The Impact of Delayed Marriage due to Education and Career on Female Lecturers in Banda Aceh

A Maʿālat al-Afʿāl Perspective

Authors

  • Nella Agustin Universitas Islam Negeri Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh, Indonesia
  • Mursyid Djawas Universitas Islam Negeri Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh, Indonesia
  • Muhammad Husnul Universitas Islam Negeri Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh, Indonesia
  • Nurjannah Ismail Universitas Islam Negeri Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh, Indonesia
  • Rizki Amalia Universitas Islam Negeri Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22373/ujhk.v8i2.31435

Keywords:

Delayed Marriage, Female Lecturers, Maʿālat Al-Afʿāl, Education, Career

Abstract

This study examines the phenomenon of delayed marriage among female lecturers in Banda Aceh, particularly in Syiah Kuala District, through the perspective of maʿālat al-afʿāl (consideration of consequences). The increasing national trend of unmarried youth, with Aceh ranking second highest, underscores the relevance of this issue. The postponement of marriage is predominantly influenced by higher education attainment and career development, although psychological and structural factors also play a role. Data collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed qualitatively to identify the underlying factors of marriage delay. The findings indicate that postponing marriage for educational and career purposes generates significant positive impacts, including greater emotional, psychological, and mental maturity, financial independence, and enhanced preparedness for motherhood. Although negative effects such as psychological and social pressure, as well as potential reproductive health risks related to prolonged stress, were identified, these impacts can be mitigated through adequate support systems. Consequently, the resulting maṣlaḥah (benefit) appears to be more dominant than the potential harm. From the perspective of maʿālat al-afʿāl, delayed marriage may be viewed as an action that produces greater long-term benefits, aligning with the objectives of Islamic law (maqāṣid al-sharīʿah) in promoting maturity, well-being, and the overall welfare of individuals and families.

References

Journals and Books

A. Samad, Sri Astuti, Syabuddin Gade, Hasan Basri, and Safrina Ariani. “Teacher’s Spiritual Competence and Its Implicatioan in Islamic Relgious Education Learning in Pidie, Aceh.” Ulumuna 27, no. 2 (2023). https://doi.org/10.20414/ujis.v27i2.710.

A. Samad, Sri Astuti, and Munawwarah Munawwarah. “Adat Pernikahan Dan Nilai-Nilai Islami Dalam Masyarakat Aceh Menurut Hukum Islam.” El-USRAH: Jurnal Hukum Keluarga 3, no. 2 (2020). https://doi.org/10.22373/ujhk.v3i2.7716.

Abbas, Nurlaelah, Mahmuddin Mahmuddin, Sri Astuti A. Samad, and Munawwarah Samad. “Theological Impact of Marriage for Religious Minority Families in Bali and Makassar.” Samarah: Jurnal Hukum Keluarga Dan Hukum Islam 9, no. 1 (2025). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.22373/sjhk.v9i1.21130.

Abdullah, Abdul Shukur, Nai Peng Tey, Irwan Nadzif Mahpul, Nur Airena Aireen Azman, and Rosdiana Abdul Hamid. “Correlates and Consequences of Delayed Marriage in Malaysia.” Institutions and Economies 13, no. 4 (2021).

Agusriani, Rara Tri, and Zaka Hadikusuma Ramadan. “Pengembangan Bahan Ajar Tematik Berbasis Kearifan Lokal Riau Untuk Siswa Sekolah Dasar.” Aulad: Journal on Early Childhood 7, no. 1 (2024).

Ali, Maheen Abid, Zahid Mahmood, and Sadia Saleem. “Satisfying Marital Relationship among Dual-Career Couples: A Validation Study.” Journal of Family Issues 43, no. 3 (2022).

Barkah, Qodariyah, and Andriyani Andriyani. “Maqashid Al-Syari’ah Concept Of Kafa’ah In Marriage.” Nurani: Jurnal Kajian Syari’ah Dan Masyarakat 20, no. 1 (2020). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.19109/nurani.v20i1.5651.

Basri, Helmi, and Hidayatullah Ismail. “Teori Ma’ālāt Al-Af’āl Dalam Maqāsid Sharīàh Dan Aplikasinya Pada Permasalahan Fiqh Kontemporer.” Ijtihad: Jurnal Wacana Hukum Islam Dan Kemanusiaan 19, no. 2 (2019).

