legal point of Malaysia, especially in the Constitution under the Article 160 (2) as the Orang Asli (Aborigines) of Peninsular Malaya. Pursuant to Act 134 (Orang Asli Act 1954, Amendment 1974 under Clause 3 (1) has been given a specific interpretation of who can be accepted as an Orang Asli, namely: (a) any person whose male parent is or was, a member of an aboriginal ethnic group, who speaks an aboriginal language and habitually follows an aboriginal way of life and aboriginal customs and beliefs, and includes a descendant through males of such persons; (b) any person of any race adopted when an infant by aborigines who has been brought up as an aborigine, habitually speaks an aboriginal language, habitually follows an aboriginal way of life and aboriginal customs and beliefs and is a member of an aboriginal community; or (c) the child of any union between an aboriginal female and a male of another race, provided that the child habitually speaks an aboriginal language, habitually follows an aboriginal way of life and aboriginal customs and beliefs and remains a member of an aboriginal community. Orang Asli are a minority in the bumiputera ethnic group with a population in 2018 according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia is 178,197 people or 0.5 percent of the total population of Malaysia. There are three major groups of Aboriginal people, namely the Negrito, Senoi and Proto-Malay according to the information from the Department of Development of Aboriginal People (JAKOA). Every race is broken into tribes. There are six tribes for each ethnic group (although according to Endicott (2016), Proto-Malay ethnic have one extra tribe of Temoq), as shown in Table 1 (Carey, 1976). According to Juli Edo (2010), the Aboriginal community consists of three ethnic groups formed from 18 tribes. Each tribe is an ethnic entity that is unique and rich in their respective cultures. They exist as a society that adheres to the ancestral customs. The division of Aboriginal peoples by tribe is done according to the pattern of their settlement (Carey, 1976), the physical appearance, language and customs practiced by each group and tribe (Mohd Sam, 2015).  Etymologically, the term da'wah bi al-hal is a combination of two Arabic words, namely da'wah with the meaning of calling or summoning and al-hal which means a real condition, situation and action. The combination of these two words carries the meaning of a calling within specific situations and actions that suit the background of the target of da'wah. The basis for the implementation of da'wah bi al-hal is based on the Qur'an and the hadith of the Prophet. Among the relevant verses of the Qur'an are as Allah SWT says in surah al-Ma'idah verse 2, surah al-Tawbah verse 60, surah al-Ra'd verse 11, surah al-Nahl verse 125, surah al-Ahzab verse 21, surah Fussilat verses 33 and 46, and surah al-Mumtahanah verse 8.
The Qur'anic statement about the da'wah bi al-hal can be seen in the Word of Allah SWT in Surah Fussilat, verse 46 which means: "Whoever does righteousness -it is for his [own] soul; and whoever does evil [does so] against it. And your Lord is not ever unjust to [His] servants." Meanwhile, the relevant hadiths are: "If anyone relieves a Muslim believer from one of the hardships of this worldly life, Allah will relieve him of one of the hardships of the Day of Resurrection. If anyone makes it easy for the one who is indebted to him (while finding it difficult to repay), Allah will make it easy for him in this worldly life and in the Hereafter, and if anyone conceals the faults of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults in this world and in the Hereafter. Allah helps His slave as long as he helps his brother" (Narrated by Muslim and Abu Daud) The verses of the Qur'an and the hadith of the Prophet indicate the aspect of da'wah bi al-hal. The pious deeds performed by a preacher can be an example or a good thing that can be a guide and a role model for the person being preached to. This is also true in the hadith of the Prophet, in which a good deeds done by one person to another, by helping someone who is in trouble can be an effective da'wah bi al-hal and can bring the target of da'wah closer to the preacher.
Meanwhile, Undriyati (2015), looks at da'wah bi al-hal in the context of preacher skills from the point of view of role model or example displayed during da'wah which aims to improve the standard and quality of life of the target group. It is also a moral perfection with the hope that the target of da'wah can emulate and participate in the da'wah activities organized. This approach to da'wah bi al-hal is also known as da'wah bi al-qudwah al-hasanah or da'wah through a good example (Zaydan, 1993) by using the medium and technique of da'wah in a ma`nawi manner which is a manifestation of the moral purity of the preacher who does not need oral language to explain it (al-Bayanuni & al-Fath, 1995). Similarly, the implementation of da'wah bi al-hal is, according to Zin (2001), covers the efforts to apply Islamic values in the practices and way of life of a society. It is also focused on the efforts to build good morals in the community such as unity, tolerance, helping each other and respecting each other. The basis of the da'wah of bi al-qudwah has been realized effectively through the leadership of Prophet's da'wah as recognized by Allah in the Qur'an, Surah al-Ahzab, verse 21. (Razak & Rahim, 2017) views da'wah bi al-hal as a da'wah process that takes place when the preacher provides self-development services through activities directed to improve the well-being and happiness of the ummah either physically or spiritually. It is also a da'wah approach implemented through charitable activities and appropriate activities through the fields of education, politics, leadership and social community whether done individually or in groups by highlighting, giving appreciation, introducing and building personality and Islamic lifestyle practices.
Da'wah bi al-hal is also known as al-da'wah bi al-'amal (da'wah through practice), alda'wah bi al-fi'il (da'wah through action) and al-da'wah bi al-tanmiyyah al-mujtama' (da'wah through community development) which is done through the community development programs (Hussain, 2009). Through such approach, the target group is believed to be easily influenced when they focus more on what the preacher is doing practically than what they hear from a series of talks or explanations from the preacher. These preachers who are known as volunteers, are also known as mu'allim, murabbi and mu'addib. Their job is not only to convey the message of Islam to the target group, but also to help the target group of da'wah improve the quality of life in the community. They also play a role as agents of community change and as community development officers.
Meanwhile in terms of da'wah operations in the field, the forms of da'wah bi al-hal are not limited in scope to specific programs only (Abd. Rahaman & Don, 2018). It covers various forms and activities such as ukhuwah visits and friendly meeting with the target groups such as Aboriginal people, new muslims, hospital patients, people with disabilities, senior citizens, trainees in the rehabilitation centers and detention center residents as well as cultural awareness programs for non-Muslims , training and skills programs such as computers and culinary (Sandi, 2017), physical programs that meet basic needs such as economic and non-physical development programs such as programs to improve the quality of religious, intellectual and social practice, programs to build facilities and infrastructure in communities such as community halls and clinic (Sagir, 2015). The Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Affairs Department plays a role in the management of da'wah activities, family law, mosques and suraus, halal, Islamic education, Shariah enforcement, as well as research and management services. The management of dakwah activities is under the responsibility of the Da'wah Division and this division is divided into 3 units, namely the administrative and financial unit, Islamic understanding unit and ukhuwah unit. The Ukhuwah Unit is a unit that plays a role in carrying out Islamic da'wah activities to new converts and non-Muslims, including the Aboriginal community in Negeri Sembilan. Meanwhile, one of the functions of the District and Regional Islamic Religious Office is also to implement Islamic da'wah programs at the district and regional levels respectively.

