Civic Islam and Democratic Resilience in Emerging Muslim Democracies

Abstract

This study examines the role of Civic Islam in strengthening democratic resilience in democratic Muslim countries, focusing on Indonesia and Tunisia as case studies. Through a qualitative-descriptive approach and literature analysis, this study explores how moderate Islamic values embodied by organizations such as Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Muhammadiyah, and Ennahda contribute to political stability and civic culture. The results show that Civic Islam serves as a basis for public ethics that fosters collective awareness of tolerance, social justice, and citizen participation in the democratic process. Islam exists not only as a personal belief system but also as a source of values that guide constructive social and political behavior. In this context, Civic Islam is able to balance religious aspirations with modern democratic demands. Values such as deliberation, justice, and brotherhood have proven relevant in building open dialogue spaces between groups, thus strengthening the foundation of an inclusive and sustainable democracy. This study also emphasizes that the main challenge for Civic Islam lies in maintaining a balance between Islamic moral idealism and pragmatic political realities. Therefore, strengthening Civic Islam needs to continue to be directed at efforts to educate political and develop a civil society with a moderate character