The Role of Premarital Guidance in Shaping Sakinah Families: An Empirical Study at the Office of Religious Affairs, South Sinjai, Indonesia

Abstract

This study was conducted based on the importance of premarital counseling in preparing prospective couples to understand the dynamics of family life after marriage, thereby minimizing conflicts and reducing the risk of divorce. The main objective of this research is to examine the effectiveness of premarital counseling in fostering Sakinah families at the Office of Religious Affairs (KUA) in South Sinjai District, as well as to identify the supporting and inhibiting factors in the implementation of the program. This study employed a descriptive qualitative approach using field research with a social perspective. The primary data sources consisted of religious leaders and several couples who had participated in premarital counseling sessions. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, and analyzed through three stages: data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing (verification). Data validity was tested using triangulation techniques. The findings revealed that premarital counseling plays a significant role in supporting prospective couples to realize Sakinah families. The materials delivered during the sessions—covering essential aspects such as effective communication, family financial management, understanding the rights and obligations of spouses, and religious education—were found to contribute substantially to preparing couples for marital life. Supporting factors include strong backing from the government and related institutions, while inhibiting factors include a lack of awareness and willingness among some participants, as well as competing work priorities that limit their full participation. Overall, premarital counseling at KUA South Sinjai has proven effective in equipping prospective couples with the necessary knowledge and skills to build harmonious families.