Even though three months have passed since Ramadan ended, Islamic da’wah in Kuwait remains active beyond the holy month. Organizations such as the Islam Presentation Committee (IPC), one of the largest and oldest da’wah institutions in the country, continue their outreach efforts throughout the year. Since its establishment in 1987, IPC has facilitated the conversion of over 97,000 individuals to Islam, including 2,702 in just the past year. With more than 3.4 million expatriates residing in Kuwait—many from various religious backgrounds—the country often serves as more than just a workplace; for many, it is the first place they encounter Islam in a significant way. IPC's initiatives go beyond traditional venues like mosques and religious centers. This past Ramadan, Kuwait saw a notable rise in conversions to Islam, achieving the highest number in seven years. By the 29th day of Ramadan, approximately 730 individuals from diverse nationalities had embraced Islam.
This accomplishment is the result of the dedicated efforts of 78 male and female preachers, along with the success of the “Change Their Lives” campaign, which featured lectures and the distribution of preaching materials nationwide. Much of IPC’s outreach targets labourers and domestic workers, engaging with them in everyday settings such as markets, salons, workplaces, hospitals, farms, labour inspection offices, and even deportation centers.
After the initial outreach, new converts embark on a structured learning path that begins with a “Basic Islam” course, covering fundamental beliefs and practices. As they advance, students have the opportunity to enroll in more specialized courses on Quranic interpretation, Tajweed, Islamic jurisprudence, Prophetic biography, and Islamic history, all provided at no cost.
Available in 14 languages, Arabic language classes are offered for non-native speakers, including non-Muslims interested in understanding Islamic texts and culture. The IPC also caters to lifelong Muslims, acknowledging that many, particularly those from non-Arabic-speaking countries, may not have had the opportunity for formal Islamic education. “We don’t just teach students; we build a community for them,” stated Haya Alawadhi, head of IPC’s Salmiya branch. “This includes fostering friendships, providing emotional support from teachers and staff, and offering financial assistance when necessary.”
Many new Muslims encounter personal challenges, such as separation from family and friends. In response, IPC cultivates a family-like atmosphere where instructors and peers extend compassion, inclusion, and support. After assessing individual needs, IPC also offers financial aid and job placement assistance to help ease the transition. With lectures and materials available in 14 languages, the organization ensures accessibility for newcomers from diverse backgrounds. In 2024, the committee reported 8,455 students from 39 nationalities enrolled in its programs.
"We don’t use titles when addressing one another," Alawadhi explained. "Instead, we refer to each other as ‘sister’ and ‘brother.’ You might see an American sitting next to an Asian or a European, and everyone is treated equally. Any bias someone may have when they arrive quickly dissipates once they become part of this community." To broaden its impact, IPC has embraced digital outreach, launching social media campaigns, interactive online lectures, and Islamic content aimed at engaging younger audiences and remote learners.
IPC’s da’wah initiatives extend beyond blue-collar communities. The organization also connects with diplomats, professionals, and high-profile guests, offering them traditional Kuwaiti gift boxes that contain a translated Quran, a tourism brochure, and Islamic educational resources. In 2024 alone, IPC conducted approximately 881 training courses. Alawadhi noted that IPC also trains new Muslims to become future Islamic educators and preachers. "Some of our most active preachers today were once IPC students who converted to Islam," she remarked. IPC operates around 14 branches and centers throughout Kuwait’s governorates.
