Community Perspectives on Polygamy from the Perspective of Islamic Law: A Study in Makassar, Indonesia

Authors

  • Mohammad Reza Pahlevi Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar
  • Hasan Bin Juhanis Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar
  • Rapung Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar
  • Fauzan Arisanto Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta

Abstract

Polygamy has existed long before the advent of Islam and continues to generate diverse perspectives, ranging from unconditional acceptance and conditional permission to strict prohibition. These differences have motivated this study, which aims to explore community perspectives on polygamy and analyze them within the framework of Islamic law. This research employed a qualitative field study approach, with data collected directly from the community through observation, interviews, and documentation. The data were analyzed using a systematic process of data reduction, presentation, and conclusion verification to provide an in-depth understanding of societal views on polygamy. The findings reveal that formal cases of polygamy in Parang Tambung Village, Tamalate District, Makassar City are rare, with only one case officially recorded by the Office of Religious Affairs in recent years, while most occur informally due to legal constraints. Community perspectives were categorized into three main groups: those who agree, those who are neutral or less supportive, and those who disagree. Supporters generally justify polygamy if financial capability and fairness are ensured, consistent with Islamic principles. The neutral group acknowledges its permissibility in religion but criticizes the lack of fairness in practice, while opposition was limited to a single respondent who rejected polygamy based on personal feelings. Overall, the study highlights how religious norms, legal frameworks, and individual experiences shape varied community responses to polygamy in the Indonesian context..

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Published

2025-10-14

How to Cite

Community Perspectives on Polygamy from the Perspective of Islamic Law: A Study in Makassar, Indonesia. (2025). Indonesian Journal of Matrimonial and Family Law, 1(1). https://journal.unismuh.ac.id/index.php/ijmfl/article/view/19600

How to Cite

Community Perspectives on Polygamy from the Perspective of Islamic Law: A Study in Makassar, Indonesia. (2025). Indonesian Journal of Matrimonial and Family Law, 1(1). https://journal.unismuh.ac.id/index.php/ijmfl/article/view/19600