Religious Leaders as Islamic Public Relations Practitioners: A Philosophy of Science Review of Da'wah Communication Practice

Abstract

Religious leaders increasingly operate in public communication spaces where mass and digital media shape perceptions of Islam. This study examines their representative role through the philosophy of science and the concept of Islamic public relations. It uses an interpretive qualitative literature review and philosophical-conceptual analysis of scholarship on religious authority, da'wah communication, mediatization, public relations, and communication ethics. The analysis positions religious leaders as social actors who construct symbolic authority, represent Islam in public discourse, adapt messages to media logic, and maintain relationships with diverse audiences. Ontologically, they are communicative actors involved in the social construction of religious meaning. Epistemologically, their legitimacy draws on religious knowledge, scholarly traditions, and social recognition. Axiologically, their communication must uphold truthfulness, justice, public benefit, and accountability. The Islamic public relations framework therefore connects strategic communication with ethical responsibility rather than image management alone. Because the source does not report participants, interview instruments, observations, or coding procedures, the conclusions are presented as a conceptual synthesis rather than empirical findings about particular religious leaders.