Digital Da’wah in Northern Nigeria: A Thematic Analysis of Online Islamic Outreach Strategies in Taraba State, Nigeria

Authors

  • Bello Ali Department of Islamic Studies College of Education, Zing Taraba State
    Nigeria

Keywords:

Da’wah, Social Media, Taraba State, Online Religious Communication, Northern Nigeria, Islamic Outreach

Abstract

This study explores the emerging landscape of digital Da’wah in Northern Nigeria, focusing specifically on Taraba State. Through a thematic analysis of online engagement by Islamic scholars and Da’wah actors, the study investigates the strategies, content styles, challenges, and audience responses associated with the use of social media for religious outreach. Using qualitative methods, including interviews and platform content analysis, the research identifies a shift from traditional methods to dynamic digital engagement that combines theological accuracy with accessibility. Despite infrastructural, social, and epistemic challenges, online Da’wah in Taraba is expanding in reach and impact, shaping new modes of Islamic communication and youth engagement. The study calls for improved institutional synergy, digital training, ethical standards, and strategic content development to ensure that digital Da’wah remains both authentic and effective in addressing contemporary societal needs.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

[1] K. O. Sulaiman, & M. O. Bello, “Exploring the Roles of Muslim Youths in Propagation of Islam (Da’wah) in Contemporary World”, International Journal of Arts, Humanities and Management Studies, Volume 05, No. 08, July 2019, 2-4.

[2] B. Ali, “Muslims and Daʻwah in Taraba State: Prospects and Challenges”, Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, (Unpublished Dissertation, M.A. Islamic Studies) 2014, 87-90

[3] B. Ali, “Muslims and Daʻwah in Taraba State: Prospects and Challenges”, Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, (Unpublished Dissertation, M.A. Islamic Studies) 2014, 94-97.

[4] M. M. Sule, “Social Media And Its Utilization For Da’wah By Selected Muslim Scholars In Northern Nigeria”, Al-Risalah : Jurnal Studi Agama dan Pemikiran Islam, Vol. 13 No. 1, 2022, 133-134.

[5] H. H. Basri, and M. Muhamad, Social Media in Learning of Islamic Religion. Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo, 2020.

[6] N. Mahmudah, “Portraying al-Qur’an in Cyber Media: Portrait in Social Media Facebook of Indonesian Muslim.” Proceedings of the International Conference on Qur'an and Hadith Studies (ICQHS), STAIN Kudus, 2017.

[7] N. Hosen, “Challenging Traditional Islamic Authority: The Impact of Social Media in Indonesia.” Proceedings of the International Conference on Da’wa and Communication (1st ICON-DAC), Vol. 1, No. 1, 2019, 84–101.

[8] A. Fatah, “Qur’anic Digital Civility: Contemporary Indonesian Muslim Interaction on Social Media.” Jurnal THEOLOGIA, Vol. 33, No. 2, 2022, 179–202.

[9] F. H. A. Shibly, and M. H. M. Nairoos. “Islam on the Internet: Strategic Ways for Spreading Actual Islamic Thoughts.” Elixir Information Technology, Vol. 62, 2013, 17701–17704.

[10] M. M. Sule, and Y. Sulaiman. Enhancing Islamic Da’wah and Spread of Knowledge via Social Media Platforms. Jurnal Ilmiah Peuradeun, Vol. 9, No. 1, 2021, 145–162.

[11] M. M. Sule, and M. M. Aliyu. “Social Media and Proselytizing of Islam: A Study of Muslim Students.” South Asian Res J Human Soc Sci, Vol. 1, No. 2, 2019, 44–63.

[12] R. A. Nugraha, Islamic Da’wah through Social Media as a Means of Political Education. ACEC 2019, Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research, Vol. 418,

[13] S. Ahmed, and A. Moazzam, “Islam in the Digital Age: Navigating Faith and Technology.” EPRA International Journal of Research and Development, Vol. 9, No. 1, 2024, 77–81.

