Socio-Cultural Adjustment of Muslim Students to a Non-Muslim Community

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Practicing traditions is an important habit especially to the people having steadfast faith in their customs or religion like the Islamic community. In 2017, a massive exodus of Muslim people, specifically Muslim students, had been witnessed and they ended up migrating to non-Muslim communities to the Northern part of the country as to avoid the conflict of war in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. Thus, this study aimed at investigating the socio-cultural adjustments of the Muslim students to a non-Muslim community.

METHODS

This study used a quantitative research that raised questions about Muslims' adjustment process, socialization, and adaptation among non-Muslim students to a non-Muslim community. The study administered survey instruments to gather information. A total of 40 Muslim students aged 14 to 16 years completed the self-made questionnaires which examined the level of the Muslims' adjustment to a non-Muslim community in relationship to the following: Tradition and Practices, Foods, Education, Clothing, Language, Time Management, and Habits. The researcher applied frequency, percentage, rank, and T-test statistical treatments in analyzing the data.

RESULTS

The results showed that Muslim students have already adjusted in the non-Muslim community. They can manage their time in performing their obligations in their religious practices before, during, and after the school. Also, they finish their assignments on timeand are able to participate in other activities and tasks independently. Based on the results of the study, they do not necessarily have negative comparison to those practices that they are used to with that of the non-Muslims. It is necessary to have a comprehensive understanding with their lived experiences within their social and cultural aspect. Thus, the study entailed that there is a significant difference between the profile of the respondents to the extra-curricular activities in terms of social and cultural aspects.

DISCUSSIONS

This implied that the Muslim students learned to adjust and have themselves acquainted with the Christian traditions and beliefs, leading them to understand the language, clothing, food, etc., These further denotes that the school faculty and staff should consider programs and activities that would develop Muslim students' self-esteem through effective strategies, and conduct regular evaluation to monitor their academic progress, to ensure their success and adjustment process were successfully met.