Relevansi Metode Dakwah Interaktif terhadap Peningkatan Minat Kajian Keagamaan di Komunitas Pedesaan

Abstract

A significant decline in congregational participation in religious studies, especially in rural areas, due to boredom with rigid and irrelevant monologue-style preaching, is the main background for this study. This research aims to analyze the effectiveness of applying interactive preaching methods as the main strategy to increase the interest and participation of congregations in rural areas, focusing on meeting the needs of the mad’u (preaching audience). Using a qualitative approach with a case study type and the Uses and Gratifications (U&G) Theory framework, this research was conducted through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation at the Baitul Izzati Mosque, Dukuh Krikil, Gembong Village. Informants included preachers and congregants of various ages. The results show that interactive preaching, which is dominated by question and answer sessions and dialogue (70 minutes) after a short lecture, has succeeded in increasing congregation attendance from 3-5 people to 25-30 people. This increase in interest was supported by several key factors: the credibility of the preacher (Ustaz M. Syafiul Anam) with clear scholarly credentials, the relevance of the material that addressed everyday problems (in accordance with Cognitive Gratification), the effective timing after the Fajr prayer, and the familiar communication strategy (using local language and humor) that fulfilled Affective and Personal Gratification. These findings confirm that interactive da'wah is not only effective but also urgent in building inclusive, applicable, and participatory religious awareness, although the management of study duration needs to be evaluated.