Ethnographic Exploration of Da'wah Bil Hal Practices in the Mass Layatan Tradition of Hizbullah Nahdlatul Wathan

Abstract

Although community-based Islamic outreach has received increasing scholarly attention, research on the Mass Layatan Tradition as a form of da'wah bil hal within Hizbullah Nahdlatul Wathan remains limited. This study aimed to explore the cultural construction and practice of da'wah bil hal in the Mass Layatan Tradition, examine the meanings and values embedded in the tradition, and analyze its social and religious implications for the community. A qualitative ethnographic design was employed, involving 16 participants selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through participant observation, semi-structured in-depth interviews, and documentation analysis, and were analyzed using an interactive model consisting of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification. The findings reveal that the Mass Layatan Tradition functions as a culturally embedded form of da'wah bil hal expressed through collective prayers, Qur’anic recitation, funeral assistance, emotional support, and social service for bereaved families. The tradition embodies religious responsibility, social devotion, ukhuwah Islamiyah, ta'awun, empathy, and collective cooperation, while strengthening social relationships, reinforcing Islamic brotherhood, expanding religion-based social networks, and preserving local religious culture. These findings affirm the interrelationship between religion, culture, ritual, and social action. The study concludes that the Mass Layatan Tradition serves as an effective medium of da'wah bil hal by promoting social integration and sustaining religious culture. The findings enrich the literature on community-based Islamic outreach and offer practical insights for religious organizations in strengthening socially engaged forms of religious practice across diverse socio-cultural contexts.