Dakwah Tanpa Konfrontasi: Pendekatan Kultural Walisongo dalam Penyebaran Islam di Jawa

Abstract

This study aims to examine the dakwah strategies employed by the Walisongo in spreading Islam across the island of Java in the 15th century, particularly in addressing the cultural and social challenges posed by Javanese communities that still adhered strongly to Hinduism, Buddhism, animism, and dynamism. A qualitative approach was used, employing a literature study that involved the analysis of both primary and secondary sources such as ancient manuscripts, historical documents, books, and scholarly articles. The findings reveal that the success of the Walisongo’s dakwah lay in their inclusive and adaptive strategies, which integrated Islamic values with local culture through traditional arts such as wayang kulit, gamelan, and macapat. Furthermore, the establishment of pesantren as centres of education and community guidance played a vital role in shaping character and nurturing sustainable dakwah cadres. A structured division of missionary regions and the use of geostrategic approaches also contributed to the effective and peaceful expansion of dakwah. The cultural approach adopted by the Walisongo not only accelerated the acceptance of Islam but also preserved local traditions and fostered social harmony through acculturation and religious moderation. This research underscores the relevance of the Walisongo's dakwah strategies as an inspiration for contemporary Islamic propagation in preserving cultural and religious diversity in Indonesia, and as a model for effective, inclusive, and adaptive dakwah within a pluralistic society.