Religious Moderation amid Globalization: The Challenges of Taṭarruf, Takfīr, and Taʻāṣub

Abstract

Religious extremism manifested through taṭarruf, takfīr, and taʿāṣub continues to challenge social harmony within contemporary Muslim societies. This article examines religious moderation as an Islamic ethical framework capable of addressing these challenges while preserving doctrinal integrity and social coexistence. The study raises the question of how the concept of wasatiyyah can function as a normative and practical response to radical religious attitudes. Using a qualitative library-based method with a normative–theological and socio-religious approach, this research analyzes classical Islamic sources alongside contemporary scholarly discourses on moderation. The findings indicate that religious moderation, grounded in Islamic ethical principles, provides a balanced framework that discourages extremism, promotes tolerance, and strengthens peaceful coexistence without compromising core religious values. This study contributes to religious moderation discourse by positioning wasatiyyah not merely as a moral slogan but as a structured ethical paradigm for contemporary Muslim societies.