Islamic Multicultural Da'wah and the Construction of Religious Tolerance in Bali

Abstract

Despite growing scholarly interest in Islamic preaching and pluralism, limited attention has been paid to how multicultural da'wah operates as a practical mechanism for constructing religious tolerance in Hindu-majority regions of Indonesia. This study analyzes the implementation of multicultural da'wah and its role in constructing religious tolerance in Bali, focusing on Lelateng Village, Jembrana Regency. Using a qualitative case study design, data were collected through in-depth interviews with 15 informants, participatory observations, and documentation. The findings reveal that multicultural da'wah operates not only as a medium for religious instruction but also as a social practice that actively constructs tolerance through three primary channels, namely religious gatherings for Muslim women, Qur'anic learning activities, and periodic Islamic study sessions, all involving participants from diverse ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. Religious tolerance is further evidenced by harmonious interreligious relations, mutual respect during celebrations such as Nyepi, and the peaceful coexistence of adjacent places of worship. Supporting factors include religious teachings, social environmental awareness, and obedience to local regulations, while inhibiting factors encompass religious fanaticism and the presence of provocateurs. Critically, these findings demonstrate that tolerance in Bali is not merely an inherited cultural value but is continuously reproduced through everyday religious practices. The study concludes that multicultural da'wah offers a replicable framework for faith-based peacebuilding in pluralistic minority-Muslim contexts, advancing theoretical discussions on intercultural communication and the sociology of religious tolerance in Southeast Asian societies.