Research Methodology
This is a qualitative study that uses a case study design. The data were obtained through indepth interviews with four informants. The interview technique used was a semi-structured interview. The selection of study informants is based on certain criteria such as the length of time they have been involved in caring for the Aboriginal community in Negeri Sembilan as shown in TABLE 3. The questions and themes of the interviews were verified by three academics from the public universities with expertise in the field of Aborigines and mualaf da'wah. Verification was done according to Cohen Kappa's approach. The data of the study were analyzed thematically based on the main point of this study which is the form of da'wah bi al-hal implemented by religious agencies in Negeri Sembilan to the Aboriginal community.

Result and Discussion
The method of da'wah bi al-hal is not limited to lectures in mosques, giving tazkirah in musallas or giving speeches in front of thousands of people. On the other hand, da'wah bi alhal includes efforts in shaping human morals and lifestyle, educating people to have noble morals, good speech, love each other, honest in words and actions, hard work, courageous to uphold justice, wise in dealing with problems and patient when hit by disaster (Fuad & Ismail, 2019). In addition, da'wah bi al-hal also focuses on da'wah programs, morality, image development and so on (Hussian, Majid, & Abdullah, 2018). Da'wah bi al-hal is a da'wah approach that is suitable for the Aboriginal community and this effort needs to be done with an organized and strategic work to promote Islam to the Aboriginal community (Rahaman & Don, 2018). According to Aini & Don (2020), the da'wah bi al-hal approach to the Aboriginal community can be implemented orally and nonverbally. Oral da'wah is by giving fardhu ain guidance on the basics of tauhid, fiqh and morality. Apart from that, organizing community programs such as banquets, house-to-house visits, telematch and communal work is an appropriate approach to implement. Whereas the non-verbal da'wah approach is through the emphasis on the development aspects of the Aboriginal community in terms of education, economy and welfare (Rahaman & Don, 2018).
The study found that the Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Affairs Department plays a role in carrying out da'wah bi al-hal efforts to the Aboriginal community, especially in Negeri Sembilan. The form of da'wah bi al-hal that is implemented is da'wah through education and welfare.
The Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Affairs Department has appointed 35 Rakan Ziarah Volunteers to assist the Department to be do friendly visits to the aboriginal community apart from 21 Aboriginal community mobilizers appointed by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM). Some of the volunteers are of Aboriginal descent (Informant 4). Apart from the existing preachers, the Department can also train and produce more preachers from various agencies and give training and guidance on the socio-culture of the Aborigines as well as the need to communicate wisely with them. Spoken language is not a major issue because the language used by the aboriginal people of the Temuan and Semelai tribes is very similar to the Malay language but informational communication skills with great wisdom is very important when associating with the aboriginal people especially in explaining things about Islam (Informant 1).
In addition, the construction of musalla in Aboriginal villages is also the main agenda in carrying out da'wah bi al-hal. By the end of 2020, a total of 36 musallas had been built in the aboriginal villages. Financial allocations are from the state government channeled through the Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Affairs Department. Provision for the construction of the musallas were also provided by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department and the Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Council as well as contributions from individuals. The musalla became the gathering center of the Orang Asli community when the programs are carried out in addition to appointing imams among the Aborigines to manage and lead the obligatory prayers (Informant 4).