[14] M. I. Shehu, M. F. Othman, and N. B. Osman, “The Social Media and Islam,” Sahel Analyst: Journal of Management Sciences, Vol. 15, No. 4, 2017, 67–80.

[15] N. Nurdin, and R. Rusli, “Social Media Adoption and Use within Indonesian Muslim Scholars: A Possibility of Adoption and Use for Da’wah Purposes.” ACIS Conference Proceedings, Nov. 2012, Surabaya, Indonesia, pp. 1–18.

[16] A. A. Rabiu, “Social Media and the Rise of Atheism Among Muslim Youth in Northern Nigeria,” Unpublished Study, Gombe State University, 2025.

[17] S. Babayo, “Strategies of Combating Insurgency in North-Eastern Nigeria: A Non-Traditional Approach,” Journal of Administrative Science, Vol. 16, No. 2, 2019.

[18] Dr. Haruna Dahiru, 44 Years, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Religion and Philosophy, Taraba State University, Jalingo, Personal Interview, Zing/Jalingo LGAs, 2025.

[19] Dr. Kabiru Adamu, 43 Years, Lecturer and Chief Imam, Personal Interview. Ardo Kola LGA, 2025.

[20] Dr. Usman Bakari, Civil Servant and Educator; Personal Interview, Karim Lamido LGA, 2025.

[21] M. Musa Muhammad Masho, 42; Chairman, Muslim Council and Teacher, Personal Interview, Yorro LGA, 2025.

[22] M. Isa Adam Usman, 45 Years, Director, Imtiyaz Unique School, Personal Interview, Jalingo LGA, 2025.

[23] Ustaz Abubakar Imam Abbas, (Fullati). 56 Years, Teaching & Online Influencer, Personal Interview. Jalingo LGA, 2025.

[24] M. Abdulkadir Adamu, 54 Years, A.D.E and Khalifa Sheikh Aliyu Babando; Personal Interview, Jalingo LGA, 2025.

[25] M. Musa Maikasuwa, 56 Years, Deputy Imam and ICT Technician; Personal Interview, Wukari LGA, 2025.

[26] M. Bashir Yusuf Ahmed, 40 Years, Scholar/Civil Servant, Personal Interview, Jalingo, 2025.

[27] M. Ibrahim Umar Abokin Sarki, 59 Years, Director, ABSARI Schools, Personal Interview, Wukari LGA, 2025.

[28] M. Khaleed Abubakar Hussaini., 36 Years, Imam Correctional Centre, Personal Interview. Wukari, 2025.

[29] M. Shuaibu Muhammad Mallum, 53 Years, Imam/Businessman, Personal Interview, Jalingo LGA, 2025.

[30] M. Sadisu Sani Limanci, 44 Years, Religious Leader/Scholar, Personal Interview, Jalingo LGA, 2025.

[31] Sheikh Mukhtar Muhammad Gabdo, 55 Years, Director, Darul Hadith, Personal Interview, Bali LGA, 2025.

[32] M. Ibrahim Umar Abokin Sarki, 59 Years, Director, ABSARI Schools, Personal Interview, Wukari LGA, 2025.

[33] M. Isa Adam Usman, 45 Years, Director, Imtiyaz Unique School, Personal Interview, Jalingo LGA, 2025.

[34] Dr. Haruna Dahiru, 44 Years, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Religion and Philosophy, Taraba State University, Jalingo, Personal Interview, Zing/Jalingo LGAs, 2025.

[35] Dr. Kabiru Adamu, 43 Years, Lecturer and Chief Imam, Personal Interview. Ardo Kola LGA, 2025.

[36] Dr. Usman Bakari, Civil Servant and Educator; Personal Interview, Karim Lamido LGA, 2025.

[37] M. Musa Muhammad Masho, 42; Chairman, Muslim Council and Teacher, Personal Interview, Yorro LGA, 2025.

