Interpersonal Communication; Cross-Cultural Communication; Mosque Tour Programme; Misconceptions about Islam; Islamic Da‘wah
Abstract
Interpersonal and cross-cultural communication plays a pivotal role in addressing misunderstandings about Islam, particularly in contexts involving direct interaction between Muslim preachers and non-Muslim audiences. Mosque tour programmes organised by the Islamic Propagation Society International (IPSI) in Penang, Malaysia, constitute a significant communicative platform where Muslim preachers engage with non-Muslim tourists from diverse cultural, religious, and social backgrounds. Although these programmes contribute meaningfully to Islamic outreach and interfaith engagement, empirical studies examining the interpersonal communication processes and theoretical foundations underlying preacher-tourist interactions remain limited. Correspondingly, this study seeks to address this gap by examining how IPSI Muslim preachers utilise interpersonal and cross-cultural communication to respond to misconceptions regarding Islam during mosque tour programmes. Specifically, the study aims to identify the types of questions commonly raised by non-Muslim tourists and to analyse the communication approaches used by Muslim preachers to address them. Furthermore, anchored in interpersonal communication theory and cross-cultural communication perspectives, particularly dialogic communication, empathy-based interaction, and cultural sensitivity, this study adopts a qualitative research design. Subsequently, data were collected through document analysis, content analysis of mosque tour materials, and semi-structured interviews with IPSI Muslim preachers who are actively involved in conducting mosque tours. Following this, the data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify recurring misconceptions and the communicative strategies adopted by the preachers. The findings reveal that non-Muslim tourists frequently raise questions related to Islamic beliefs and practices, the status of women in Islam, issues of violence and extremism, and the compatibility of Islam with modernity and pluralistic values. In response, IPSI Muslim preachers predominantly employ interpersonal communication strategies characterised by empathetic listening, dialogical engagement, contextual explanation of Islamic teachings, and the use of culturally inclusive and non-confrontational language. Theoretically, this study demonstrates the relevance and applicability of interpersonal and cross-cultural communication theories within contemporary da‘wah settings. Practically, it offers valuable insights for enhancing mosque tour programmes and informing the development of structured communication training for Muslim preachers. These aim to address misconceptions about Islam and promote effective, constructive interreligious understanding.