Digital Hermeneutics and the Politics of Exclusion: Deconstructing Salafi Interpretations of al-Walā’ wa al-Barā’ on Indonesian YouTube

Bakar, Abu; Billah, Rodina; Dimyathi, Muhammad Afifudin; Mahzumi, Fikri

Article Details

Digital Hermeneutics and the Politics of Exclusion: Deconstructing Salafi Interpretations of al-Walā’ wa al-Barā’ on Indonesian YouTube

Authors:

Bakar, Abu | Billah, Rodina | Dimyathi, Muhammad Afifudin | Mahzumi, Fikri

Publisher:

LPPM IAIN Kudus

Main Topics:

Religion

Journal:

ADDIN Vol.20 Issue 1, pp.0-0

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

1/2026

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001860345

pISSN:

0854-0594

Abstract:

 The article investigates the digital contestation of al-Walā’ wa al-Barā’ (loyalty and disavowal) by Indonesian Salafi networks, focusing on YouTube channel of Rodja TV. This qualitative study employs Norman Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to examine selected da‘wah (lecture) videos on Rodja TV’s YouTube channel through three analytical dimensions: textual analysis, discursive practice, and sociocultural practice. The study demonstrates how digital platforms transform complex Islamic theology into a rigid, binary ideological instrument. The findings reveal that digital exegesis systematically simplifies authoritative tafsīr (exegesis), leveraging pejorative labeling and algorithmic enclaves to construct an exclusive identity while marginalizing the “others”. By contrasting these digital narratives with the maqāṣidī (objectives) interpretations of Ibn Āshūr and Wahbah al-Zuḥaylī, this study reveals a profound deculturation and mediatization of religion. This article contributes to Islamic studies and digital sociology by illuminating how online Salafi discourse facilitates “cognitive radicalization” and affective polarization, threatening multiculturalism in a democratic society. Ultimately, it underscores the critical need to disseminate maqāsidī (objective)-oriented counter-narratives to dismantle the exclusivist echo chamber and restore religion’s role in fostering inclusive social cohesion.

Article Details

Digital Hermeneutics and the Politics of Exclusion: Deconstructing Salafi Interpretations of al-Walā’ wa al-Barā’ on Indonesian YouTube

Authors: Bakar, Abu | Billah, Rodina | Dimyathi, Muhammad Afifudin | Mahzumi, Fikri

Publisher: LPPM IAIN Kudus

Main Topics: Religion

Journal: ADDIN Vol.20 Issue 1, pp.0-0

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 1/2026

Document Language: English

Document ID (Org No.): 2001860345

pISSN: 0854-0594

Issues

Authors:

Bakar, Abu | Billah, Rodina | Dimyathi, Muhammad Afifudin | Mahzumi, Fikri

Publisher:

LPPM IAIN Kudus

Main Topics:

Religion

Journal:

ADDIN Vol.20 Issue 1, pp.0-0

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

1/2026

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001860345

pISSN:

0854-0594