Contemporary Issues on Interfaith Law and Society

Juvenile Justice in Comparative Perspective: A Study of Indonesian State Law and Islamic Law

Adrian Hadiputra — 2024-12-31

This study examines juvenile justice systems through a comparative analysis between Indonesian State Law and Islamic Law, focusing on the treatment and legal protection of juvenile offenders. The Indonesian legal framework, which follows a secular approach, offers specific regulations for juvenile justice under the Juvenile Justice System Law (No. 11 of 2012). This law emphasizes rehabilitation and diversion, ensuring that juvenile offenders are treated differently from adults, with a focus on reintegration into society. In contrast, Islamic law, rooted in the principles of Sharia, offers a distinct approach to juvenile justice. While Islamic law does not have a unified legal code for juvenile offenders, its application emphasizes the protection of minors from harsh punishments and prioritizes their rehabilitation. Islamic legal scholars agree on the importance of age and maturity in determining the level of responsibility for a juvenile’s actions. The concept of "ta'zir" (discretionary punishment) plays a significant role in ensuring that juvenile offenders are treated with fairness, aiming at their moral and social reform. This comparative study highlights the similarities and differences between the two legal systems in addressing juvenile crime, considering the broader cultural and legal contexts that shape juvenile justice policies in Indonesia and Islamic law. The paper explores how these legal frameworks balance punishment with rehabilitation and the role of community involvement in reforming juvenile offenders. The study contributes to understanding the potential for cross-jurisdictional insights in improving juvenile justice practices, emphasizing the need for a more unified and human-centric approach in dealing with young offenders.

Beneath The Same Sky, Different Faiths: Why is Interfaith Marriage Prohibited in Islam?

Dewi Zahra Setyawati — 2024-12-31

Interfaith marriage remains a contentious issue in many legal and religious traditions, particularly in Islam, where it is explicitly regulated. This study explores the theological, legal, and sociocultural reasons behind the prohibition of interfaith marriage in Islam, with a focus on its implications for Muslim communities. Islamic law, derived from the Quran, Hadith, and scholarly interpretations, generally prohibits Muslim women from marrying non-Muslim men, while permitting Muslim men to marry women from the People of the Book (Christians and Jews) under specific conditions. This distinction is rooted in concerns about religious continuity, family structure, and the spiritual well-being of future generations. From a legal perspective, many Muslim-majority countries incorporate these religious principles into their national laws, restricting or entirely prohibiting interfaith unions. The justification for this prohibition is often linked to the preservation of Islamic values and the potential conflicts arising from differing religious obligations within a marriage. Sociologically, interfaith marriages can lead to identity struggles, legal uncertainties, and challenges in raising children with a unified religious identity. However, critics argue that such prohibitions may conflict with contemporary human rights principles, including freedom of marriage and religious choice. By examining Islamic jurisprudence alongside modern legal and social perspectives, this study seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of why interfaith marriage is restricted in Islam and how these regulations impact Muslim communities globally. It also explores the evolving discourse on this issue, particularly in pluralistic societies, where legal frameworks and personal freedoms increasingly challenge traditional religious interpretations.

Sacred Bonds or Sinful Ties? Interreligious Marriage in Islamic Law

Rafli Zidan Eka Ramadhan — 2024-12-31

Interreligious marriage remains one of the most debated issues in Islamic law, raising questions about faith, identity, and legal restrictions. Islamic jurisprudence, derived from the Quran, Hadith, and scholarly consensus, generally prohibits Muslim women from marrying non-Muslim men while allowing Muslim men to marry Christian or Jewish women under specific conditions. This distinction is rooted in concerns over religious continuity, familial stability, and the spiritual upbringing of children. The prohibition reflects the broader Islamic principle of maintaining faith within the household and preventing potential conflicts in religious obligations between spouses. Many Muslim-majority countries have incorporated these religious principles into their national legal frameworks, enforcing restrictions on interfaith marriages. These laws are justified on the grounds of protecting Islamic values and ensuring the predominance of Muslim identity within families. However, in an increasingly globalized world, where cultural and religious boundaries are more fluid, these restrictions face growing challenges. Critics argue that such prohibitions conflict with fundamental human rights, particularly the right to marry and religious freedom. Additionally, interfaith couples often encounter significant legal and social hurdles, including issues related to inheritance, child custody, and religious conversion. This study examines the theological, legal, and sociocultural foundations of the prohibition on interreligious marriage in Islam. By analyzing classical Islamic jurisprudence alongside modern legal and human rights perspectives, this paper explores how these restrictions impact Muslim communities today and whether evolving interpretations can accommodate interfaith unions in pluralistic societies.

Battle for Blood: Child Custody Conflicts in Divorce – Islamic vs. Customary Law

Destika Santi Putri Sarfitri — 2024-12-31

Child custody disputes following divorce often become complex legal and emotional battles, especially when religious and customary laws intersect. In many Muslim-majority societies, Islamic law (Sharia) and customary law (adat) both influence custody decisions, sometimes complementing each other but often conflicting in practice. Islamic law prioritizes the child’s welfare while emphasizing maternal custody during early childhood (hadanah) and paternal guardianship (wilayah) in later years. However, customary law, deeply rooted in local traditions, can override or modify these principles based on community norms, family ties, and social status. This study explores the legal and cultural dimensions of child custody disputes in divorce cases, analyzing the extent to which Islamic law and customary law shape judicial decisions and parental rights. While Islamic law prescribes clear guidelines, its application varies across jurisdictions, influenced by local customs and judicial interpretations. In many cases, customary norms challenge Islamic legal principles, leading to inconsistencies and gendered biases that may disadvantage mothers or overlook the best interests of the child. As globalization and legal reforms push for greater adherence to human rights and child protection standards, the tension between religious and customary laws raises critical questions about the future of custody rulings. This paper examines landmark cases, legal frameworks, and the evolving role of Islamic and customary laws in shaping custody outcomes. By comparing these perspectives, it seeks to highlight the need for harmonized legal solutions that prioritize the child’s well-being while respecting cultural and religious traditions.

Abortion Laws in Indonesia and Islam: A Clash of Morality, Religion, and Rights

Salsabila Triandani — 2024-12-31

Abortion remains one of the most controversial legal and ethical issues, balancing between reproductive rights, religious doctrines, and state regulations. In Indonesia, abortion laws are primarily governed by the Health Law No. 36 of 2009 and the Criminal Code, which generally prohibit abortion except under specific circumstances, such as medical emergencies or rape-induced pregnancies. These legal restrictions reflect Indonesia’s socio-religious landscape, where Islamic principles significantly influence legislative frameworks. From an Islamic legal perspective, abortion is largely prohibited but with nuanced interpretations depending on the gestational stage and underlying reasons. Classical Islamic jurisprudence generally forbids abortion after ensoulment (believed to occur at 120 days of pregnancy), though some scholars permit it under limited circumstances, such as to preserve the mother’s life or in cases of severe fetal abnormalities. However, differences exist among Islamic schools of thought regarding permissibility before ensoulment, leading to diverse legal applications across Muslim-majority countries, including Indonesia. This study critically examines the intersection of Indonesian state law and Islamic law on abortion, highlighting their points of convergence and divergence. It explores how legal, religious, and ethical considerations shape abortion policies and the implications for women's reproductive rights. The paper also addresses ongoing debates over potential legal reforms, considering global human rights perspectives and the influence of Islamic jurisprudence in shaping reproductive health policies. By comparing these legal frameworks, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of abortion law in Indonesia within both secular and religious contexts.