Students from the Islamic Communication and Broadcasting (KPI) Study Program at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta successfully organized a seminar themed "Actualizing Prophetic Communication: Implementing Prophetic Messages in the Digital Era" on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in the Theatrical Room of the Faculty of Da'wah and Communication (FDK) at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta.
This event marked the culmination of the "Actualizing Prophetic Communication" webinar project, which consisted of 25 sessions and involved 116 students, 15 speakers, and attracted over 350 participants. This activity was part of a community service initiative derived from the Prophetic Communication course, taught by Taufik Rahman, M.Sos.
In a brief interview, Taufik stated that this agenda was the first of its kind for the KPI study program at UIN Sunan Kalijaga, capable of generating 25 collaborative community service projects involving both students and lecturers, all stemming from a single course: Prophetic Communication. The culminating event was held in a hybrid format, also attended by students from UIN Kiai Ageng Muhammad Besari Ponorogo.
The agenda was officially opened by the Vice Dean III of the Faculty of Da'wah and Communication, Dr. Muhsin. In his welcoming remarks, he elaborated on prophetic communication from the time of Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) up to several subsequent prophets. The event subsequently received a positive reception from the Head of the KPI Study Program, Saptoni MA. In his address, he expressed appreciation to all parties involved in making the event a success. He also conveyed his hope that such initiatives could serve as an example of creativity amidst the drive for effectiveness observed in many places and activities.
The seminar featured a number of speakers from both KPI UIN Yogyakarta and UIN Ponorogo. The speaker from UIN Ponorogo was Dr. Iswahyudi, M.Ag. – Vice Dean III of FUAD UIN Ponorogo. Meanwhile, speakers from KPI UIN Yogyakarta included Dr. Hamdan Daulay, M.Si., M.A., a lecturer at KPI UIN Sunan Kalijaga, and Fika Suni Salsabila, an accomplished student from KPI UIN Sunan Kalijaga.
In his presentation, Dr. Hamdan emphasized that a dai (preacher) and communicator must be able to process and receive information with an attitude of tabayyun (clarification). Media, too, are demanded to prevent wrongdoing and bring humanity closer to God. When dealing with the flow of information, it is crucial to always cross-check and maintain an objective heart. A prophetic communicator must be a spiritually and morally strong individual.
Meanwhile, Dr. Iswahyudi conveyed that information reaching the public must be well-guarded by communicators. He stressed the importance of not easily blaming others, but instead focusing on self-improvement. According to him, prophetic communication is communication that understands its substance (KNOW THE CONTENT): transcendence, humanization, liberation, and practicality. He also urged that communication should not be a means of spreading hatred, but rather of spreading goodness.
Fika Suni Salsabila added that prophetic communication differs from other forms of communication because it takes Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the primary role model. All forms of communication must be based on faith, knowledge, and good deeds. These three will lead to the creation of khairu ummah (the best community). In practice, communicating is not merely conveying messages, but also considering the impact of every word. Therefore, before becoming an individual who brings change to the community, one needs to improve oneself first.
The event received positive responses from participants who attended, both in person and online. This seminar was not only an academic reflection but also fostered an awareness of the importance of integrating prophetic values into modern communication practices.