OFFSTONE | JUNE 2026 EDITION

i EDITOR’S NOTE Welcome to the June 2026 edition of the Offstone Bulletin , themed "Islamic Communication in the Digital Era" . In an increasingly interconnected world, the rapid evolution of digital platforms, social media, podcasts, and streaming services has fundamentally reshaped how we share, perceive, and engage with religious faith. The transition from traditional one-way broadcasts to interactive, networked spaces presents unprecedented opportunities for digital da‘wah , allowing authentic Islamic messages to reach global audiences without geographical boundaries. However, this digital expansion comes with profound ethical responsibilities. The saturation of digital spaces, coupled with algorithmic polarization, misinformation, and superficial engagement, underscores the urgent need for a value-based communication strategy. In navigating this dynamic landscape, Islamic communication must remain firmly anchored in core Qur'anic principles, namely hikmah (wisdom), ikhlas (sincerity), tabayyun (rigorous verification), and wasatiyyah (moderation). This edition brings together insightful contributions from scholars and researchers exploring key dimensions of modern faith communication: • Artificial Intelligence & Content Transformation: Examining how AI tools, automated chatbots, and speech synthesis are transforming Islamic content dissemination, while reiterating that technology must support, rather than replace, human scholarly wisdom and ethical guidance. • Social Integrity & Value-Based Education (VBE): Aligning the communicative model of Prophet Muhammad SAW with Value-Based Education and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to nurture student personality and social integrity. • Digital Branding & Community Solidarity: Applying Ibn Khaldun’s principles of social solidarity ( asabiyyah ) and ethics to Islamic product branding and public relations in interactive digital media. • Networked Religion & Media Literacy: Balancing divine revelation ( naqli ) with rational human intellect ( aqli ) to preserve theological authenticity in networked digital environments. As educators, communicators, and digital creators, our collective goal is to ensure that digital communication serves as a force for harmony, clarity, and spiritual enlightenment. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Editorial Advisory Board, Managing Editor Dr. Eizan Azira Mat Sharif and the editorial board, and all contributing authors for their valuable insights. We hope this issue inspires meaningful dialogue, digital responsibility, and positive transformation in the ummah. Dr. Siti Suriani Othman Chief Editor, Offstone Bulletin