Ulul Albab Leadership in Digital Discourse: An Analysis of Netizens’ Attitudes and Acceptance of the Quranic Approach in MARA

Abstract

This study analyses netizens' attitudes and acceptance towards the Quranic approach based on the Ulul Albab concept within digital discourse in MARA institutions. A qualitative case study design was employed through content analysis of Facebook posts, videos, and netizen comments related to the Quranic approach and the implementation of Ulul Albab education at MARA Junior Science Colleges (MRSM). The data were analysed thematically through open coding, categorisation, and theme development, while data triangulation was conducted by comparing posts, videos, and netizen responses. The analysis of 118 netizen responses identified eight major themes: positive emotions with 45 responses (38%), leadership legitimacy with 20 responses (17%), religious discourse with 15 responses (13%), ideal educational model with 12 responses (10%), political aspirations with 10 responses (8%), personal experiences with eight responses (7%), advocacy and policy issues with five responses (4%), and minority criticism with three responses (3%). The findings demonstrate that acceptance of the Quranic approach based on the Ulul Albab concept was predominantly positive, with 68% of the responses concentrated within positive emotions, leadership legitimacy, and religious discourse. Such acceptance was shaped by appreciation of Quranic values, perceptions of leadership integrity, and confidence in the effectiveness of the Ulul Albab educational model. Nevertheless, the presence of minority criticism demonstrates that digital discourse is not homogeneous and provides space for alternative perspectives. The study indicates that social media functions not merely as an institutional communication channel but also as a space where public meaning, trust, and acceptance of Quranic-based education are constructed. These findings provide an empirical foundation for future research involving alumni, parents, students, educators, and other MARA stakeholders through more comprehensive data triangulation.

ABSTRAK

Kajian ini bertujuan menganalisis sikap dan penerimaan warga maya terhadap pendekatan Quranik berkonsep Ulul Albab dalam wacana digital di institusi MARA. Kajian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan reka bentuk kajian kes melalui analisis kandungan terhadap hantaran, video dan komen warga maya pada platform Facebook yang berkaitan dengan pendekatan Quranik dan pelaksanaan pendidikan Ulul Albab di Maktab Rendah Sains MARA (MRSM). Data dianalisis menggunakan analisis tematik melalui proses pengkodan terbuka, pengelompokan kategori dan pembentukan tema, manakala triangulasi dilakukan melalui perbandingan antara kandungan hantaran, video dan respons warga maya. Analisis terhadap 118 respons warga maya mengenal pasti lapan tema utama, iaitu emosi positif sebanyak 45 respons (38%), legitimasi kepimpinan 20 respons (17%), diskursus keagamaan 15 respons (13%), model pendidikan ideal 12 respons (10%), aspirasi politik 10 respons (8%), pengalaman peribadi lapan respons (7%), advokasi dan isu polisi lima respons (4%) serta kritikan minoriti tiga respons (3%). Dapatan menunjukkan bahawa penerimaan terhadap pendekatan Quranik berkonsep Ulul Albab secara dominan bersifat positif, dengan 68% respons tertumpu pada emosi positif, legitimasi kepimpinan dan diskursus keagamaan. Penerimaan tersebut dibentuk melalui gabungan penghargaan terhadap nilai al-Quran, persepsi terhadap integriti kepimpinan dan keyakinan terhadap keberkesanan model pendidikan Ulul Albab. Pada masa yang sama, kewujudan kritikan minoriti menunjukkan bahawa wacana digital tidak bersifat homogen dan turut menyediakan ruang kepada pandangan alternatif. Kajian ini menunjukkan bahawa media sosial bukan sekadar medium penyampaian maklumat institusi, tetapi menjadi ruang pembentukan makna, kepercayaan dan penerimaan masyarakat terhadap pendekatan pendidikan berteraskan Quranik. Kajian ini memberikan asas empirikal bagi penelitian lanjutan yang melibatkan alumni, ibu bapa, pelajar, warga pendidik serta pemegang taruh MARA melalui triangulasi data yang lebih menyeluruh.