The Concept of Al-Wasatiyyah (Moderation) in Building Social Cohesion and Religious Tolerance in a Multicultural Society

Denden Sumarlin

doi:10.30999/pises.v1i1.3895

Authors

Denden Sumarlin Universitas Islam Nusantara, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30999/pises.v1i1.3895

Keywords:

Al-wasatiyyah, Religious Moderation, Social Cohesion, Religious Tolerance, Islam Nusantara.

Abstract

: Indonesia, as the world's largest archipelago, has a high level of cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity, which is both a source of national strength and a source of social conflict, intolerance, and extremism. In this context, a theological and practical paradigm is needed that can promote social cohesion, tolerance, and national unity. This study aims to analyze the theological concept of Al-Wasatiyyah as the foundation of Islamic moderation, identify strategies for its implementation in increasing religious tolerance, and explore the relevance of Tamadun Islam Nusantara as the embodiment of Al-Wasatiyyah values in Indonesia. The research method uses a descriptive-analytical qualitative approach with a literature study of secondary data in the form of academic literature, the Qur'an, hadith, books by scholars, journal articles, proceedings, theses, and dissertations, analyzed through content analysis and comparative-analytical methods. The results show that Al-Wasatiyyah, through the principles of justice ('Adalah), balance (Tawazun), and rejection of extremism (Ghuluw), contributes to the formation of social cohesion and the strengthening of tolerance, as reflected in the practices of interfaith dialogue, moderate Sufism, contextual fiqh, and inclusive Islamic boarding school education. The novelty of this research lies in its integrative approach that connects theological, historical-cultural, and social praxis dimensions, so that it not only describes theory or history, but also the applicable strategies of Al-Wasatiyyah in the context of a multicultural society. The implications of this research emphasize the importance of strengthening education, socialization, and policies based on Islamic moderation as instruments for building an inclusive society, reducing social conflict, and strengthening national unity, while also opening up opportunities for field research to evaluate more contextual practices of religious moderation in Indonesia.

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