Cavaliere, Vincenzo, Sara Sassetti, and Sara Lombardi. “Entrepreneurial Alertness and Self-Perceived Employability: A Virtuous Marriage for Career Development.” Personnel Review 51, no. 1 (2022).

Darmawan, Darmawan, Asmaul Husna, Mirza Rahmatillah, and Helmi Imran. “Marriage Dispensation and Family Resilience: A Case Study of the Bener Meriah Shariah Court, Aceh Province.” AHKAM : Jurnal Ilmu Syariah 22, no. 2 (2022). https://doi.org/10.15408/ajis.v22i2.28827.

Darmawan, Asmaul Husna, Mirza Rahmatillah, and Helmi Imran. “Marriage Dispensation and Family Resilience: A Case Study of the Bener Meriah Shariah Court, Aceh Province.” Ahkam: Jurnal Ilmu Syariah 22, no. 2 (2022).

Decaluwe, Frida, and J. A. De Boever. “Woman and Career: An Unhappy Marriage? A Study Model: Dentistry.” Revue Belge de Médecine Dentaire. Belgisch Tijdschrift Voor Tandheelkunde 57, no. 4 (2002).

Djawas, Mursyid, and Sri Astuti Abdul Samad. “Conflict, Traditional, and Family Resistance: The Pattern of Dispute Resolution in Acehnese Community According to Islamic Law.” SAMARAH: Jurnal Hukum Keluarga Dan Hukum Islam 4, no. 1 (2020). https://doi.org/10.22373/sjhk.v4i1.5271.

Djawas, Mursyid, Gamal Achyar, Nusyirwan Bustanul Arifin, Masri Reza, and Baharuddin Umar Yakub. “The Legal Position of Children of Incest (A Study of Madhhab Scholars and Compilation of Islamic Law).” Samarah: Jurnal Hukum Keluarga Dan Hukum Islam 6, no. 1 (2022). https://doi.org/10.22373/sjhk.v6i1.11904.

Djawas, Mursyid, Khairuddin Hasballah, Soraya Devy, Muntasir A Kadir, and Yusfriadi Abda. “The Construction of Islamic Inheritance Law: A Comparative Study of the Islamic Jurisprudence and the Compilation of Islamic Law.” JURIS (Jurnal Ilmiah Syariah) 21, no. 2 (2022). https://doi.org/https://dx.doi.org/10.31958/juris.v21i2.7495.

Djawas, Mursyid, and Nurzakia Nurzakia. “Perkawinan Campuran Di Kota Sabang (Studi Terhadap Faktor Dan Persepi Masyarakat Tentang Dampak Perkawinan Campuran).” SAMARAH: Jurnal Hukum Keluarga Dan Hukum Islam 2, no. 2 (2019). https://doi.org/10.22373/sjhk.v2i2.4740.

Djawas, Mursyid, Ridhwan Ridhwan, Wardana Said, and Hedhri Nadhiran. “The Integration Between Syara’and Ade’in Marriage Tradition Bugis Bone, South Sulawesi.” AL-IHKAM: Jurnal Hukum & Pranata Sosial 18, no. 2 (2023).

Gui, Tianhan. “‘Leftover Women’ or Single by Choice: Gender Role Negotiation of Single Professional Women in Contemporary China.” Journal of Family Issues 41, no. 11 (2020).

Hannan, Nur, M. Syamsul Huda, Mohamad Anang Firdaus, Abdillah Afabih, and Yayan Musthofa. “Between Adherence to Madhhab and Adaptation to Context: Fatwās on Female Leadership in Nahdlatul Ulama-Affiliated Islamic Higher Education Institutions.” Journal of Islamic Law 5, no. 2 (2024). https://doi.org/10.24260/jil.v5i2.2725.

Hasanudin, Oyo Sunaryo Mukhlas, Muhammad Farhan Bin Mat Noradin, Ending Solehudin, and Dedah Jubaedah. “Phenomena of Domestic Violence Against Women and Divorce in 2020-2022 in Indonesia: An Islamic Perspective.” Al-Manahij: Jurnal Kajian Hukum Islam 17, no. 2 (2023). https://doi.org/10.24090/mnh.v17i2.7686.

Hoffnung, Michele. “Wanting It All: Career, Marriage, and Motherhood during College-Educated Women’s 20s.” Sex Roles 50, no. 9–10 (2004).

