Reconfiguring Islamic Authority in the Algorithmic Age through Digital Fatwas and Legitimacy Contestation in Indonesia

Abstract

The rapid growth of digital platforms has significantly reshaped Islamic religious authority in Indonesia, creating new tensions between traditional ulama institutions and digitally influential preachers. Authority is no longer determined solely by scholarly credentials but increasingly by visibility, audience engagement, and platform algorithms. This study examines how Islamic authority is reconfigured through digital fatwas, focusing on the interaction between institutional actors such as the Majelis Ulama Indonesia and emerging online religious figures. Using a qualitative approach that combines digital ethnography and critical discourse analysis, the research analyzes fatwa documents, social media content, and perspectives from religious stakeholders. The findings highlight three key dynamics: the rise of platform-based religious authority shaped by algorithmic visibility; the blending of religious knowledge with performative and media-driven styles; and the emergence of segmented digital audiences that intensify differences in religious interpretation. The study concludes that maintaining credible Islamic authority in the digital era requires a balanced approach that integrates scholarly authenticity with digital accessibility, supported by ethical frameworks that promote unity and protect the integrity of religious discourse.