The Fate of Mosque in Post-pandemic Period: Youth’s Perspective

Abstract

This paper offers valuable insights to complement efforts to improve youth engagement in mosque in the post-pandemic period. Given the paucity of research on recent changes in mosque activities, this paper sought to examine youths' understanding of mosque function and their engagement in mosque after the mosque reopened during the Movement Control Order (MCO). This study also aims to identify the factors that hinder youth engagement in the mosque and possible initiatives that could attract them to the mosque. A self-administered online survey was distributed exclusively through a nationwide online platform and targeted young respondents between the ages of 15 and 30 in Malaysia. A total of 594 usable responses were received and analysed using descriptive analysis and a chi-square test for independence. Both male and female youth showed a strong understanding of the role of the mosque, but results showed a significant decrease in youth engagement when the mosque reopened during the MCO. In addition to the perception that the mosque only needs to be attended during Friday prayers and Muslim festival days, lack of activities to suit youth tastes was cited as one of the main reasons for low youth participation in the mosque. Basic religious classes, outdoor and community activities were cited as favorable initiatives that could attract young people to the mosque. This is the first large-scale study of Muslim youth engagement in mosque after the global collapse of Covid-19, and and further research could focus on developing an effective online communication model that could enhance the influence and role of the mosque in a community.