Hyseni Duraku, Zamira, Liridona Jemini-Gashi, and Ervin Toçi. “Perceptions of Early Marriage, Educational Aspirations, and Career Goals among Kosovar Adolescents.” Marriage and Family Review 56, no. 6 (2020).

Ijeoma, Okereke Chinyere, Joseph O. Uwakwe, and Nwamuo Paul. “Education an Antidote against Early Marriage for the Girl-Child.” Journal of Educational and Social Research, 2013.

Indra, Gandi Liyorba, M. Yasin Al Arif, and Abdul Qodir Zaelani. “The Ideal Age For Marriage in The Compilation of Islamic Law (KHI) and Psychology.” Al-’Adalah 20, no. 1 (2023). https://doi.org/10.24042/adalah.v20i1.11598.

Jafar, Wahyu Abdul, Musda Asmara, Mu’adil Faizin, Helena Octavianne, and Budi Kisworo. “Philosophical Foundations and Human Rights in the Bajapuik Tradition: Bridging Local Wisdom and Islamic Law in Minangkabau Marriage Practices.” De Jure: Jurnal Hukum Dan Syar’iah 16, no. 1 (2024). https://doi.org/10.18860/j-fsh.v16i1.27681.

Kamarusdiana, Kamarusdiana, Burhanudin Yusuf, Maman Rahman Hakim, and Harapandi Dahri. “Pre-Marital Education: Concepts and Regulations in Indonesia and Malaysia.” Al-Ahkam 32, no. 1 (2022). https://doi.org/10.21580/ahkam.2022.32.1.10709.

Kamilla, Khairunnisa Nazwa. “Teori Perkembangan Psikososial Erik Erikson.” ECJ: Early Childhood Journal 3, no. 2 (2022).

Kang, Hyoun Ju, Jamie L. Callahan, and Mrudula Anne. “An Intersectional Social Capital Model of Career Development for International Marriage Immigrants.” Career Development Quarterly 63, no. 3 (2015).

Keldal, Gökay, and Gürcan Şeker. “Marriage or Career? Young Adults’ Priorities in Their Life Plans.” American Journal of Family Therapy 50, no. 5 (2022).

Kurniawan, Edi, Handesman Handesman, Rahmadi Rahmadi, and Khairun Najib. “Early Marriage, Human Rights, and the Living Fiqh: A Maqasid Al-Shariʻa Review.” Al-Risalah: Forum Kajian Hukum Dan Sosial Kemasyarakatan 20, no. 1 (2020). https://doi.org/10.30631/alrisalah.v20i1.565.

Li, Hui, Hang Yue Ngo, and Hazel Chui. “The Impact of Future Work Self on Perceived Employability and Career Distress.” Australian Journal of Career Development 32, no. 1 (2023).

Maloko, M. Tahir, Agus Indiyanto, Henky Fernando, and Yuniar Galuh Larasati. “Sompa Tanah in Makassar Bugis Customary Marriages: Legal, Religious, and Cultural Perspectives.” Jurnal Ilmiah Peuradeun 12, no. 3 (2024). https://doi.org/10.26811/peuradeun.v12i3.1309.

Merzlyakova, S. V., and E. P. Kayumova. “Family Adaptation As A Predictor Of Family Self-Determination Of Digital Generation Students.” Obrazovanie i Nauka 26, no. 3 (2024).

Minnotte, Krista Lynn. “Raising the Race: Black Career Women Redefine Marriage, Motherhood, and Community.” Journal of Family Theory & Review 9, no. 2 (2017).

Muhamad, Fadil Yusuf, Fahmi Fatwa, Rosyadi Satria, Yandi Maryandi, Prodi Hukum, Keluarga Islam, Fakultas Syariah, and Universitas Islam. “Tinjauan Fiqih Munakahat Terhadap Fenomena Penundaan Pernikahan Pada Pemuda Indonesia Tahun 2021,” no. 16 (2021).

Naimah, Farida Ulvi, Mauhibur Rokhman, Ali Usman Hali, Muhammad Anas Maarif, and Akhmad Sirojuddin. “Internalization of Local Traditions in Child Marriage from the Perspective of Maqasid Al-Usrah.” El-Mashlahah 14, no. 2 (2024). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.23971/el-mashlahah.v14i2.7942.

