Dakwah bi al-Hikmah: The Middle Way in Realizing ReligiousModeration in a Multicultural Society

Abstract

Religious communication in Indonesia’s multicultural society must convey Islamic teachings while carefully responding to religious and cultural differences. Existing studies often discuss da’wah bil hikmah and religious moderation separately, leaving their conceptual correspondence and communicative mechanisms insufficiently explained. This study examines how the principles of da’wah bil hikmah relate to the main indicators of religious moderation and how they can be applied in multicultural and digital settings. The study used a descriptive qualitative approach based on library research. Primary sources comprised the Qur’an, particularly Surah An-Nahl (16:125), and books addressing da’wah bil hikmah and religious moderation. Relevant scholarly articles were used as secondary sources. The materials were purposively selected and analyzed using Mayring’s qualitative content analysis, with summarization, category development, and contextual explication. The findings indicate that hikmah relates to all four moderation indicators, with its strongest associations appearing in national commitment and accommodation of local culture. Mau’izhah hasanah and mujadalah billati hiya ahsan correspond more closely with tolerance and nonviolence. Their application involves audience assessment, proportionate message design, ethical method selection, and contextual adaptation across interfaith dialogue, moderation education, religious leadership, and digital communication.