Political Communication and Perception Between Elites and Peoples   Captain Mohamed Hassan Al-Tahir  

Political communication is a central tool in shaping the relationship between ruling elites and the masses. Its role is not limited to transmitting information or issuing decisions; rather, it extends to becoming a means of building trust, guiding collective perception, and shaping political and social awareness.

The Qur’an provides eloquent examples that illustrate how discourse can influence the awareness of peoples, and how the methods of elites vary in managing communication with the masses:

– The story of Pharaoh with his people: Pharaoh used deception and repetition to convince people of his authority, as in the verse: “So he made his people belittle themselves, and they obeyed him.” This is a model showing how directed discourse can dominate collective perception and produce blind obedience.

– The story of Abraham (peace be upon him) with his people: Abraham relied on rational dialogue and evidence. He asked them about the idols they worshipped, then demonstrated their inability, making his discourse a model of communication that stimulates critical thinking and reshapes perception.

– The story of Moses (peace be upon him) with the Children of Israel: His discourse balanced divine guidance with the psychological needs of the community. Moses reminded them of blessings and confronted their weakness with steadfastness, reflecting the role of leadership in rebuilding trust between elites and peoples.

Lessons Learned

– Political communication is not mere words; it is a cognitive construct that directs the awareness of the masses.

– Elites who rely on deception may gain temporary obedience but lose legitimacy in the long run.

– Discourse based on reason and dialogue strengthens trust and produces conscious perception capable of discernment.

– The Qur’an presents integrated models showing that the relationship between elites and peoples is built on the quality of communication, not on power alone.

Conclusion

Studying political communication in light of Qur’anic stories reveals that collective perception is not fixed; it is shaped according to the discourse directed at it. Therefore, the responsibility of elites lies in building honest and conscious discourse that elevates popular awareness and establishes a relationship based on trust and justice, not on fear or deception.