From Marginalisation to Dignity: Reframing Malaysia’s Refugee Governance through Islamic Principles and the Role of Islamic Institutions

Abstract

Refugees are among the most vulnerable communities, frequently exposed to exploitation and discrimination. In Malaysia, refugees face significant legal and social barriers due to the country’s status as a non-signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention. As a result, they are denied access to basic human rights such as education, healthcare, and employment, and remain at constant risk of deportation. This article aims to explore the challenges and realities faced by Muslim refugees in Malaysia, focusing on how Islamic principles can be applied to protect them. Furthermore, this article examines the extent to which Islamic institutions have the potential to contribute to national policy development concerning the rights and needs of Muslim refugees. A qualitative approach, utilising content analysis, is employed to examine these issues. The study concludes that Islamic institutions play a significant role in supporting and assisting Muslim refugees. These institutions can make meaningful contributions to refugee protection efforts while ensuring that national policy formulation is aligned with Islamic principles and the protection of refugee rights. By operationalising Islamic principles through Maqasid al-Shariah and leveraging Islamic social finance, these institutions can establish a holistic protection framework, thereby translating Islamic ethical principles into actionable national policy and ensuring the dignity and well-being of Muslim refugees in Malaysia.