Journal International Dakwah and Communication

RELIGIOUS MODERATION AMONG MUSLIM STUDENTS IN A PLURAL REGION

2026-06-27T20:47:52+07:00

This study aims to analyze the understanding and implementation of Islam wasathiyah among Muslim university students in Jayapura City, a region with high social and religious plurality. This research employs a qualitative field research approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation involving students from several universities in Jayapura. The data were analyzed using thematic procedures, including data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal that although some students are terminologically unfamiliar with the concept of Islam wasathiyah, substantively they understand and practice the values of religious moderation in their daily lives. The implementation of wasathiyah values is reflected in interfaith tolerance, acceptance of diversity, compliance with health protocols as a form of socio-religious responsibility, participation in inclusive Islamic studies, and recognition of the harmonious relationship between religion and the state. These findings indicate that religious moderation among Muslim students in Jayapura is not merely normative-theological but also contextual and socially responsive. The novelty of this research lies in examining religious moderation in a Muslim minority region in Eastern Indonesia during the pandemic. The implication is the need for contextual religious moderation programs in higher education that go beyond terminology to substantive practice.

ISLAMIC COMMUNICATION IN THE DIGITAL AGE: BRIDGING TRADITIONAL ORATORY WITH MODERN COMMUNICATION TOOLS

2026-07-29T08:51:21+07:00

Rapid digital transformation has fundamentally reshaped the way Islamic knowledge is produced, disseminated, and consumed, creating new opportunities for expanding religious education while introducing challenges related to message authenticity, communication ethics, audience engagement, and institutional credibility. Traditional Islamic oratory remains an essential foundation for effective da’wah, yet its integration with modern communication technologies requires balanced adaptation to preserve theological integrity and respond to contemporary communication practices. This study aimed to examine how traditional Islamic oratory can be integrated with modern digital communication tools to strengthen educational effectiveness, audience engagement, and institutional trust. A mixed-methods sequential explanatory design was employed involving 360 Islamic institutions and 1,440 participants representing Islamic scholars, du’?t, educators, communication practitioners, students, and digital content creators. Quantitative analyses incorporated descriptive statistics, structural equation modeling, hierarchical regression, mediation and moderation analyses, while qualitative evidence from expert interviews, institutional observations, communication analytics, and policy document reviews was analyzed through thematic analysis. Findings demonstrated that rhetorical competence significantly enhanced audience engagement, communication credibility, educational effectiveness, and institutional trust. Audience engagement partially mediated the relationship between rhetorical competence and educational performance, whereas digital literacy strengthened the effectiveness of communication technology. Results indicate that sustainable Islamic communication depends upon the coordinated integration of traditional rhetorical principles, communication ethics, digital literacy, technological innovation, and institutional governance, providing an evidence-based framework for preserving authentic Islamic teachings while expanding their accessibility and relevance within contemporary digital societies.

RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION OF ISLAMIC ART AS A MEDIUM OF DA'WAH: A LITERATURE STUDY

2026-05-21T22:11:40+07:00

Islamic art is an effective medium of proselytization in conveying the spiritual and moral values of Islam to society. Islamic arts, such as calligraphy, mosque architecture, music, and poetry, not only have aesthetic value but also contain deep religious messages. However, in the era of globalization, Islamic art faces challenges such as the influence of global culture and technology, so it needs to be further explored to ensure its relevance. The purpose of this study is to analyze religious expression in Islamic art and its potential as a medium for da’wah, as well as identify challenges and opportunities in the contemporary era. The method used is a literature study with a qualitative approach, collecting and analyzing academic sources such as journals, books, and reliable articles. The results showed that Islamic art plays an important role in building spiritual identity, facilitating character education, and bridging intercultural dialogue. Key findings include the effectiveness of Islamic art in da’wah, its adaptation to digital technology, and its synergy with local values. In conclusion, Islamic art is a powerful and multifunctional medium for da’wah, which needs to be preserved and developed to remain relevant amidst the dynamics of the times. Recommendations include training for artists and preachers, as well as collaboration between stakeholders to support innovation in Islamic arts.