Deconstructing Surah At-Tahrim, Verse 9: Boundaries of Harsh Preaching in the Case of Abuya Mama Ghufron on YouTube

This study examines the interpretation of Surah At-Tahrim, verse 9 through a deconstructive lens, addressing the growing prevalence of firm preaching in contemporary Islamic discourse, particularly in selected sermons delivered on YouTube. The core issue lies in the perceived dissonance between traditional Islamic principles of preaching, which emphasise wisdom and compassion, and the rise of more rigid, confrontational da'wah styles that may risk shaping public perceptions of Islam negatively. The study critically explores how classical Qur’anic exegesis, particularly that of Ibn Kathir, conceptualises firmness in preaching and contrasts this with rhetorical strategies observed in modern digital sermons. Using Jacques Derrida’s theory of deconstruction and a thematic interpretive method, this research analyses the content, language, and theological implications of these sermons within the framework of Qur’anic hermeneutics. The findings reveal that while classical exegesis affirms the necessity of firmness in defending Islamic values, it also incorporates principles of contextual wisdom and justice. These elements are not always consistently reflected in certain contemporary preaching approaches. This study contributes to the field of Islamic communication by offering a contextual critique of digital religious expression and proposing a balanced ethical framework for da'wah in pluralistic societies.