Reconstructing the Logic of Prophetic Da’wah: A Cognitive and Philosophical Analysis of Abraham’s Strategy in QS. Al-Anbiya (57–67) Based on Al-Tabari

Abstract

Contemporary Islamic preaching (da'wah) faces the challenge of engaging with an increasingly critical and skeptical society, necessitating a shift towards more rational approaches. The Qur'anic narrative of Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim A.S.) offers a timeless prototype for logic-based persuasive communication. This study aims to analyze and reconstruct the model of logical da'wah employed by Prophet Abraham as depicted in the classical exegesis of Imam Al-Tabari on Surah Al-Anbiya [21], verses 57-67. Employing a qualitative library research method, this study uses content analysis to examine Al-Tabari's commentary. The analysis is guided by a theoretical framework combining principles of logic (Socratic Method, reductio ad absurdum) and communication psychology (Cognitive Dissonance Theory). The findings reveal that Al-Tabari's narrative constructs Abraham's da'wah not as a simple debate, but as a sophisticated, multi-stage performative strategy. This model involves: (1) a provocative action (da'wah bi al-hal) that functions as a practical reductio ad absurdum; (2) an intelligent dialogue (da'wah bi al-lisan) that implements the Socratic Method through rhetorical dissembling (ma'aridh); and (3) the deliberate inducement of cognitive dissonance to trigger an internal realization in the audience. This study concludes that the model of Abraham's da'wah, as unveiled from Al-Tabari's tafsir, provides a rich, psychological, and rational blueprint for persuasive communication, holding significant relevance for addressing contemporary challenges.