The Transformation of Islam in Sabah in the Post-Independence Era: History, Da'wah Strategies, and Demographic Changes

This article examines the transformation of Islam in Sabah following its incorporation into the Federation of Malaysia in 1963 until 2024. The study focuses on tracing the historical development of Islam, evaluating the daʿwah strategies implemented by institutions such as the United Sabah Islamic Association (USIA), and analysing demographic changes based on official data. The research finds that in the early post-independence period, Islam faced numerous challenges, including the dominance of non-Muslim administrative leadership and the absence of a structured daʿwah organisation. However, the emergence of Tun Datu Mustapha as a prominent Muslim political figure and preacher, along with the establishment of USIA in 1969, marked a turning point for systematic and organised daʿwah in the state. Through integrated approaches combining education, welfare, and institutional empowerment, Islam gained widespread acceptance among indigenous communities. Statistics indicate a significant increase in the Muslim population, from 38% in 1960 to 65% by 2010, with more than 29,000 converts recorded between 2010 and 2023. This study employs a qualitative methodology based on content analysis of historical documents, census data, and institutional reports. The findings demonstrate that the success of Islamic propagation in Sabah was strongly influenced by its cultural adaptability and inclusive outreach strategies. This research contributes significantly to the field of Islamic propagation in multicultural societies and offers a strategic framework for sustainable Islamic development in the future.