DA’WAH IN CYBER ERA
by Shaharom TM Sulaiman [View Writer's Profile]

Abstract
Preach - da’wah, in its definition, signifies exclaiming, inviting and calling. Its target is entirely both Muslims and non-Muslims, calling towards the path of “Allah”. Its manner is full of advice and judicious. The objective of da’wah is to increase the quality of human life in both humanity (impermanent life) and eternity (immortal life). In support of that, da’wah also comprises aspects of clarification, education, instruction and propaganda. Thus,the outline of this enormous meaning of da’wah requires a diversified role of the media as a stimulator towards achieving a more effective da’wah.

At present, da'wah is undergoing some changes consequently to the development of epoch (time). In this connection, Islamic da'wah (da'wah Islamiah) is very well affected by the most sophisticated development in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This transformation illustrates several phenomenon that has happened - process of globalization, sophistication of technology, burst of information, high capacity of internet and so forth. All these revolutions has brought us and the 'world of da'wah' itself into the cyber era. Whether this cyber era is good or bad; the 'world of da'wah' could not deny nor adjourn all the transformations taking place and has no other option than to deal and cope with it by taking advantage of all its potentials and strengths.

Da'wah in the context of Malaysia has also been affected by this 'scorching' cyber transformation and currently grabs the attention of several Muslim scholars, specifically in the sphere, on how to deal with the challenges hurled by this development of epoch (century). This attention has seriously been expressed in various literatures such as: Dakwah dan Perubahan Sosial (Da'wah and Social Transformation) (2000) edited by Fariza Md. Sham, Sulaiman Ibrahim and Ideris Endot; Memahami Islam Melalui Teknologi Maklumat & Komunikasi (Understanding Islam throughout Information and Communication Technology) (2000) edited by Shaikh Mohd. Saifuddeen Mohd. Salleh; Islam, Information and Communication Technology (2001) written by Zulkiple Abd. Ghani; Multimedia dan Islam (Multimedia and Islam) (1999) edited by Abu Bakar Abd. Majeed and Siti Fatimah Abd. Rahman; Dakwah dan Pengurusan Islam di Malaysia: Konsep dan Perlaksanaan (Da'wah and Islamic Management in Malaysia: Concept and Conduct) (2000) edited by Abd. Ghafar Don, Burhanuddin Abdullah and Zulkiple Abd. Ghani.

Logically, this transformation demands that the preachers not only dominate the knowledge of Islam but also to master 'supporting' knowledge such as social knowledge, linguistic knowledge, comparative religion, as well as becoming proficient in Information and Communication Technology skills - for instance the skill in accessing the internet as well as using compact discs, web pages and homepages which provide the information on Islam, as well as the Islamic development and culture which will surely facilitate the 'world of da'wah'. It is also necessary to develop a comprehensive and interactive homepage of da'wah, for instance a homepage which acts as a clarification on the originality of the source of Islam (Al-Quran and As-Sunnah), coupled with interactive FAQ (Frequent Ask Question). Interestingly, this transformation will also see that the young generation obtaining spiritual knowledge NOT from the mosque, 'madrasah' or 'surau' but instead from CDs, VCDs and the Internet which may appeal to them as a more instantaneous, attractive and interactive tool of getting hold of these type of knowledge .
The effect of such knowledge, on condition that it is well defined, will actually give a large impact on religious livelihood. The question is, should the source of knowledge be taken from an authentic supply, or, is it enough to learn it from electronic resource. A bigger question posed is, do we still need the Islamic teachers (ustaz) to provide education on 'religion' since what would have been taught could always be transferred onto the electronic resources, which, additionally is time-saving. Does this mean that in future technology, these teachers (ustaz) and preachers will be 'retired' from their duties and their expertise no longer needed ? Generally, the answers to these could enlighten us on how to 'adapt' da'wah to the demands of time, specifically our reaction towards globalization of Information and Communication Technology. In a book entitled Memahami Islam Melalui Teknologi Maklumat & Komunikasi ('Understanding Islam throughout Information and Communication Technology') (2000), the author has laid out the challenges that one faces in the cyber era such as:

• " How ICT provides significant experience towards the practice of authentic 'spiritual' values of Islam.
• " How to deal with universal materialism, to comprehend the material values that come with the ICT phenomenon and to react by asserting morality and spiritual values.