Oppenheimer, Valerie Kincade, Matthijs Kalmijn, and Nelson Lim. “Men’s Career Development and Marriage Timing during a Period of Rising Inequality.” Demography 34, no. 3 (1997).

Parker, A. W. “Career and Marriage Orientation in the Vocational Development of College Women.” The Journal of Applied Psychology 50, no. 3 (1966).

Peng, Tey Nai. “Asian Population Studies Trends In Delayed And Non-Marriage In Peninsular Malaysia Trends In Delayed And Non-Marriage In Peninsular Malaysia.” Asian Population Studies 3, no. 3 (2007).

Populix. “Indonesian Gen Z and Millennial Planning and Wedding Preparation,” no. March (2023).

Przygoda, Wiesław. “Volunteering as an Instrument for Preparing Young People for Christian Marriage and Family Life.” Religions 14, no. 9 (2023).

Putra, R T. “Radical Feminist and Interpretative Theories of Women: Career Women and Marriage Preparation.” Media Syari’ah: Wahana Kajian Hukum Islam Dan Pranata Sosial 25, no. 1 (2023).

Raihana, Siti Nazla. “Analisis Sosiokultural Penundaan Pernikahan Pada Wanita Karir : Studi Kasus Kota Depok” 2, no. (2024).

Ramadani, Ramadani, Karuniati Dewi. Statistik Pemuda Indonesia. Jakarta: Badan Pusat Statistik, 2024. Karuniati Dewi. Statistik Pemuda Indonesia. Jakarta: Badan Pusat Statistik, 2024.

Ramli, Misran, Syarifah Rahmatillah, Abidin Nurdin, and Nurul Auliana. “Unveiling Illegal Marriages in Aceh: Examining the Role of Unofficial Qadi.” El-Mashlahah 14, no. 2 (2024). https://doi.org/10.23971/el-mashlahah.v14i2.8887.

Said, Wardana, Hukmiah Hukmiah, Suriani Nur, Sri Wahyuni, and Rahmatul Akbar. “Marriage Traditions and Family Resilience in Bugis Bone Society: A Study of Islamic Law and Islamic Education.” Samarah: Jurnal Hukum Keluarga Dan Hukum Islam 8, no. 3 (2024). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.22373/sjhk.v8i3.23227.

Sathar, Z. A., and M. F. Kiani. “Delayed Marriages in Pakistan.” Pakistan Development Review 25, no. 4 (1986).

“Social Expectations And Personal Choices: Analyzing The Marriage Willingness Of Young People Under Economic Constraints.” World Journal of Sociology and Law 2, no. 2 (2024).

Solin, Siti Dian Natasya, Mursyid Djawas, Aulil Amri, Andi Sugirman, and Asni Zubair. “Batak Customary Marriage: A Study of the Prohibition of Same-Clan Marriage and Its Relevance in the Contemporary Era.” El-Usrah: Jurnal Hukum Keluarga 7, no. 1 (2024). https://doi.org/10.22373/ujhk.v7i1.23309.

Suleiman, Hassan. “Fiqh Al-Ma’ālāt: An Analysis Of Its Origin, Subsidiary And Application.” Malaysian Journal of Syariah and Law 10, no. 2 (2022).

Zhang, Hanzhe, and Ben Zou. “A Marriage-Market Perspective on Risk-Taking and Career Choices.” European Economic Review 152 (2023).

Interviews

Hayail Umroh, Lecturer in Family Psychology at Ar-Raniry State Islamic University, May 23, 2025.

Marty Mawarpury, Lecturer in Psychology at Syiah Kuala University, May 5, 2025.

Kusmawati Hatta, Dean of the Faculty of Da'wah and Communication at Ar-Raniry State Islamic University, June 24, 2025.

Soraya Devy, Vice Dean for General Administration, Faculty of Sharia and Law at Ar-Raniry State Islamic University, May 16, 2025.

Mira Fauziah, Head of the Center for Women's Studies at Ar-Raniry State Islamic University, May 13, 2025.

Eka Srimulyani, Director of Postgraduate Studies at Ar-Raniry State Islamic University, May 27, 2025.

Salami Mahmud, Lecturer in the Faculty of Islamic Education and Teaching at Ar-Raniry State Islamic University, May 15, 2025.

Nashriyah, Head of the Center for Gender Studies and Children at Ar-Raniry State Islamic University, May 8, 2025.

Downloads

Published

2025-12-31 — Updated on 2025-12-31

Versions