Criteria for an Ideal Preacher in Islam: A Living Quran Analysis of Contemporary Da'wah

Abstract

Da'wah is an important means of disseminating Islamic teachings that extends beyond the transmission of religious messages to encompass character formation and social transformation. In contemporary contexts characterized by advances in information technology, cultural plurality, and increasingly complex social issues, the personal qualities of preachers are particularly important because they serve as representatives of Quranic values in lived practice. This study aims to analyze the personal criteria of an ideal da'i in Islam through a Living Quran approach, focusing on how Quranic values are understood, internalized, and actualized in da'wah practices. The study employed a qualitative method using library research and a Living Quran approach. Data were drawn from Quranic verses related to da'wah, the hadiths of Prophet Muhammad, classical and contemporary Quranic commentaries, Islamic literature, and relevant scholarly articles and previous studies. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis with the assistance of NVivo through data familiarization, coding, theme development and review, interpretation, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that the personal criteria of an ideal da'i include sincerity, extensive religious knowledge, noble character, persuasive communication skills, patience, wisdom, exemplary conduct, social sensitivity, and the ability to contextualize Quranic values in accordance with community needs. These findings indicate that the personal qualities of a preacher constitute not merely a set of normative criteria but also an actualization of Quranic values in da'wah practice. Practically, the findings highlight the importance of strengthening the spiritual, intellectual, moral, social, and communicative dimensions of preacher development to support da'wah practices that remain relevant to the dynamics of contemporary Muslim societies.