The Role of Religious Influencers in Contemporary Islamic Communication towards the Formation of Religious Authority in Digital Media

Abstract

The rapid expansion of digital media has transformed da'wah practices by shifting religious authority from institutional structures toward decentralized digital environments. Social media platforms facilitate the production, circulation, and legitimacy of religious messages through visibility and audience engagement, giving rise to religious influencers as key actors in contemporary digital da'wah. This study analyzes the role of religious influencers in da'wah communication and examines how religious authority is constructed within digital media. Using a qualitative library research approach, the study reviews recent national and international scholarly literature on digital religion, religious influencers, and religious authority. Data are analyzed through qualitative content analysis to identify key themes and patterns. The findings show that religious influencers employ personalized communication, storytelling, and interactive platform features to cultivate authenticity and audience trust. Religious authority in digital media is increasingly shaped by digital performativity, algorithmic visibility, and audience participation rather than formal credentials. The study concludes that digital religious authority is fluid and continuously negotiated, highlighting the need for ethically grounded digital da'wah practices.