Examining the Impact of Social Media Da‘wah Activities among Yoruba Muslims
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22452/basirah.vol16no1.3Keywords:
Digital Da‘wah, Islamic Social Media Communication, Yoruba Muslims, Online Religious PropagationAbstract
Social media has transformed religious communication by providing Muslim scholars with innovative platforms for disseminating Islamic teachings. However, empirical studies on the impacts of digital daʿwah (Islamic propagation) among Yoruba Muslims in Southwestern Nigeria remain limited. This study examined the impacts of social media daʿwah on Yoruba Muslims, focusing on the accessibility of social media platforms, the influence of online Islamic teachings, and the forms of daʿwah activities conducted through digital media. A mixed-method research design was adopted. Data were collected through a structured 22-item Google Forms questionnaire administered to 132 purposively selected Yoruba Muslim respondents. Quantitative data were analysed using frequencies and percentages, while relevant literature and online daʿwah materials provided qualitative support for interpreting the findings. For instance, WhatsApp (100%), YouTube (87.1%), TikTok (84.8%), Facebook (83.0%), Instagram (81.8%), and X (71.2%) were the most accessible platforms for daʿwah. Respondents reported that online Islamic lectures enhanced religious knowledge, strengthened understanding of Islamic doctrines, and promoted Islamic consciousness. Lecture presentations, Qur’anic teaching, Tafsīr, Arabic language instruction, and marriage counselling were identified as common online daʿwah activities. Hence, social media has enhanced Islamic propagation among Yoruba Muslims by improving access to religious knowledge and promoting religious engagement. The study recommends greater participation of qualified Islamic scholars and the development of ethical guidelines for digital daʿwah.
References
Arifuddin. “Da‘wah through the Internet: Challenges and Opportunities for Islamic Preachers in Indonesia.” Ar-Raniry: International Journal of Islamic Studies 3, no. 1 (2016): 161–188.
Halim, U., and S. Rahim. “Digital Engagement: Access and Use of Social Media among Young Muslims.” Journal of Communication 27, no. 2 (2010): 121–135.
Ittefaq, M., and T. Ahmad. “Representation of Islam and Muslims on Social Media: A Discourse Analysis of Facebook.” Journal of Media Critiques 4, no. 13 (2018): 39–52.
Kamaku, M. N., and H. Mberia. “The Influence of Social Media on the Prevalence of Sexual Harassment among Teenagers: A Case Study of Secondary Schools in Kandara Sub-County, Kenya.” International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences 4, no. 4 (2014): 420–431.
Khouli, M. E. “The Most Important Negative Aspects of Using Social Networking Affecting Family Stability in Abu Dhabi: A Pilot Study.” International Journal of Engineering and Technology 9 (2013): 85–90.
Lawal, M. A., and K. O. Dauda. “Islam, Social Media and the Fallacy of Religious Proselytization in Yorubaland.” Nasred Religions’ Educator 20, no. 1 (2014).
Mudassar, K. “Islamic Morality and Ethics: Impact on Our Daily Life.” Al-Quran Classes. 2023. https://alquran.classes.com.
Oladimeji, L. F., and B. A. Ajijola. “An Assessment of the Impact of Da’wah Through Electronic and Social Media Among Muslims in Nigeria.” Al-Hikmah Journal of the Humanities 1, no. 1–2 (2012).
Oloyede, M. O., and G. K. Oloyede. “Effects of Social Media on Morality of Youths in Nigeria and the Role of Religion.” In Proceedings of the 31st Accra Bespoke Multidisciplinary Innovations Conference, 105–112. University of Ghana/Academic City University College, 2022.
Rosidi, M. H., A. Wifaq, and M. N. Abdul-Majid. “The Impact of Social Media on the Acceptance of Fatwas among Malaysian Muslims.” Journal of Fatwa Management and Research 26, no. 1 (2021): 18–25.
Siddiqui, S., and T. Singh. “Social Media: Its Impact with Positive and Negative Aspects.” International Journal of Computer Applications Technology and Research 5, no. 2 (2016): 71–75.
Umar, K. A. “Mass Media as an Essential Instrument for Da‘wah (Islamic Propagation).” Journal of Humanities and Social Science 19, no. 6 (2019): 204–322.