[38] Ustaz Abubakar Imam Abbas, (Fullati). 56 Years, Teaching & Online Influencer, Personal Interview. Jalingo LGA, 2025.

[39] M. Abdulkadir. Adamu, 54 Years, A.D.E and Khalifa Sheikh Aliyu Babando; Personal Interview, Jalingo LGA, 2025.

[40] M. Musa Maikasuwa, 56 Years, Deputy Imam and ICT Technician; Personal Interview, Wukari LGA, 2025.

[41] M. Bashir Yusuf Ahmed, 40 Years, Scholar/Civil Servant, Personal Interview, Jalingo, 2025.

[42] M. Khaleed Abubakar Hussaini., 36 Years, Imam Correctional Centre, Personal Interview. Wukari, 2025.

[43] M. Shuaibu Muhammad Mallum, 53 Years, Imam/Businessman, Personal Interview, Jalingo LGA, 2025.

[44] M. Sadisu Sani Limanci, 44 Years, Religious Leader/Scholar, Personal Interview, Jalingo LGA, 2025.

[45] Sheikh Mukhtar Muhammad Gabdo, 55 Years, Director, Darul Hadith, Personal Interview, Bali LGA, 2025.

[46] M. Ibrahim Umar Abokin Sarki, 59 Years, Director, ABSARI Schools, Personal Interview, Wukari LGA, 2025.

[47] M. Isa Adam Usman, 45 Years, Director, Imtiyaz Unique School, Personal Interview, Jalingo LGA, 2025.

[48] Dr. Haruna Dahiru, 44 Years, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Religion and Philosophy, Taraba State University, Jalingo, Personal Interview, Zing/Jalingo LGAs, 2025.

[49] Dr. Kabiru Adamu, 43 Years, Lecturer and Chief Imam, Personal Interview. Ardo Kola LGA, 2025.

[50] Dr. Usman Bakari, Civil Servant and Educator; Personal Interview, Karim Lamido LGA, 2025.

[51] M. Musa Muhammad Masho, 42; Chairman, Muslim Council and Teacher, Personal Interview, Yorro LGA, 2025.

[52] Ustaz Abubakar Imam Abbas, (Fullati). 56 Years, Teaching & Online Influencer, Personal Interview. Jalingo LGA, 2025, M. Abdulkadir. Adamu, 54 Years, A.D.E and Khalifa Sheikh Aliyu Babando; Personal Interview, Jalingo LGA, 2025.

[53] M. Musa Maikasuwa, 56 Years, Deputy Imam and ICT Technician; Personal Interview, Wukari LGA, 2025.

[54] M. Bashir Yusuf Ahmed, 40 Years, Scholar/Civil Servant, Personal Interview, Jalingo, 2025.

[55] M. Khaleed Abubakar Hussaini., 36 Years, Imam Correctional Centre, Personal Interview. Wukari, 2025.

[56] M. Shuaibu Muhammad Mallum, 53 Years, Imam/Businessman, Personal Interview, Jalingo LGA, 2025.

[57] M. Sadisu Sani Limanci, 44 Years, Religious Leader/Scholar, Personal Interview, Jalingo LGA, 2025.

[58] Sheikh Mukhtar Muhammad Gabdo, 55 Years, Director, Darul Hadith, Personal Interview, Bali LGA, 2025.

[59] Dr. Haruna Dahiru, 44 Years, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Religion and Philosophy, Taraba State University, Jalingo, Personal Interview, Zing/Jalingo LGAs, 2025 and Dr. Kabiru Adamu, 43 Years, Lecturer and Chief Imam, Personal Interview. Ardo Kola LGA, 2025.

[60] Dr. Usman Bakari, Civil Servant and Educator; Personal Interview, Karim Lamido LGA, 2025.

[61] M. Musa Muhammad Masho, 42; Chairman, Muslim Council and Teacher, Personal Interview, Yorro LGA, 2025.

