Islamic education as an instrument for peacebuilding: Digital pedagogical strategies for shaping youth character in a multicultural era

Abstract

Contemporary multicultural societies face significant challenges such as rising intolerance, identity-based conflicts, and weakening social cohesion, particularly among younger generations immersed in a complex digital ecosystem. These circumstances necessitate an effective and holistic character education model relevant to contemporary contexts. This study employs a systematic literature review and thematic analysis of Islamic primary sources (the Qur’an and Sunnah), scholarly works on Islamic education and peacebuilding, and recent contributions from Indonesian academics. The findings reveal that Islamic education provides a comprehensive ethical framework rooted in tasamuh (tolerance), ukhuwah (brotherhood), ‘adl (justice), and rahmah (compassion). However, to ensure relevance for the millennial generation, these values must be integrated into a digital pedagogical approach, with moderation in digital da’wah serving as a strategic instrument for peacebuilding in multicultural contexts.