Muslim preachers urged to leverage on social media usage

Muslim preachers are urged to use the social media when preaching as it is faster and more expansive, said Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.

He said with the present challenges faced by preachers, they needed to be IT-savvy to be able preach Islam more effectively.

"The present situation also calls for preachers to explain to the people how the social media can be utilised wisely based on the principles of the Quran," he told reporters after officiating 'Multaqa Pendakwah 2016' here Saturday.

Asyraf Wajdi said due to changes in the environment, information surge, globalisation and a flurry of gadgets, people have become more exposed to a flow of unfiltered information.

"The emergence of diverse new media that are viewed as becoming greater, more influential and capable of shaping the thoughts of the society is the greatest challenge which needs to be explored and leveraged on fully in dakwah," he said.

The one-day 'Multaqa Pendakwah' event organised by the Malaysia Islamic Development Department (Jakim) was attended by about 800 Muslim preachers who included imam, as well as Quran, Fardu Ain (KAFA) and religious teachers in the state. -- BERNAMA