Da'wah Bi al-Hal Through Education
Studies show that the Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Affairs Department emphasizes the da'wah bi al-hal approach in educating and giving Islamic understanding to the Orang Asli community in Negeri Sembilan. According to Informant 3, the program is usually well received among the Aborigines regardless of religion, especially women and children, so that there are times when there are non-Muslim Aborigines who seem to be interested in the teachings of Islam. This can be identified from their words and views of Islam when they are speaking. They began to give cooperation, support and assistance, participate in the program and observe the atmosphere of the program and the morals of the preacher, but they postponed their desire to embrace Islam due to certain factors such as obstacles from family and such. These target groups need to be identified and given due attention, in addition to the programs or visits for them need to have a clearer direction and objectives. Among the da'wah bi al-hal programs through Education that are conducted are: a.
a. Aboriginal Village Islamic Studies Classes This class is conducted weekly by 42 religious teachers appointed by the Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Affairs Department. This class aims to provide an understanding of the basics of tauhid, fiqh, morality and sirah nabawiyah (Informant 4). According to (Anuar, 2017), information on the basics of fardhu ain enables Aboriginal people who embrace Islam to understand Islam correctly and subsequently practice the teachings of Islam well.

b.
Courses and Training Basic courses for Aborigines who have just converted to Islam are also held, including basic courses for muallaf, faith strengthening courses, basic fardhu ain courses which aim to provide knowledge and understanding of the basics of faith and worship. In addition, advanced courses such as the beauty of Islam and funeral management courses are also held to provide an understanding of halal and haram in Islam, purification skills, prayers, slaughter methods in Islam and Islamic funeral management methods. Advanced courses are usually offered to Aboriginal Muslims who already have a relatively good understanding of the basics of fardhu ain and are interested in adding knowledge and most of the participants involved are Aboriginal people who both play a role as preachers indirectly in their respective villages (Informant 4).

c.
Visit and Follow-up Guidance for Muslim Aboriginal People. This program aims to assist the process of Islamization and provide face-to-face guidance to individuals who have embraced Islam. This house-to-house visit is implemented regularly and continuously, especially for the Aborigines who have just converted to Islam under 5-years. Learning sessions are conducted one to one by Rakan Ziarah Volunteers according to the modules provided by the Department. Participants' level of understanding report should be prepared from time to time so that the program is truly effective and improvements will be implemented from time to time (Informant 1).

d.
Musalla Enlivening Program Celebrations of Islamic holidays such as Aidilfitri, Aidiladha, Maal Hijrah, Maulidur Rasul, Isra' and Mikraj, Nuzul al-Quran as well as the Qurban Appreciation program are used as activities to enliven the musallas. These programs are open to the Aboriginal Muslim and non-Muslim communities with the aim of exposing them to the great days in Islam. Such programs usually received great responses from the local Aboriginal community regardless of religion, especially children and women (Informant 3). Apart from that, the Ihya' Ramadhan program was also held to provide exposure on worship activities during Ramadhan to the Aboriginal community. Among the contents of the program is the breaking of fast ceremony and congregational tarawih prayers (Anuar, 2017).

e.
Home To Home Visit The program aims to provide information to non-Muslim Indigenous people about the beauty of Islamic teachings, as well as provide an overview and correct the misconceptions of non-Muslims towards Islam. This program is run by Rakan Ziarah (Friendly Visit) Volunteers and is held regularly and continuously. This information session is conducted either one to one or in groups at the home of the Aborigines. Each information and response of the Aboriginal people is recorded and documented for improvement in future sessions. During this visit as well, the volunteers will identify Aboriginal people who have a tendency or have the potential to return to Islamic nature. More frequent visits and information sessions were focused on the individual so that they really chose Islam as their religion. In addition, if there are Aboriginal people in need of specific assistance, these volunteers have a role in extending the relevant matter to the agency responsible for action (Informant 1).

f.
Visit and Meet Program The programs such as simpulan kasih, ziarah mahabbah, ramah mesra, community program with leaders, community service program, zakat trip and so on. These programs are usually held in collaboration with other agencies such as the Negeri Sembilan Orang Asli Development Department (JAKOA), Government and Private Educational Institutions and non-governmental organizations. The preachers or officers involved will spend the night in the Aboriginal villages during the period. The programs include free health check-ups, communal works including cleaning the area around the village, musalla, community hall and repairing the houses of the identified Abrogines as well as cooking together with the Aborigines and the neighboring Muslim community, friendly matches, telematch, exhibitions, appropriate Islamic entertainment, as well as briefings from government agencies. House-tohouse visit with the Aborigines regardless of religion were also conducted by bringing gifts or souvenirs (Informant 4).

