Nilai Ihsan dan Istiqamah dalam Komunikasi Dakwah Persuasif: Analisis Prinsip Timbal Balik dan Ketekalan dalam Model Dakwah Badiuzzaman Said Nursi

The Values of Ihsan and Istiqamah in Persuasive Da`wah Communication: Analyzing the Principles of Reciprocation and Commitment and Consistency in Badiuzzaman Said Nursi’s Da`wah Model

Abstract

Existing studies on Badiuzzaman Said Nursi’s da‘wah have largely focused on theological and philosophical dimensions, with limited attention to the persuasive mechanisms underlying his approach through established Western communication frameworks. This article examines two persuasive communication principles in his da‘wah, namely reciprocation and commitment and consistency, drawing on Cialdini’s persuasive communication framework. A phenomenological qualitative design was employed, with data gathered through semi-structured interviews with 13 informants comprising tullab al-Nur members and Said Nursi researchers in Malaysia, alongside textual analysis of Rasail al-Nur. Thematic analysis via ATLAS.ti yielded 162 codes, 40 categories, and 12 sub-themes. Findings indicate that Said Nursi’s reciprocation was reflected in distinctive pedagogical approaches, ethical personal conduct, and adaptive strategies across diverse social contexts. His commitment and consistency were demonstrated through sustained da‘wah activities, continuous writing despite adversity, and long-term educational initiatives. The findings further suggest that Islamic concepts such as ihsan, hikmah, istiqamah, and sabr provide important explanatory dimensions for understanding these practices beyond the behavioral mechanisms described by Cialdini. The findings highlight the value of combining persuasive communication and Islamic epistemological perspectives in understanding da‘wah communication.