Dakwah Islam sebagai Instrumen Penguatan Civic Engagement dalam Masyarakat Demokratis

Abstract

This study investigates how Islamic da’wah can serve as a strategic instrument in strengthening civic engagement within democratic societies. Civic engagement is the active participation of citizens in public life, including policy-making, government oversight, and involvement in solving social problems. It is a crucial element in maintaining a fair and participatory democratic system. In the context of Muslim communities, Islamic da’wah not only aims to convey religious teachings but also seeks to instill universal values such as justice, equality, consultation (shura), empathy, and social responsibility—principles that form the foundation of democratic life. This research uses a descriptive qualitative method with a library research approach. Data were gathered from secondary sources such as books, academic journals, and relevant articles related to Islamic da’wah, civic engagement, and democracy. This method was chosen to allow for a comprehensive and systematic analysis of the social function of da’wah without conducting field observations or direct interviews. The results of this study show that Islamic da’wah, when practiced contextually and inclusively, can build critical social awareness, encourage public participation, and strengthen constructive social dialogue. Digital da’wah, Islamic value-based social campaigns, and the proactive role of preachers as agents of change become key elements in bridging Islamic teachings with democratic values. Furthermore, participatory da’wah empowers marginalized groups to become more involved in public discourse. Therefore, Islamic da’wah emerges not only as a spiritual medium but also as a cultural force that supports the development of a just, democratic, and civilized civil society.