Hadith in the Media: Reinterpreting Socio-Religious Values in Pewarta Islam during Early 20th-Century Minangkabau

Abstract

The moral and ethical worldview of Minangkabau society in the early 20th century was deeply influenced by the teachings of earlier Islamic scholars, disseminated through various channels, one of the most notable being Majalah Pewarta Islam (Islamic Reporter Magazine) founded by Shaykh Abdul Latif Syakur. This publication served as a platform for religious guidance and ethical instruction, offering intellectual responses to the moral dilemmas of the era. This article examines the use of hadith in Pewarta Islam, analyzing its role in religious discourse and identifying key challenges in its application. Additionally, it highlights how the magazine’s incorporation of hadith enhanced readers' comprehension of Islamic principles. Using a qualitative, library-based research approach, the study conducts an exploratory and descriptive analysis of multiple issues of Pewarta Islam. The findings reveal that hadiths were employed as a daʿwah tool, providing practical advice, spiritual motivation, and ethical direction, particularly in matters of faith, morality, and daily activities. However, the study also emphasizes the necessity of accurate, contextually grounded hadith usage to prevent misinterpretation and uphold the integrity of the source of Islamic teachings. In light of these findings, the article recommends greater caution in presenting hadith within print-based daʿwah media. The insights from this research can serve as a valuable reference for Islamic publishers and writers, guiding them in optimizing hadith as both an educational resource and a means of societal moral transformation.