Islamic Preaching and Its Significance in Realizing the Virtuous City (Al-Madinah Al-Fadhilah) in the Perspective of Al-Farabi

Ilmu Dakwah: Academic Journal for Homiletic Studies Volume 17 Nomor 1 (2023) 203-222 DOI: 10.15575/idajhs.v17i1.26150 http://journal.uinsgd.ac.id/index.php/idajhs ISSN 1693-0843 (Print) ISSN 2548-8708 (Online) Islamic Preaching and Its Significance in Realizing the Virtuous City (Al-Madinah Al-Fadhilah) in the Perspective of Al-Farabi Masmuni Mahatma1* 1IAIN Syekh Abdurrahman Siddik, Bangka Belitung, Indonesia * ABSTRACT This study aims to explore and analyze the concepts proposed by Al-Farabi regarding the ideal state or virtuous city to enrich our understanding of how Islamic nations can address the challenges of modernity and democracy while maintaining a balanced approach to core Islamic values. This research adopts a literature review methodology, gathering and analyzing various primary and secondary sources related to Al-Farabi's political thoughts on the concept of the ideal state. AlFarabi's ideas about the ideal state or virtuous city provide essential principles for building a nation that prioritizes the well-being of its society. In the modern context, Al-Farabi's ideas can inspire and guide societies in developing inclusive, just, and sustainable political systems. The holistic concept of political wisdom by Al-Farabi can offer an appropriate framework for inclusive Islamic propagation grounded in various essential principles from Al-Farabi's central city. Applying Al-Farabi's philosophical perspective within the context of propagation enables the Islamic community to navigate the complexities of the modern world while remaining true to their Islamic identity. Keywords : Islamic propagation; inclusive propagation; virtuous city; Al-Farabi; political philosophy INTRODUCTION The convergence of Islam and modernity has become a subject of intense debate and investigation among contemporary thinkers. As global interconnectedness through globalization has grown, accommodating and recontextualizing Islamic teachings within a worldwide framework has become imperative (Errichiello, 2018; Hanafi & Andía, 2019; Kersten, 2018; Salvatore, 2016). Modernity, marked by rapid technological advancements and extensive social changes, has triggered societal paradigm shifts that call for responses transcending conventional religious Received: April 2023. Accepted: May 2023. Published: June 2023. 203 Masmuni Mahatma interpretations (Garland, 2012; Ramirez-Ferrero, 2016; Dürrschmidt & Taylor, 2007). Challenges stemming from modernity in Islamic nations encompass intense pressures to adopt Western values and institutions driven by scientific, technological, and economic progress (Hadj-Moussa, 2012). Conversely, democracy as a political system safeguarding freedom of expression, human rights, and political participation for citizens also poses intricate complexities for Islamic countries with distinct political and legal traditions (Mayer, 2018). In countries with Muslim-majority populations, the challenge of fostering harmonious coexistence in diverse societies has grown increasingly intricate (Al-Hamdi, 2017; Qodir, 2011). The task is weighty, requiring efforts to promote inclusive citizenship and establish frameworks for peaceful cohabitation. In this context, Islamic propagation is crucial in cultivating a positive coexistence amid societal diversity. Desired Islamic propagation naturally involves an approach that employs moderation and inclusivity in disseminating the message of Islam. This approach emphasizes the importance of mutual respect, dialogue, and openness to the diversity of individuals from various religious and cultural backgrounds (Abu-Nimer, 2018). The endeavour to construct an ideal coexistence within pluralistic societies is, in essence, a pursuit aligned with what Al-Farabi termed "AlMadinah Al-Fadhilah", or the virtuous city. Al-Farabi's notions concerning the honest city are relevant to previous Islamic propagation. This concept envisions a society governed by justice, harmony, and morality principles. By integrating Al-Farabi's ideas into the discourse of Islamic propagation, opportunities arise to shape socially and religiously coherent communities that foster tolerance, peace, and civilizational advancement (Robinson et al., 1975). Thus, Al-Farabi's philosophical thought carries substantial value in navigating the intricate relationship between Islam and modernity. From Al-Farabi's concept of governance, essential lessons can be drawn regarding constructing the ideal society required today. Such efforts are fundamentally tied to an understanding of the dialectical relationship between Islam and modernity, the demands of democracy, appropriate responses to the advancements in science and technology, as well as the challenges of pluralism and diversity within contemporary society (Okumus, 2018). By studying and comprehending Al-Farabi's insights, a suitable framework for inclusive and moderate Islamic propagation can be 204 Ilmu Dakwah: Academic Journal for Homiletic Studies 17(1) (2023) 203-222 Islamic Preaching and Its Significance in Realizing the Virtuous City developed to address various challenges facing the community in the modern era. This paper aims to propose and develop propositions regarding the significance of Al-Farabi's philosophical thought in shaping a form of moderate Islamic propagation and constructing a society founded on modern interpretations of Islam adaptable to the times. Through exploring the relationship between Al-Farabi's thought and the challenges of Islam and modernity, this study aspires to contribute to the broadening discourse on constructing an ideal society within the context of Islam in the modern era. Specifically, this study seeks to critically analyze Al-Farabi's philosophical perspective and its implications for Islamic propagation amidst the debate of Islam and modernity (Mirza & Khan, 2021). By examining his ideas in the context of Islamic dissemination, this study aims to provide insights contributing to developing a more inclusive and moderate propagation approach capable of navigating the challenges of Islam and modernity and building an ideal society. The discussion surrounding the ideal state in line with Islamic teachings is a critical subject engaging various participants, including philosophers, theologians, exegetes, jurists, and others. In this context, the ideas proposed by Al-Farabi regarding the ideal state are also regarded as valuable perspectives contributing to this discourse. Many previous studies have explored Al-Farabi's conceptual framework. For example, a survey by Sudarman and Mustafi M, indicated that Al-Farabi's ideas share similarities and differences with Augustine's conception of the ideal state. According to Al-Farabi, the perfect state is governed by a prophet or philosopher, with a leader occupying a central position and wielding significant decisionmaking authority, akin to the role of the heart in the human body. Conversely, Augustine's version of the ideal state ref (...truncated)