Bilancia: Jurnal Studi Ilmu Syariah dan Hukum

Maqasid al-Syariah as a Framework for Religious Affairs Offices’ Role in Stunting Prevention

Haeruddin Haeruddin — 2025-12-15

Stunting remains a critical multidimensional crisis in Indonesia, with Cenrana District in Maros showing a significant increase in cases despite national reduction efforts. Although previous studies have examined the role of religious actors in health, few have analyzed their interventions through the philosophy of systemic law. This study investigates the strategic role of the Religious Affairs Office (KUA) in Cenrana in preventing stunting using Jasser Auda's Maqasid al-Syari'ah System Approach. Using a qualitative field research design, data were collected through interviews with KUA officials, health center staff, and village heads, supported by document analysis. This study reveals that KUA interventions operationalize three key system features in the maqasid system approach, namely Cognition, which reconstructs public understanding of stunting from “fatalistic destiny” to a threat to reason (Hifdz al-Aql); second, the features of Interrelated Wholeness and Hierarchy, which strictly enforce the age limit of 19 for marriage by integrating biological readiness into the validity of a legal marriage (Hifdz al-Nasl); and finally, the feature of Openness, which is demonstrated through cross-sector collaboration in which religious policies are validated by medical data. This study concludes that the KUA has shifted the Maqasid paradigm from mere protection (hifdz) to active human development (tanmiyah), positioning religious institutions as important agents in public health outcomes.

Muslim Consumer Behavior in the Halal Lifestyle Era: A Conceptual Analysis Based on Maslahah Mursalah

Muhammad Alwi — 2025-12-22

The development of halal lifestyle has fundamentally changed Muslim consumption patterns, from merely fulfilling biological needs to manifesting religious identity, social ethics, and modern aspirations. This article examines the dynamics of Muslim consumer behavior in the context of halal lifestyle trends by highlighting the religious, social, psychological , and economic factors that influence decision-making. Through a conceptual study based on a systematic literature review and recent empirical data, it is found that Muslim consumers are now increasingly active, critical, and oriented towards ethical awareness. Consumption decisions are formed through the interaction between normative sharia values, community social norms, perceived risk benefits, and limited purchasing power. This study highlights the limitations of conventional consumer behavior models that tend to ignore normative aspects, so that a new approach based on maslahah mursalah is needed as an ethical and rational foundation. This article offers a conceptual model of consumer behavior based on perceptions of maslahah that explains the relationship between religious intentions, actual decisions, and the socio-economic impacts of consumption. Its practical implications provide direction for the halal industry, regulators, and academics in designing marketing strategies, certification, and consumer education that support the achievement of maqāṣid al-sharī'ah and the sustainability of the global halal market.

Dual Legal Frameworks on Forced Child Intercourse: Harmonizing Islamic Criminal Law and State Law

Sri Indah Cahyani — 2025-12-25

This study analyzes legal enforcement regarding forced child intercourse, focusing on Decision Number 714/Pid.Sus/2023/PN Medan. Employing a normative juridical method, this research evaluates the disparity in sanctions between Indonesian Positive Law and Islamic Criminal Law. The findings reveal that the defendant's 7-year sentence, while legally valid under the Child Protection Act, fails to provide substantial justice given the victim's psychological trauma. From an Islamic perspective, the act constitutes zina muḥṣan. However, due to evidentiary challenges regarding ḥadd, the principle of maximum discretionary punishment (ta‘zīr al-quswā) applies, particularly since the offender is a maḥram (incestuous guardian). Islamic legal options include capital punishment, life imprisonment, and financial compensation (mahr al-mithl) for the victim. The study concludes that harmonizing positive law with Islamic principles of aggravated punishment is crucial to ensure proportional sanctions and comprehensive child protection.

Sipakatau as a Model for Conflict Resolution in Village Head Elections in Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi

Rizka Amelia Armin — 2025-12-27

Conflicts in village head elections are a recurring phenomenon within the dynamics of local politics in Indonesia. In Luwu Regency in 2022, several villages experienced tensions among supporters of competing candidates. Interestingly, some of these conflicts were not resolved through formal legal mechanisms but instead relied on the local wisdom of the Luwu community, namely the Sipakatau philosophy. This study aims to analyze how the humanistic values of Sipakatau are operationalized in resolving electoral disputes at the village level, as well as to highlight its advantages compared to formal mechanisms that tend to be legalistic. The research employed a qualitative phenomenological approach, utilizing observation, in-depth interviews with community leaders, religious figures, and village officials, as well as literature review. Data analysis was carried out descriptively to interpret the practice of Sipakatau in conflict resolution. The findings indicate that the operational mechanism of Sipakatau is manifested through tudang sipulung (deliberative forums), communal cooperation, and socio-religious activities involving all elements of the community. This mechanism emphasizes respect for human dignity, togetherness, and reconciliation without the domination of any single party. The study reveals that Sipakatau is not merely a cultural tradition but also a contextual and effective conflict resolution model that contributes to maintaining the stability of local democracy. The research concludes that local wisdom plays a strategic role in building post-election harmony and has the potential to serve as a policy reference for resolving political conflicts at the village level.