Minority Dakwah and Muslim Political Agency: Insights from the U.S. for Southeast Asia

Abstract

This article analyzes dakwah in Muslim minority settings as a form of political agency, drawing on comparative insights from the experiences of American Muslims and their relevance to Southeast Asia. The study introduces a novel conceptual contribution by reframing minority dakwah not merely as religious communication, but as a multidimensional socio-political practice that facilitates civic engagement, rights-based advocacy, and identity negotiation in plural societies. Using a qualitative comparative literature review, the article examines adaptive dakwah models developed in the United States, such as civic participation initiatives, interfaith coalition building, and civil rights mobilization, that have enhanced community empowerment in the face of discrimination and securitization pressures. The findings demonstrate that while these approaches offer valuable analytical lessons, they cannot be directly transplanted into Southeast Asian contexts due to differing political structures, state–religion arrangements, and majority–minority configurations. The article concludes by proposing a contextualized framework for strengthening Muslim political agency in Southeast Asia through dakwah practices that prioritize inclusivity, democratic participation, and social cohesion. This framework underscores the strategic role of minority dakwah in shaping resilient, civically engaged Muslim communities across diverse regional settings.