Digital Da’wah and the Transformation of Islamic Authority among Muslim Preachers on Social Media
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62731/rgjirs.v1i1.21Keywords:
Digital Da’wah, Islamic Authority, Muslim Preachers, Social Media, Digital ReligionAbstract
This study aims to analyze the transformation of Islamic authority among Muslim preachers who use social media as a space for digital da’wah. The study addresses the growing shift of Islamic preaching from conventional religious spaces to digital platforms, where authority is shaped not only by scholarly background but also by visibility, audience interaction, and platform-based communication. This research uses a qualitative approach with a collective case study design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, non-participant digital observation, and digital documentation involving 15 to 20 participants, including Muslim preachers, digital da’wah content managers, and active followers. The data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. The findings reveal four main themes: platform-based visibility and the reconfiguration of religious authority, adaptation of da’wah messages to platform logic, audience interaction as a space of negotiation, and ethical tensions between popularity, monetization, and religious responsibility. These findings show that digital da’wah creates a hybrid form of Islamic authority that combines traditional religious legitimacy with digital performance, audience trust, and ethical self-regulation. The study contributes to digital religion studies and Islamic communication by explaining how religious authority is reconstructed in social media environments. Practically, the findings suggest the need for digital literacy, ethical guidelines, and stronger scholarly accountability among Muslim preachers. Further research should examine audience reception and algorithmic influence on digital religious authority.
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