Reframing Maṣlaḥah for Interfaith Family Conflict Resolution: The Case of Chinese-Muslim Households in Indonesia

Abstrak

This paper analyzes conflict resolution efforts undertaken by individuals who converted to Islam prior to marriage, specifically in relation to their non-Muslim parents. The study explores the strategies used to address familial conflict and rebuild relationships, with particular attention to how these efforts align with the maṣlaḥah approach. Employing a qualitative case study method, the research focuses on ethnic Chinese families in Kampung Pondok, Padang, Indonesia. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with families who experienced similar conflicts, as well as with community leaders. To ensure data validity, source triangulation techniques were applied. The findings reveal that actions such as maintaining communication, demonstrating respect, and participating in non-Muslim parents' religious celebrations represent conflict resolution strategies grounded in practical maṣlaḥah considerations. These results suggest that maṣlaḥah offers a relevant analytical framework for understanding interfaith conflict resolution within multicultural societies. This study contributes to contemporary discussions in Islamic law by illustrating that maṣlaḥah functions as a dynamic and adaptive principle for addressing the challenges of pluralistic contexts. Furthermore, it proposes a culturally rooted yet maqāṣid al-sharī'ah aligned model for managing interfaith family conflicts.