An Exploration of WhatsApp Usage in Promoting Islam in Tanzania: A Case of Masjid Samanga and Hidaya.

Ahmed, Ahmed Sagaff (2024) An Exploration of WhatsApp Usage in Promoting Islam in Tanzania: A Case of Masjid Samanga and Hidaya. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

WhatsApp is one of the most important tool to establish new social communication by contemporary information communication technology in any society. The application offers an opportunity for religious institutions to spread their faith. Therefore, this study explored WhatsApp usage in promoting Islam in Tanzania. The three objectives were: to analyse the contents of Masjid Samanga and Hidaya WhatsApp Groups in promoting Islam practices in Marangu Division; to investigate the perception of the members of Masjid Samanga and Hidaya on the role of WhatsApp Groups in promoting Islam in Marangu Division; and to find out the impact of the Masjid Samanga and Hidaya WhatsApp groups in promoting Islam in Marangu Division. Media Richness Theory and Agenda Setting Theory were applied to show how mosques used them to promote Islam. The study adopted a qualitative approach, case study research design, purposive and quota sampling, as well as content and narrative data analysis. The study employed three techniques of data collection namely, focus group discussion, interviews, and document review. The sample size of this study were 48 WhatsApp users in selected mosques, 2 Sheikhs, and 312 posts in two WhatsApp groups of selected mosques. The results presented by using narrations. There are three key findings of the present research. First, the messages sent frequently in the Mosques’ WhatsApp groups focus on five pillars of Islam, six pillars of faith, Islamic morality, and participation in mosques’ activities. The contents varied from video clips, infographics, texts and audio messages. Second, Sheikhs, members of mosques’ WhatsApp groups, have positive perception on the role of WhatsApp Groups in promoting Islam in Marangu Division. Third, the WhatsApp groups have impacted Muslims in the way they practice pillars of Islam correctly, understand and avoid things that can destroy their beliefs, to make Muslims live according to Islamic values, and increase participation in religious and social activities carried out by mosques. The study concluded that WhatsApp plays a vital role in promoting Islam in Tanzania and it recommended that members of the mosques should ensure that they continue to translate the teachings they receive from the groups into practices so as the intended result can be observed through their lives. Keywords: WhatsApp, Islam, Masjid

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