[62] Ustaz Abubakar Imam Abbas, (Fullati). 56 Years, Teaching & Online Influencer, Personal Interview. Jalingo LGA, 2025, M. Abdulkadir. Adamu, 54 Years, A.D.E, Khalifa Sheikh Aliyu Babando; Personal Interview, Jalingo LGA, 2025 and M. Musa Maikasuwa, 56 Years, Deputy Imam and ICT Technician; Personal Interview, Wukari LGA, 2025.

[63] M. Ibrahim Umar Abokin Sarki, 59 Years, Director, ABSARI Schools, Personal Interview, Wukari LGA, 2025.

[64] M. Khaleed Abubakar Hussaini., 36 Years, Imam Correctional Centre, Personal Interview. Wukari, 2025.

[65] M. Sadisu Sani Limanci, 44 Years, Religious Leader/Scholar, Personal Interview, Jalingo LGA, 2025.

[66] Sheikh Mukhtar Muhammad Gabdo, 55 Years, Director, Darul Hadith, Personal Interview, Bali LGA, 2025.

[67] M. Isa Adam Usman, 45 Years, Director, Imtiyaz Unique School, Personal Interview, Jalingo LGA, 2025.

[68] Dr. Haruna Dahiru, 44 Years, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Religion and Philosophy, Taraba State University, Jalingo, Personal Interview, Zing/Jalingo LGAs, 2025 and Dr. Kabiru Adamu, 43 Years, Lecturer and Chief Imam, Personal Interview at Ardo Kola LGA, 2025.

[69] Dr. Usman Bakari, Civil Servant and Educator; Personal Interview at Karim Lamido LGA, 2025.

[70] M. Musa Muhammad Masho, 42; Chairman, Muslim Council and Teacher, Personal Interview, Yorro LGA, 2025.

[71] Ustaz Abubakar Imam Abbas, (Fullati). 56 Years, Teaching & Online Influencer, Personal Interview. Jalingo LGA, 2025, M. Abdulkadir. Adamu, 54 Years, A.D.E and Khalifa Sheikh Aliyu Babando; Personal Interview, Jalingo LGA, 2025.

[72] M. Musa Maikasuwa, 56 Years, Deputy Imam and ICT Technician; Personal Interview, Wukari LGA, 2025.

[73] M. Bashir Yusuf Ahmed, 40 Years, Scholar/Civil Servant, Personal Interview, Jalingo, 2025.

[74] M. Isa Adam Usman, 45 Years, Director, Imtiyaz Unique School, Personal Interview, Jalingo LGA, 2025.

[75] M. Ibrahim Umar Abokin Sarki, 59 Years, Director, ABSARI Schools, Personal Interview, Wukari LGA, 2025.

[76] M. Khaleed Abubakar Hussaini., 36 Years, Imam Correctional Centre, Personal Interview. Wukari, 2025.

[77] M. Shuaibu Muhammad Mallum, 53 Years, Imam/Businessman, Personal Interview, Jalingo LGA, 2025 and M. Sadisu Sani Limanci, 44 Years, Religious Leader/Scholar, Personal Interview, Jalingo LGA, 2025.

[78] Sheikh Mukhtar Muhammad Gabdo, 55 Years, Director, Darul Hadith, Personal Interview, Bali LGA, 2025.

[79] H. H. Basri, and M. Muhamad, Social Media in Learning of Islamic Religion. Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo, 2020, & M. M. Sule, and Y. Sulaiman. “Enhancing Islamic Da’wah and Spread of Knowledge via Social Media Platforms.” Jurnal Ilmiah Peuradeun, Vol. 9, No. 1, 2021, 145–162.

[80] N. Mahmudah, “Portraying al-Qur’an in Cyber Media: Portrait in Social Media Facebook of Indonesian Muslim.” Proceedings of the International Conference on Qur'an and Hadith Studies (ICQHS 2017), STAIN Kudus, 2017.

