Mutawif Certification In Malaysia Draws Indonesian Aspirant

By Kamarul Halim M Kamal

JOHOR BAHRU, Feb 15 (Bernama) -- An Al-Azhar University student from Pekan Baru, Indonesia, has travelled to Malaysia multiple times to obtain certification as a mutawif (guide for umrah and haj pilgrims).

For Hikmatal Baari, 24, who is currently in his final year of Islamic Syariah studies at the university in Egypt, the certification ensures that his work as a mutawif for umrah pilgrims is more structured and systematic.

Hikmatal, who participated in the Mutawwif Certification Course organised by Waqaf An-Nur Corporation Bhd and Akademi Mutawwif Sdn Bhd in 2024 said apart from gaining certification, the programme also served as a platform to deepen his knowledge in umrah management and Islam.

“With this certification, I feel more at ease when leading pilgrims. Previously, I guided acquaintances from Indonesia for umrah without proper guidelines, relying only on personal experience.

“Now that I am certified, I plan to lead several groups from Indonesia and Singapore for umrah this year,” he told Bernama at the 2025 mutawif certification presentation ceremony at Sultan Iskandar Mosque, Bandar Dato’ Onn here today.

Hikmatal, the sole Indonesian national to receive this certification so far, expressed admiration for Malaysia’s rigorous and well-regulated process of producing certified mutawifs, to prevent mismanagement or misconduct in handling pilgrims.

He added that the mutawif certification by Waqaf An-Nur is gaining popularity among Al-Azhar University students, with several of his peers having expressed interest in joining the programme.

Meanwhile, for Nor Shafiqah Abd Halim, 30, her ambition of becoming a mutawifah (female mutawif) was driven by her dream to visit the holy cities of Mekah and Madinah, as well as her desire to overcome her shyness.

“After successfully passing the practical exam last year, I gradually overcame my shyness and improved my communication skills when addressing the public, while also striving to be a professional mutawifah,” she said.

Meanwhile, in today’s ceremony, 62 participants received their official certification as mutawifs and mutawifahs. Since the certification process began in 2006, a total of 899 participants have been recognised as professional mutawifs and mutawifahs.

The certification was presented by Johor Islamic Religious Department deputy director of operations Yosree Ikhsan. Also present were Waqaf An-Nur Corporation Bhd chief executive officer Bukhari Abd Rahman and Akademi Mutawwif Sdn Bhd director Ismail Mat Ali.

-- BERNAMA