Reconstruction of the Concept of Nusyūz in Islamic Law

Perspectives of Religious Figures in Ternate, Indonesia

Authors

  • Harwis Alimuddin Institut Agama Islam Negeri Ternate, Indonesia
  • Marini Abdul Djalal Institut Agama Islam Negeri Ternate, Indonesia
  • Abdul Haris Abbas Institut Agama Islam Negeri Ternate, Indonesia
  • Abdul Syatar Universitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar, Indonesia
  • Islamul Haq Institut Agama Islam Negeri Pare-Pare, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22373/07a9hd02

Keywords:

Religious Leaders, Ternate, nusyūz, linguistic approach, partiarchal

Abstract

This research aims to examine and reconstruct the concept of nusyūz and the phrase idribūhunna as found in Surah Al-Nisa (4:34), with particular focus on how these concepts are perceived by religious leaders in Ternate City. The purpose of the study is to offer a more humanistic and contextually relevant interpretation of nusyūz that aligns with the dynamics of modern family life. Methodologically, this study adopts a qualitative approach, combining library research with fieldwork. The library research explores classical Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) and Qur’anic exegesis (tafsir) related to nusyūz, while the fieldwork involves interviews with community and religious leaders in Ternate City. The data were analyzed using three theoretical frameworks: fiqh al-wāqi‘ (contextual jurisprudence), the theory of ‘urf (custom), and linguistic theory (ma‘nā al-ḥaml). The findings reveal that the interpretations held by many religious leaders continue to be shaped by patriarchal norms, leading to a rigid and gender-biased understanding of nusyūz. This study contributes originality by offering a linguistic and contextual reconstruction of the term, presenting nusyūz as a concept that encompasses broader relational disharmony rather than focusing solely on female disobedience. The implications of this research support the development of a more egalitarian and compassionate Islamic legal framework, particularly in addressing family issues in contemporary Muslim societies.

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Interviews

Interview with Samlan Ahmad, The Head of Ulema Council (MUI) of Nort Maluku Province, Juli 2024.

Interview with A’raf Safuddin, The Head of Fatwa Commission of The Indonesian Ulema Counsil (MUI) of Ternate City, Juli 2024.

Interview with Abdul Rahman Syukur, Teacher of Al-Khaerat Islamic Boarding School Ternate, Juli 2024.

Interview with Amanan Sulaeman Saumur, Religious Leader and Academic from IAIN Ternate, Agustus 2024.

Interview with Muhammad Ar. Husein, Religious Leader and Expert in Positive Law, Agustus 2024.

Published

2025-06-30 — Updated on 2025-06-30

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Vol. 8 No. 1 (2025): EL-Usrah: Jurnal Hukum Keluarga

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