al-Balagh : Jurnal Dakwah dan Komunikasi

MUBALLIGH IN THE DIGITAL AGE BASED ON INSIGHTS FROM INDONESIAN PHENOMENON: LEVERAGING DIGITAL LEARNING FOR THE PROMOTION OF ISLAMIC VALUES

Muhammad Choirin — 2024-07-09

Integrating digital technology in education has revolutionized learning across diverse fields, including religious education. This study explores how Islamic da'wah leverages digital platforms to enhance digital learning in the context of spreading da'wah in society, addressing challenges such as information accuracy, language barriers, and the balance between traditional and digital methods. Through a literature review and qualitative research, the study identifies and analyzes strategies employed by preachers to promote digital learning. The findings underscore the significant role of online platforms, mobile applications, online courses, e-learning, digital resources, virtual communities, and discussion forums in spreading Islamic da'wah in Indonesia. The substantial engagement with digital da'wah content from various Islamic teams highlights its impact. This research deepens understanding of the influence of digital learning on Islamic education, emphasizing its value as a complement to traditional face-to-face preaching. The study provides insights for Islamic preachers and educators, urging the refinement of digital learning initiatives to enhance the impact of Islamic education in contemporary contexts.

FROM JOKE TO JOURNALISM: THE EVOLUTION OF MEMES IN MASS COMMUNICATION

Melati Budi Srikandi — 2024-07-09

The emergence of memes as a prevalent form of communication in the digital age has transformed them from simple humor to influential tools shaping public opinion and societal dynamics. This study tracks memes' evolution from fundamental humor to political discourse and social mobilization in mass media. The study uses theoretical frameworks to trace memes' progression from amusing content to a major form of visual communication in the digital age. The study shows that memes have gone from amusing diversions to shaping public opinion. Mass communication relies on memes to influence public opinion, social awareness, and political outcomes. The paper discusses how memes have disrupted journalism and allowed anyone to participate in public debate through satire and critique. The study also examines the ethical issues surrounding memes in mass communication, shedding light on their potential effects. This research sheds light on memes' significant role in shaping public discourse, influencing beliefs, and engaging diverse audiences in discussions about social and political issues. By exploring the evolution of memes in mass communication, this study highlights their potential to disrupt journalism, spark public debate, and raise ethical considerations.

THE COMMUNICATION PATTERNS OF THE JUNAIDIYAH THARĪQAH (SUFI ORDER) IN THE CASE OF THE RELOCATION OF SHAIKH MUHAMMAD QURTHUBI'S TOMB IN PALANGKA RAYA

Cecep Zakarias El Bilad — 2024-07-09

The relocation of the grave of Junaidiyah tharȋqah’s leader, Shaikh Muhammad Qurthubi, in Palangka Raya is unique. It was done without dismantling the old grave or moving his body. This unusual step was based on mystical messages from the shaikh’s spirit to his chosen students. This research explores why this action was taken and how this mystical doctrine became the community's shared belief. It is a qualitative study, and data were collected through interviews and observation using a phenomenological approach. The research findings are analyzed using theories of group communication, ritual communication, and the psychology of communication. The results show that Junaidiyah tharȋqah is a primary group with norms and doctrines that members must follow, determining their communication patterns. These patterns tend to be one-way in matters of teachings and spirituality and multidirectional in administrative and institutional matters. Interpersonal communication is intimate and solid. The research implies that the Junaidiyah tharȋqah's mystical doctrines deeply influence their members' communication patterns, fostering unwavering spiritual loyalty and shaping unique interpersonal and group communication dynamics.

RELIGIOUS MODERATION, EXPERT, SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT NEWBIE? RELIGIOUS EXTENSION OFFICERS IN SOCIAL MEDIA

Leonard Chrysostomos Epafras — 2024-11-01

About sixty-seven thousand religious extension officers (Penyuluh Agama), representing six religions in the state service, are on the frontline of the massive campaign of religious moderation organized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. They are the sole body with religious competence dealing with the increasing religious conservatism, radicalism, and extremism. The study observes the digital performance and agency of Penyuluh in social media. It describes the complexity of their position within the challenge of religious extremism, the execution of a religious moderation campaign, and social media engagement. Data collection utilizes mixed methods, while the analysis employs netnographic and descriptive-inductive methods. The findings demonstrate the digital divide context, the tendency of Penyuluh to reproduce the structure, hence limiting their agency, limited digital mastery and digital literacy of many of Penyuluh, fragmented institutional information system, and the vulnerability of instant messenger engagement that is prone to epistemic bubble and echo chamber effects.

IMPLEMENTATION OF SHODAQOH INFAQ WARGA (SIAGA) PROGRAM IN PRODUCING ULAMA CADRES AT THE BAITUL MAKMUR KEMBANGSONGO MOSQUE BANTUL

Isnan Rosyid — 2024-11-01

Not all mosques have activities to produce ulama cadres. In fact, the cadre formation of ulama is important for the continuity of da'wah in an area. This research aims to describe the implementation of Shodaqoh Infaq Warga (SIAGA) to produce ulama cadres at the Baitul Makmur mosque, Bantul, Yogyakarta. This research is descriptive research with a case study. The research informants were the chairman of the mosque takmir, the chairman of the SIAGA division, community leaders, and leaders of Islamic boarding schools who collaborated with the takmir. The research methods used are interviews and observation. Data were analyzed qualitatively using the Miles and Huberman model. The research results show that SIAGA activities include: planning, organizing, coordinating, controlling, and two new stages namely maintaining and sustaining. The SIAGA activities have implemented Islamic communication principles in their execution, including: qaulan balighan, qaulan maysuran, qaulan kariman, qaulan ma’rufan, qaulan layyinan, and qaulan sadidan. The SIAGA program is considered effective in producing ulama cadres. The SIAGA activities in Kembangsongo village have also inspired neighboring villages to initiate similar programs to develop future religious scholars. Evaluation research on SIAGA activities needs to be carried out to analyze the effectiveness of the activities.