Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) employed communication as a medium for disseminating dakwah by sending and delivering letters to Arab rulers and leaders of non-Arabic races.
These efforts were aimed at introducing Islam and inviting them to embrace the faith.
This was highlighted by Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan during the closing ceremony of the two-day international seminar on Usuluddin education at Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) yesterday.
The deputy minister emphasised on the importance of leveraging information and communication technology to enhance the understanding of Islam among the people.
Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Tashim acknowledged the value of seminars and programmes at improving the quality of da’ie. He stressed on the importance of implementing the efforts consistently and systematically.
The deputy minister said dakwah encompasses various forms of communication including oral, written and action including leading by example. This multifaceted approach to dakwah is to cater to a more diverse audience spanning different age groups, educational background, profession and lifestyle.
Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Tashim urged aspiring da’ie to be more competent in both dakwah and related knowledge areas hence requiring learning for better proficiency. This calls for the establishment of infrastructures like studios or laboratories in media, counselling, journalism and management. It will contribute to diversification and increased significance of dakwah professions benefiting not only da’ie but also religious preachers.
The deputy minister also proposed making dakwah a subject for thesis or dissertation for advanced level degrees. This will allow for ongoing assessment of dakwah-related programmes in their effectiveness as well as identifying weakness to tackle. – Rokiah Mahmud
