Maddah: Journal of Advanced Da'wah Management Research

Dakwah Through Language and Local Wisdom as a Strategy for Spreading Islam Among the Dayak Tribe in Kalimantan

Muhammad Yulian Mamun — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study is motivated by the challenges of Islamic proselytization (dakwah) among the Dayak communities in Kalimantan, who possess a distinct cultural identity and linguistic diversity. The use of the Indonesian language in dakwah is often perceived as “foreign” by 62% of rural populations, hindering both comprehension and acceptance of Islamic teachings. Consequently, there is a need for dakwah strategies that integrate local languages and cultural wisdom to foster closer connections with the community. This study aims to explore the role of local language and cultural approaches as effective strategies for spreading Islam among the Dayak people. A qualitative research method was employed, with fieldwork conducted in Central and West Kalimantan. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and documentation. The findings reveal that: 1) The use of mother tongues enhances community understanding and engagement. Although dialect diversity presents challenges, this strategy proves more effective than neutral approaches such as using the Indonesian language in remote areas. 2) Local wisdom, including Dayak rituals such as Gawai and Tiwah, is adapted in dakwah to reinforce Islamic acceptance. Collaboration with traditional leaders broadens the reach of Islamic messages. However, ritual modifications must be approached carefully to avoid deviating from the core tenets of monotheism (tauhid). The Sarasehan Budaya serves as a notable example of integrating religious teachings with cultural expression.

Participatory Ecofeminism for the Preservation of the Religio-Ecological Identity of Indigenous Communities

Ramlan Indra Jaya — Fri, 30 May 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The preservation of the religio-ecological identity of indigenous communities is threatened by deforestation and the marginalization of local knowledge. In Sumatra, 2.5 million hectares of forest were lost (2001–2021), including areas inhabited by the Orang Rimba, who have lost access to sacred sites. Top-down policies like REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) frequently fail due to the exclusion of indigenous women’s participation and spiritual values, while prior research has fragmented gender, ecological, and participatory aspects without holistic integration. This study aims to develop a participatory ecofeminism model that strengthens religio-ecological identity through collaboration among indigenous communities, activists, and policymakers, with a focus on participation mechanisms, the impact of deforestation on indigenous rituals, and the integration of spiritual values into advocacy. The research method employed a qualitative approach, including Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with 150 Orang Rimba participants, ethnography, and surveys, to explore traditional practices, women’s roles, and socio-ecological dynamics in Riau. Findings revealed that indigenous women’s participation in environmental management (e.g., Tana’ Ulen in Kalimantan) reduced environmental degradation by 40%. The integration of spirituality and ecology through rituals such as Seren Taun functioned as ecological early warning systems. Trans-local solidarity networks (e.g., the Indigenous Women’s Network for Biodiversity) strengthened advocacy rooted in local wisdom. The study uncovered contradictions between global policies (SDGs/REDD+) that neglect spiritual dimensions and the need for community-based inclusive approaches. Recommendations include integrating local wisdom into educational curricula and advancing policy reforms through participatory governance

Strategic Management in Addressing Hajj Cancellation Cases at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Office in Jember Regency

Eka Rahayu Eka, Nasirudin Al Ahsani — Fri, 30 May 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The implementation of Hajj is regulated by Law No. 8 of 2019 concerning the organization of Hajj and Umrah. The Ministry of Religious Affairs, as the institution responsible for managing and organizing Hajj and Umrah, faces challenges regarding the issuance of release permits. Jember Regency ranks among the highest in terms of Hajj cancellations. The purpose of this study is to determine: 1) Strategic management in addressing Hajj cancellation cases at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Office in Jember Regency, 2) Supporting and inhibiting factors in handling Hajj cancellation cases. This research adopts a qualitative approach, presented descriptively. The conclusions drawn from this study are as follows: The strategic management applied by the Hajj Management Unit (PHU) in addressing Hajj cancellations includes conducting educational programs for pilgrims, collaborating with KBIHU (Hajj and Umrah Guidance Institutions), KUA (Office of Religious Affairs), and socializing both directly at the location or through social media and Sharia Banks. The supporting factor in implementing strategic management to address cancellations is the cooperation between external and internal parties in the process of handling cancellations at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Office in Jember Regency. The inhibiting factors include miscommunication with prospective pilgrims and the involvement of certain travel agents who exploit the Hajj cancellation process to attract pilgrims, enticing them to perform Umrah instead.

Islamic Outreach in the Digital Age: A Study of Online Dawah Practices in Taraba State, Nigeria

Bello Ali — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study explores the transformative role of social media in Islamic religious outreach (Da’wah) within Taraba State, Nigeria. Using a quantitative descriptive approach, it analyzes the engagement patterns, content preferences, platform usage, and perceived spiritual impacts among 217 Muslim respondents. Findings reveal high daily engagement with Da’wah content on Facebook and WhatsApp, with audio-visual formats proving most effective. Online Da’wah significantly enhances religious knowledge, communication, and social cohesion, though gender disparities, infrastructural deficits, and content authenticity challenges remain. The paper offers thematic insights and practical recommendations aimed at enhancing digital Da’wah inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and strategic dissemination. It underscores the potential of social media to serve as a dynamic and complementary tool to traditional Islamic propagation, provided that ethical standards and technological capacities are prioritized.

Research of Medieval Heritage of Ganja City Based on Historical Sources

Elnur Hasanov — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Scientific work deals with the research the cultural heritage of Ganja city on the basis of various manuscripts, different historical documents as the sources in research of the cultural and sociological development during the medieval period. The life and creation of such genius persons as Nizami Ganjavi have been studied based on archival materials, various written sources, historical documents, literary samples for the medieval period on the basis of comparative scientific approach. The purpose of the study is 1) to analyze the role of women in the Akhilik ideology in the works of Nizami Ganjavi, and 2) to analyze the influence of Nizami Ganjavi on Sufi and Akhilik traditions in Ganja. The methods used for this study included historical and comparative research metod, chronological, source method. The research findings show that 1) Nizami Ganjavi portrays women as symbols of strength, wisdom, and love within the Akhilik ideology, promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in da’wah management. 2) Nizami's contributions to Sufi and Akhilik traditions emphasize courage, justice, and wisdom, providing a framework for da’wah that integrates moral and social values, promotes spiritual growth and social welfare, and addresses contemporary societal challenges.

The Endeavor of Translating the Quran

Gabriela Aurora Mondragon Meza — Sat, 28 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Translating a text such as the Holy Qur'an is complex. The aim of this research is to: 1) explain the characteristics of various Qur'anic translations based on scholarly analysis into Spanish, 2) discuss the task of translating the Qur'an using basic communication model elements, 3) reflect on the impact of translation on non-Arabic-speaking communities like Mexico and Colombia, and 4) promote AI use as a tool, not authority. This research uses qualitative analysis to explore Qur'anic translation into Spanish, focusing on translator types, challenges, and cultural influences. The results of this research are: 1) An analysis of Spanish Qur'anic translations, addressing challenges like linguistic depth and cultural context, categorized based on Gottlieb's theory. 2) A communication model framework for translation, highlighting the translator's role in bridging cultural gaps. 3) Insights from interviews with Muslim converts in Mexico and Colombia, showing the importance of translations for spiritual growth and the eventual study of the Qur'an in Arabic. 4) A proposal for using AI as a tool for translation, emphasizing the need for human oversight due to AI's lack of cultural sensitivity.