[81] F. H. A. Shibly, and M. H. M. Nairoos. “Islam on the Internet: Strategic Ways for Spreading Actual Islamic Thoughts.” Elixir Information Technology, Vol. 62, 2013, 17701–17704.

[82] N. Nurdin, and R. Rusli, “Social Media Adoption and Use within Indonesian Muslim Scholars: A Possibility of Adoption and Use for Da’wah Purposes.” ACIS Conference Proceedings, Nov. 2012, Surabaya, Indonesia, 1–18.

[83] N. Hosen, “Challenging Traditional Islamic Authority: The Impact of Social Media in Indonesia.” Proceedings of the International Conference on Da’wa and Communication (1st ICON-DAC), Vol. 1, No. 1, 2019, 84–101.

[84] N. Mahmudah, “Portraying al-Qur’an in Cyber Media: Portrait in Social Media Facebook of Indonesian Muslim.” Proceedings of the International Conference on Qur'an and Hadith Studies (ICQHS 2017), STAIN Kudus, 2017, & M. M. Sule, and M. M. Aliyu. “Social Media and Proselytizing of Islam: A Study of Muslim Students.” South Asian Res J Human Soc Sci, Vol. 1, No. 2, 2019, 44–63.

[85] Fatah, “Qur’anic Digital Civility: Contemporary Indonesian Muslim Interaction on Social Media.” Jurnal THEOLOGIA, Vol. 33, No. 2, 2022, 179–202.

[86] M. I. Shehu, M. F. Othman, and N. B. Osman, “The Social Media and Islam,” Sahel Analyst: Journal of Management Sciences, Vol. 15, No. 4, 2017, 67–80, N. Nurdin, and R. Rusli, “Social Media Adoption and Use within Indonesian Muslim Scholars: A Possibility of Adoption and Use for Da’wah Purposes.” ACIS Conference Proceedings, Nov. 2012, Surabaya, Indonesia, 1–18 & N. Nurdin, and R. Rusli, “Social Media Adoption and Use within Indonesian Muslim Scholars: A Possibility of Adoption and Use for Da’wah Purposes.” ACIS Conference Proceedings, Nov. 2012, Surabaya, Indonesia, 1–18.

[87] S. Ahmed, and A. Moazzam, “Islam in the Digital Age: Navigating Faith and Technology.” EPRA International Journal of Research and Development, Vol. 9, No. 1, 2024, 77–81.

[88] N. Hosen, “Challenging Traditional Islamic Authority: The Impact of Social Media in Indonesia.” Proceedings of the International Conference on Da’wa and Communication (1st ICON-DAC), Vol. 1, No. 1, 2019, 84–101.

[89] F. H. A. Shibly, and M. H. M. Nairoos. “Islam on the Internet: Strategic Ways for Spreading Actual Islamic Thoughts.” Elixir Information Technology, vol. 62, 2013, pp. 17701–17704.

[90] N. Nurdin, and R. Rusli, “Social Media Adoption and Use within Indonesian Muslim Scholars: A Possibility of Adoption and Use for Da’wah Purposes.” ACIS Conference Proceedings, Nov. 2012, Surabaya, Indonesia, pp. 1–18.

[91] M. I. Shehu, M. F. Othman, and N. B. Osman, “The Social Media and Islam,” Sahel Analyst: Journal of Management Sciences, Vol. 15, No. 4, 2017, 67–80.

"ilustration"

Downloads

Submitted

2025-06-12

Accepted

2025-06-30

Published

2025-07-03

How to Cite

Ali, B. (2025). Digital Da’wah in Northern Nigeria: A Thematic Analysis of Online Islamic Outreach Strategies in Taraba State, Nigeria. Ishraqi, 24(1), 211–236. Retrieved from https://journals2.ums.ac.id/ishraqi/article/view/10953

Issue

Section

Articles