Journal International Dakwah and Communication

CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM OF ULUM AL-QURAN, HADITH STUDIES, AND ISLAMIC JURISPRUDENCE FROM A CONTEMPORARY SCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVE

Maltifal — 2026-02-07

Classical Islamic sciences face global challenges in maintaining their relevance and epistemological authority amidst the development of modern scientific methodologies that emphasize historical criticism, interdisciplinary analysis, and responsiveness to contemporary issues. This article argues that apologetic or defensive approaches are no longer adequate, and that constructive criticism based on contemporary scientific frameworks is an intellectual necessity. The research objectives are threefold: 1) to map the points of dialogue and tension between classical epistemology and modern methods; 2) to offer constructive criticism to strengthen the validity of these sciences; and 3) to propose an integrative framework for responsible revitalization. To achieve these goals, this study employs a qualitative-interdisciplinary method through a systematic critical-analytical literature study, involving internal textual analysis, critical dialogue with hermeneutics, sociology of knowledge, and applied ethics, as well as normative synthesis. The results map the key dialectics and propose a model of "Revitalized Naql-'Aql-Maqashid Epistemology," where textual authority is creatively dialogued with enriched critical reasoning and directed by the universal objectives of Sharia (Maqashid al-Shari'ah) as an integrative compass. The contribution of this research lies in a critical synthesis that avoids both fundamentalism and ungrounded liberalism. The primary limitation of this study is its conceptual and textual nature, thus requiring further testing and operationalization through empirical case studies and direct engagement with religious practitioner communities to test the application and impact of the proposed framework.

INTEGRATION OF EPISTEMOLOGY: MEDIEVAL ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVES ON THE HIERARCHY OF KNOWLEDGE, THE QUR’AN, AND PHILOSOPHY

Armalena Armalena — 2026-02-04

Mainstream narratives often label the Medieval period as a time of global intellectual stagnation, whereas Islamic civilization actually recorded a golden age through the integration of theology, philosophy, and science, reaching its pinnacle. This study seeks to reconstruct the concept of knowledge (‘ilm) in the medieval Islamic tradition and to map the interrelation between the authority of revelation and rationality. The author applies a library research method with content analysis techniques on the thoughts of key figures such as Al-Farabi, Ibn Rushd (Averroes), and Ibn al-Haytham. The analysis identifies three fundamental points: first, medieval Islamic epistemology was holistic, eliminating the dichotomy between sacred and profane spheres; second, the Qur’an serves as an epistemological constitution that legitimizes empirical observation through the doctrine of the "Two Books" (Tadwini and Takwini); and third, philosophy and science are positioned as collective obligations (fardhu kifayah) consistent with the message of revelation. This study concludes that addressing the crisis of modern knowledge dichotomy requires a renewed adoption of the classical spirit of epistemological integration.

INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES IN DA’WAH MANAGEMENT: HARNESSING SOCIAL MEDIA FOR ISLAMIC OUTREACH

Qomariyah Qomariyah — 2026-02-28

Da’wah has traditionally relied on face-to-face interaction and community-based structures to disseminate Islamic teachings. The rapid expansion of social media has transformed patterns of religious communication, creating new opportunities and challenges for Islamic outreach. This digital shift requires da’wah actors to move beyond conventional approaches and adopt innovative management strategies that align religious objectives with the dynamics of online platforms. This study aims to analyze innovative strategies in da’wah management and to examine how social media is harnessed effectively for Islamic outreach. The research employed a qualitative-dominant mixed-methods design, involving questionnaires distributed to da’wah practitioners, in-depth interviews with managers of Islamic organizations, and a focused case study of social media–based da’wah initiatives. The findings reveal that structured planning, message consistency, and active audience engagement significantly enhance the effectiveness of digital da’wah. However, the use of analytics and systematic evaluation remains limited, indicating gaps in data-driven management practices. The study concludes that social media–based da’wah can achieve sustainable impact when managed strategically, ethically, and responsively to platform characteristics. Integrating management principles with Islamic values is essential to strengthening the credibility and long-term effectiveness of digital Islamic outreach in the contemporary media landscape.