Marriage Contract in the Perspective of Mubadalah Ethics

Abstrak

The marriage contract in classical Islamic law is frequently interpreted within a relational framework that may perpetuate inequality in marital relationships. In Indonesia, legal practices such as taklik talak and reciprocity pacts represent efforts to reconstruct the marriage contract toward a more egalitarian and reciprocal partnership. This study offers an original contribution by integrating normative fiqh analysis, critiques of gender bias, and institutional practices of Islamic family law in Indonesia through the framework of mubadalah ethics. The study aims to examine the concept and practice of the marriage contract and its implications for spousal relations from the perspective of mubadalah ethics. Employing a qualitative approach, this research applies descriptive-analytical and comparative methods based on library research, drawing upon Islamic legal literature, legal documents, and empirical studies concerning marital practices in Indonesia. The findings indicate that taklik talak functions as a protective mechanism for wives; however, it remains unilateral and does not substantively embody reciprocal marital relations. In contrast, reciprocity pacts reflect a more relational approach by establishing mutual commitments at the outset of marriage. The study also identifies a gap between normative frameworks and social practices, including limited public understanding of taklik talak and the influence of socio-cultural conditions and premarital education on the quality of marital relationships. The practical implications of this study underscore the need to strengthen regulatory frameworks, enhance premarital education, and develop innovative marriage contract practices within Religious Affairs Offices (KUA) to better align with the principles of gender justice and reciprocity. Accordingly, this study contributes to the development of Islamic family law by proposing a more comprehensive framework that integrates normative, ethical, and practical dimensions through the lens of mubadalah ethics.