THERE exists a paradox in our lives: “The only thing constant is change.” Everything is happening so fast, so much so that sometimes we have problems keeping up with the changes.
Everything that is happening today is catalysed by the rapid advancement in information and communication technology (ICT).
Physical distance is no longer a factor, nor is time difference an issue when it comes to communication. The whole world is now a global village where everyone with access to the Internet can interact, communicate and transact with others.
The second caliph of the Khulafa� al-Rasyidin rule, Umar al-Khattab, once said: “Teach your children contemporary knowledge, for they are born in an era which is different from yours.”
These wise words of one of the closest companions of the Prophet stressed the importance of preparing the next generation with ample knowledge to face the challenges of the future.
In other words, Umar al-Khattab foresaw that time and situations will continue to change and preparation was needed in order to face these changes.
Change is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, change for the better is very much encouraged in Islam. This is in line with the spirit of hijrah, which includes the improvement and betterment of a condition.
Hence, the advice of Umar al-Khattab should be heeded, as the changes triggered by technological convergence will continue to occur at an unprecedented rate.
More importantly, however, this timeless advice should also be noted by Muslim preachers or daie.
The daie need to keep up with the changes of time in spreading the word and message of God to the masses.
While the approach of conventional dakwah is not denied and has its advantages, there must also be a new breed of daie who are techno-savvy and willing to utilise modern tools and approaches for the benefit of dakwah.
Dakwah in this day and age requires a new approach in order to attract more people towards Islam and, at the same time, create a better understanding of the religion.
The core substance to dakwah is to uphold the oneness of God (tawhid) and the prophethood of Muhammad, as well as to invite people towards goodness and prevent sinful deeds (amar maaruf nahi mungkar).
The approach to spreading this core substance must be varied, utilising both conventional and modern tools.
The contents for dakwah are already there the Quran, prophetic traditions, history of Islam, stories of the prophets, texts on Islamic jurisprudence, scholarly works of Muslim ulama and many more.
What is required now is for these materials to be creatively repackaged using the latest technology, so that they can be used in facilitating the task of dakwah.
Therefore, a link between the daie and technology experts must be established. A synergy between these two groups has to be formed in order for dakwah in the 21st century to be successful.
Logically these two groups should collaborate so that a win-win situation can be created. In the long run, Islam will benefit.
This new breed of preachers should be seen as complementing and strengthening the dakwah movement.
Islam has always stressed the importance of gaining and mastering knowledge, which is one of the 10 principles of Islam Hadhari. Gaining and mastering knowledge also includes the acquisition and mastery of technology.
In Verse 125 of Surah al-Nahl of the Quran, God says to the effect that: Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious; for thy Lord knoweth best, who have strayed from His path, and who received guidance.
Using technology for dakwah is in line with using wisdom and beautiful preaching in dakwah as mentioned in the verse. To attain wisdom, one must definitely have knowledge.
Everything that we do today revolves around technology, so much so, that the usage of technology is being taken for granted by most of us. The new generation in particular are becoming more techno-savvy.
What better way to approach this new generation than to apply that which they are most comfortable with?
In the spirit of the new year of the Hijrah calendar, it is wise for Muslims to aspire to benefit from knowledge and technology while at the same time, inculcate good values and norms in applying the knowledge and technology.
This new breed of Muslims could be an important catalyst for achieving civilisational Islam as espoused by the Prime Minister.
Perhaps, in this regard, besides the importance of creating a new breed of daie, that is the ‘techno-daie,’ we must also at the same time focus on creating a new breed of ‘techno-ummah.’