Gen Z's Perception of Marriage in the Digital Age: Analysis from the Perspective of Islamic Family Law

Abstract

The phenomenon of "Marriage is Scary" that is prevalent among Generation Z shows a paradigm shift towards marriage, from what was originally seen as a sacred ritual to something that causes anxiety. The dominant factors influencing the emergence of this phenomenon include exposure to social media content, personal experiences, parental marital failures, and the influence of patriarchal culture. Generation Z tends to delay marriage and prioritize career, personal happiness, and financial stability. This study uses qualitative methods with literature review and a normative-sociological approach. Data were obtained from the Qur'an, the Compilation of Islamic Law (KHI), and related academic literature. The results of the study show that although digital content contributes to the emergence of fear of marriage, the role of Islamic family law remains relevant in providing normative solutions. Articles 15–17 of the KHI emphasize the aspects of age, valid marriage requirements, and moral responsibilities based on maqāṣid al-syarī‘ah. However, these regulations are considered limited and need to be strengthened to be more adaptive to the psychosocial challenges of Generation Z. Thus, the renewal of Islamic family law based on maqāṣid and the integration of premarital guidance programs are key to constructively addressing the "Marriage is Scary" phenomenon.