Kafa’ah in Islamic Marriage: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Authors

  • Fathullah UIN Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin Banten
  • Sayehu UIN Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin Banten
  • Nafan Tarihoran UIN Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin Banten

Keywords:

Kafa’ah, Islamic marriage, compatibility, Muslim family law

Abstract

The concept of kafa’ah (marital compatibility) in Islamic marriage law has long served as a normative framework to ensure harmony between spouses based on factors such as lineage, wealth, profession, and religious commitment. However, contemporary societies face new realities—such as interethnic marriage, rising education levels, and socioeconomic diversity—that challenge traditional interpretations of kafa’ah. This study asks: how is the concept of kafa’ah interpreted, debated, and applied in contemporary Islamic scholarship and legal systems across Muslim-majority societies? The main goal is to systematically review the existing literature to identify dominant themes, gaps, and the evolving application of kafa’ah in modern contexts. Using a meta-analysis and the PRISMA framework, the researcher selected and analyzed 42 peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2024, drawn from databases such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, and PubMed. The results show that most studies on kafa’ah still adopt a normative-theological approach, with limited empirical engagement. The concept is most frequently discussed in relation to social status, wealth, piety, and religious affiliation. However, a growing number of studies reflect a shift toward understanding kafa’ah in terms of mutual respect, shared values, and socioeconomic compatibility rather than rigid class or lineage standards. These findings suggest the need for a more contextual and reform-oriented approach to kafa’ah, especially in legal systems and religious fatwas that seek to balance tradition with social justice and contemporary realities.

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Published

2025-08-04

How to Cite

Fathullah, Sayehu, & Nafan Tarihoran. (2025). Kafa’ah in Islamic Marriage: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review. NUSANTARA: Journal Of Law Studies, 4(01). Retrieved from https://juna.nusantarajournal.com/index.php/juna/article/view/144

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