Dakwah Wasathiyah di Tengah Keragaman: Moderasi Beragama sebagai Strategi Komunikasi Lintas Budaya

Abstract

Islam is frequently misrepresented as a religion characterized by extremism and destructiveness, a perception largely shaped by global media portrayals that often link it to acts of violence. In contrast to this depiction, the core message of Islam is rooted in the Qur’anic principle of rahmatan lil ‘ālamīn, signifying mercy for all of creation. This study seeks to examine the essential meaning of rahmatan lil ‘ālamīn as articulated in the Qur’an and Hadith, while highlighting that Islam was revealed to foster a civilization grounded in justice, peace, and compassion rather than destruction. Utilizing a qualitative library research approach, this study analyzes primary Islamic texts, including the Qur’an and authentic Hadith, alongside secondary sources from both classical and modern Muslim scholars. The findings indicate that Islamic teachings consistently emphasize justice, tolerance, compassion, and the safeguarding of all beings without discrimination based on religion, ethnicity, or social status. Moreover, the concept of rahmatan lil ‘ālamīn transcends spiritual dimensions and functions as a guiding ethical framework for social, political, and environmental governance within Islam. Consequently, this study affirms that Islam is intrinsically a religion of universal mercy and well-being, rather than an instrument of violence or destruction. It is hoped that this research will serve as an academic contribution to challenging misrepresentations of Islam and strengthening a narrative that underscores its moderate, humane, and compassionate values.