USTAZ YOUTUBE: USTAZ ABDUL SOMAD AND THE DYNAMICS OF CHANGING RELIGIOUS AUTHORITIES

Abstract

This article examines the dynamics of changing religious authority, especially in Ustaz Abdul Somad, whose lectures are widely uploaded via Youtube. This study is important because Youtube does not only act as a medium for contemporary da'wah but also a means to build and strengthen traditional religious authority. The questions that will be answered in this article include: First, what were the discourses that initiated the emergence of ustaz Youtube in Indonesia? Second, what are the dynamics of changes in religious authority taking place on Youtube? Third, how does the Youtube media change and strengthen Ustaz Abdul Somad's religious authority? To answer these questions, researchers conducted online ethnographic work and personal communication with Ustaz Abdul Somad's audience. This article finds that three concepts influence the dynamics of changing Ustaz Abdul Somad's religious authority on Youtube, including the nature of Youtube technology itself, the role of Ustaz Abdul Somad's fans, and the aesthetic forms in Ustaz Abdul Somad's lectures.