Academicus
Vol. 5 No. 1 (2026): Teaching and Learning

Islamic Educational Epistemology in the Algorithmic Era: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Religious Authority on Digital Social Media

Mohammad Zaki (Institut Agama Islam Qamarul Huda)
Murdan Murdan (Institut Agama Islam Qamarul Huda)
Samsul Fahmi (Institut Agama Islam Qamarul Huda)
Rizwan Hakiki (Institut Agama Islam Qamarul Huda)
Lalu Tata Gresa Wangsa (Institut Agama Islam Qamarul Huda)
Budi Hartawan (Institut Agama Islam Qamarul Huda)
Lalu Ahmad Kholis` Bukran (Institut Agama Islam Qamarul Huda)
Khaeruman Al Kaelani (Institut Agama Islam Qamarul Huda)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study examines Islamic educational epistemology in the algorithmic era, focusing on how religious authority is shaped through digital social media. Using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), the research analyzes religious content on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to explore how algorithm-driven platforms influence the production and legitimization of Islamic knowledge. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected from videos, captions, hashtags, and audience interactions. The findings show that algorithmic systems tend to prioritize short, emotionally engaging, and highly interactive religious content over academically grounded explanations. As a result, religious authority is increasingly determined by digital visibility, such as followers, likes, and virality, rather than traditional scholarly credibility. The study also found that complex Islamic concepts are often simplified into motivational and performative narratives to suit platform algorithms and audience preferences. These findings indicate that digital media not only expands access to Islamic learning but also reshapes the epistemological foundation of Islamic education. Therefore, this study highlights the importance of integrating critical digital literacy into Islamic education curricula to help students critically evaluate online religious content and distinguish between algorithmic popularity and scholarly authority.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

acad

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Mathematics Other

Description

Academicus: Journal of Teaching and Learning is a peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to advancing research, theory, and practice in the field of education. The journal welcomes high-quality scholarly contributions from researchers, academics, and practitioners engaged in education and learning ...