Ummi Sofia Azri, Noorul Huda Sahari

Knowledge and perception of Tertiary students on Muslim Women Athletes Sportswear

Introduction

Knowledge and perception of tertiary students on muslim women athletes sportswear. UiTM students' knowledge & perceptions of Muslim women athletes' sportswear & participation assessed. Strong acceptance of Islamic guidelines for inclusive sports found.

Abstract

The usage of sportwear by Muslim women athletes, and the specialty needs facilities for the Muslim athletes including Muslim women athletes and the knowledge of regulations or guidelines that have been set by JAKIM for Muslim women in sports. This study aims to identify the perceptions of UiTM Shah Alam students towards Muslim women sportwear and their participating in sports, to examine the level of knowledge of UiTM Shah Alam Students regarding regulations or guidelines towards Muslim women athletes and their acceptance on the needs of the special facilities for Muslim women athletes. This study adopted a quantitative approach, where data was collected through a survey to 112 respondents of UiTM Shah Alam students which was distributed via online. Descriptive analysis using SPSS Version 27. Findings showed that students demonstrate a strong perception towards Muslim women sportwear and level of knowledge regarding guidelines towards Muslim women athletes and the acceptance of special facilities for Muslim women in sport. In addition, a significant majority acknowledging the importance of the Islamic perspective related to women's participation in sports adherence to religious standards. The study recommends other educational institutions should collaborate with sports organizations and religious scholars to design and implement sports programs specifically tailored for Muslim women and establish campaigns to further enhance awareness regarding the facilities for Muslim women athletes. The rights of women involved in sports should be guaranteed and strengthened through legislation, without any discrimination against women.

Review

The paper, "Knowledge and perception of Tertiary students on Muslim Women Athletes Sportswear," addresses a timely and significant topic concerning the intersection of sports, religion, and gender. The study clearly aims to assess UiTM Shah Alam students' perceptions of Muslim women's sportswear and participation in sports, their knowledge of relevant guidelines (e.g., from JAKIM), and their acceptance of special facilities. Employing a quantitative survey approach with 112 respondents, the findings suggest a strong positive perception and knowledge base among students, alongside a notable acceptance of Islamic principles in women's sports. This research offers valuable insights into a culturally sensitive area, contributing to the understanding of societal attitudes towards Muslim women's involvement in athletics. A key strength of this study lies in its direct engagement with a relevant demographic (tertiary students) on an under-researched subject, providing a snapshot of current attitudes within a specific institutional context. The clear articulation of research objectives and the use of a quantitative survey make the study's approach straightforward. However, the abstract could benefit from a more detailed elaboration on the "strong perception" and "level of knowledge." While it later specifies "a significant majority acknowledging the importance of the Islamic perspective," more specific descriptors of *what* these perceptions entail (e.g., positive, supportive, progressive) would enhance clarity. The sample size of 112 students from a single institution, while providing initial insights, limits the generalizability of the findings to a broader Malaysian or global context. Future work could consider a larger, more diverse sample to strengthen external validity. Despite these minor points, the study's recommendations are particularly salient, advocating for collaboration between educational institutions, sports organizations, and religious scholars to design tailored programs and awareness campaigns. The call to guarantee and strengthen women's rights in sports through legislation, free from discrimination, is a powerful and necessary endorsement of inclusivity. The findings underscore the importance of understanding community perspectives when developing policies and support structures for Muslim women athletes. This research serves as a commendable starting point for further exploration into this important domain, encouraging subsequent studies to delve deeper into the nuances of perception, knowledge, and policy implementation across different demographics and regions.

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