The relationship between social participation and social cohesion among students at the International Islamic University Malaysia: a case study

Abstract

This study examines and analyses the relationship between participation of students in Islamic social activities and social cohesion among ethnically diverse students at the International Islamic University Malaysia. In spite of historical and worldwide consensus on the necessity for social cohesion, the debate on the feasibility and barriers to social cohesion persists. The method used in this study was a quantitative design through distribution of questionnaires. The population for this study comprises all students of IIUM Gombak Campus, the sample taken from the general population were 500 students comprises both males and female. The major findings from this study indicates that level of social cohesion and cooperation, considering both dimensions which are trust and sense of belongings to the community is high, among IIUM students. Equally, there is strong relationship between both formal and informal participation and social cohesion. If the study could be implemented it will serve as great remedy to the problem of disunity and social strife among the Muslim Ummah.