Challenges for the Hearing Impaired in Religious Development in Malaysia

Abstract

Religious development is an important aspect in producing quality human capital, which is one of the main assets to national development. Individuals who adhere to Islamic teaching tend to have systematic lifestyle and culture, high work motivation and great enthusiasm for life development. The need to follow the Islamic path must be fostered in every individual including those with disabilities. The hearing impaired refer to a community with a specific incapacity of hearing. They are identified as one of the communities with disability who are most left out in spiritual development. Achievement of students with hearing disability in the subject of Islamic Studies is reported to be poor. Moreover, their perception on the subject is worrying for their claim of fardhu ain (obligatory acts) education being tedious and dull. This study will examine the problems and challenges faced by the hearing impaired in their religious development. The research done uses qualitative method analyzing non-numerical data from related agencies and influential individuals. It is important for associated parties to pay attention to this matter so that the religious development for the hearing impaired can be ensured. Whatever the excuse and difficulty faced in educating the deaf, the matter has to be overcome because they are the asset of the country, and who also have the right to education.This study is expected to submit a proposal paper to the authorities aimed at urging them to take appropriate action in overcoming the difficulties faced by deaf Muslims today.