Da'wah through Welfare
The welfare of the Muslim Aboriginal people is a matter that needs to be given serious attention because the living standards of some of the poor Aboriginal people prevented them from joining the follow-up program after embracing Islam. The assistance provided was able to ease their burden (Informant 1). Aborigines, regardless of gender, need to go out to earn a living to support their families due to their poor living standards. Usually they will go out to find forest products with other family members for a long time. This situation causes them not to be at home or in the village for a long time, thus making it difficult for the preachers who want to meet them to convey the message of da'wah (Zain & Alwi, 2014).
The factor of finding sustenance to support the family, such that some have to go out to work in the morning and return at night or do not return for days when looking for forest products does make it difficult for the Aborigines to learn or deepen their religious knowledge after embracing Islam (Informant 3). However, according to Informant 2, earning a living is not the main factor that prevents the Aborigines from participating but those in charge need to play a more creative role in implementing programs that are in line with the work schedule of the Aborigines. At the same time the less able Aboriginal people should be helped regardless of religion so that they appreciate how Islam emphasizes the importance of life and human needs.
The Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Affairs Department really emphasizes on the welfare of the Aborigines, especially after they have embraced Islam. Rakan Ziarah volunteers and Aboriginal community mobilizers are tasked to identify the welfare needs of the Aborigines for follow-up action by the Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Affairs Department or relevant agencies. At the same time, the Department also went to the field to the Aboriginal villages either during the program or for the visit sessions (Informant 4). Among the welfare assistance implemented by the Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Affairs Department are (Informant 4): a.
Basic goods assistance Kitchen goods amounting to RM 100.00 for one family are given every month to the Aboriginal Muslims.
b. General Assistance Forms of assistance include living cost, food, debt and so on. This assistance targets the poor, and needy Aboriginal Muslims. The value of the contribution depends on the need.
c. Holiday Aid RM 300.00 is given to each Muslim for the Eid Al-Fitri celebration. This assistance is given to every Aboriginal Muslim during the first 5 years of conversion. After a period of 5 years this assistance is only given to the head of families and Aboriginal people aged 18 years and above.
d. New Home Construction Allocation to build new houses is given to Aboriginal Muslims in need and the amount allocated depends on the cost of construction. e.
Repairing an existing house Provision for home repairs is also given to Aboriginal Muslims in need and the amount allocated depends on the cost of construction.
f. School aid School uniform assistance, consist of two complete sets of uniform for each student costing RM 250.00 is given. Apart from that, school equipment such as bags and so on were also donated costing RM 100.00 per student. h. Natural disaster relief Assistance to victims of natural disasters such as floods, fallen trees, storms, fires, short circuits, etc. is also provided. Total allocation depends on needs.
i. Funeral Management An allocation for funeral management of Aboriginal Muslims of RM 1500.00 is given to family members upon death.
j. Marriage An allocation of RM 2500.00 is also provided for Aboriginal Muslims who have just getting married as a gift.
k. Islamization Gift Aboriginal people who have just converted to Islam are given a gift of Islamization of RM 2000 cash and an Islamization kit costing RM 150.00 each.

Conclusion
The da'wah bi al-hal approach implemented by the Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Affairs Department through education and welfare is by offerring services with the concept of role model, provide services to all regardless of religion and standard of living, prioritize the welfare of Aboriginal Muslims and provide appropriate infrastructure such as the construction of musallas as the center of knowledge. The study also found that the da'wah activities carried out by the Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Affairs Department are more focused on the Aboriginal Muslim community. This is to ensure that the Aboriginal people who have embraced Islam truly appreciate and understand the teachings of Islam and can be a role model to the non-Muslim Aboriginal community. At the same time the non-Muslim Aborigines is not ignored, in which visit and friendly meet programs are filled with appropriate activities to build relationships with them. The outreach program by meeting the Aborigines regularly and periodically aims to provide information and correct misconceptions about Islam without any coersion to embrace Islam. The fact is that the da'wah bi al-hal approach to the Aborigines requires various efforts, creativity, patience and perseverance to attract their interest to know more about the teachings of Islam.