The Role of Journalists and Da’i in the Spread of Information

The Role of Journalists and Da’i in the Spread of Information

Author, abahroy

Journalists and da’i have a very important role in society, although they operate in different contexts. Both function as messengers of messages that can influence a person’s perspective, behavior, and even life.

Although journalists and da’i come from two different fields—media and religion—they have similarities in terms of spreading or disseminating information to the public.

Delivering an Educating Message

Journalists play an important role in providing information to the public that can have an impact on social, political, and economic awareness.

They are tasked with providing accurate facts through objective reporting. In contrast, a da’i is tasked with delivering religious and moral messages, inviting people to live a better life based on religious teachings.

Although the topics presented are different, both focus on efforts to educate the public to understand the world more wisely.

Using Media to Spread Messages

Media, whether in print, digital, or audio-visual form, is the main channel for both of them in delivering their messages.

Journalists use various types of media to spread news, while preachers use media to preach, give lectures, and spread religious teachings.

In today’s digital era, both professions utilize online platforms, such as social media, to reach a wider and faster audience.

Spreading the Truth

Both journalists and preachers have a great responsibility in conveying the truth.

Journalists are obliged to convey accurate and objective news, without any manipulation of information.

Meanwhile, a preacher conveys the truth in the form of religious teachings that can provide guidance for a better life to the people.

Both act as sources of information that can guide the community in determining attitudes and decisions in their lives.

Shaping Public Opinions and Views

Both also play a role in shaping public opinions and views.

Through the news they convey, journalists can influence the public’s perspective on certain issues, whether social, political, or cultural.

On the other hand, preachers shape the perspective of Muslims on religious teachings, making them better understand and practice Islamic values ​​in their daily lives.

Feedback from the Community

Journalists and preachers both receive responses from the community to the messages they convey.

For journalists, this can be in the form of feedback from readers or viewers, which is a barometer of the success or ineffectiveness of their reporting.

For preachers, this response comes in the form of changes in attitudes and behavior of the community towards the religious teachings conveyed. The community’s reaction is a measure of whether the message conveyed has been well received and has had a positive impact.

Conclusion

The roles of journalists and preachers are indeed very different in their contexts, but both have the same goal, namely to provide benefits and positive changes to society. Both are tasked with conveying the truth, both in the world of information and in religious teachings, with the hope of educating and guiding society to live better.

In an increasingly advanced and connected world, both journalists and preachers have a big challenge to ensure that the messages they convey remain relevant and beneficial to the wider audience.

Cirebon,05/04/2025

—