Marriage Dispensation in The Shadow of Coercion and Exploitation Based on Maqasid Al-Shari'ah

Abstract

Applications for marriage dispensation involving girls require an examination capable of ensuring that consent is given freely and is not shaped by family pressure, economic dependence, pregnancy, abuse of position, or the risk of exploitation. This study aims to analyze the weaknesses in examining girls’ consent and formulate a model for assessing free consent based on maqasid al-shari'ah. This research employs a normative legal method using statutory, conceptual, and Islamic law approaches, supported by qualitative analysis through grammatical, systematic, and teleological interpretation. The findings demonstrate that Supreme Court Regulation Number 5 of 2019 has not established uniform operational stages and indicators for assessing the freedom of a child’s consent. A statement of agreement does not prove free will when the child does not understand the consequences of marriage or has no genuine opportunity to refuse. Pregnancy cannot automatically justify the granting of a marriage dispensation. The principles of karamah al-insaniyyah, rida, ikrah, and the protection of life, intellect, lineage, property, and dignity provide the foundation for formulating the assessment model. The model includes private examination, provision of information, independent assistance, a reflection period, and an assessment of indicators of pressure and exploitation. Judges must explain the process through which the child’s will was formed in the marriage dispensation ruling.