Spiritual Transformation of the Jama'ah Tabligh in West Java Through Ritual-Based Religious Counseling Practices

Purpose – This study analyzes how ritual-based religious counseling operates within the Jama'ah Tabligh as a da'wah (Islamic propagation) management strategy, read through the Islamic Guidance and Counseling (IGC) approach, and identifies the forms of spiritual transformation that its members experience. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative phenomenological design was applied. Data were gathered through participatory observation, in-depth interviews and documentary study involving karkun, mutakallim and ta'lim participants at five markaz (centers) in Bandung City, Bandung Regency, Garut, Sukabumi and Cirebon, and were analyzed thematically with source and method triangulation and member checking. Findings – Religious counseling is managed informally yet systematically through planning, organizing, actuating and controlling embedded in the rituals of bayan, muzakarah, ta'lim and khuruj fi sabilillah. It rests on faith (iman), righteous deeds (amal saleh) and moral character (akhlak) and is directed toward tashfiyah al-iman, tahliyah al-amal and tarbiyah al-akhlaq. Members' transformation unfolds cyclically: from an egocentric to a transcendental mindset, from a consumptive to an ascetic (zuhud) lifestyle, toward deeper worship and social responsibility, and finally toward an identity as da'i and servant of the ummah. Research limitations/implications – The study covers one da'wah community in one province, so findings are transferable only with caution, and retrospective accounts may carry recall bias. Practical implications – Managers of da'wah institutions can embed counseling competencies and a staged curriculum in congregational development programs and build referral links with professional counselors. Originality/value – The article positions community-based religious counseling as an integral function of da'wah management and offers an integrative model linking managerial functions with counseling principles and objectives.