PENGHIWALAHAN IN SASAK LAKO’ PENGANTEN IN NORTH LOMBOK: A SADD AL-DHARĪ'A ANALYSIS

Abstract

This study examines the customary practice of Lako' Penganten among the Muslim Sasak community in Medana Village, North Lombok, through the lens of the Islamic jurisprudential principle of sadd al-dharī'a. Custom refers to something well-known and established within a community, whether in speech or actions. In the context of marriage proposals, Indonesian society exhibits diverse traditional practices, including the Lako' Penganten custom. This research employs a descriptive qualitative methodology, collecting data through observation, interviews, and documentation. Additionally, it adopts an empirical sociological approach to examine the legal norms observed by the Muslim Sasak community in Medana Village. The findings indicate that, in principle, engagement before marriage is permissible in Islam. However, in one of its procedural aspects, the Lako' Penganten practice deviates from Islamic engagement norms. Specifically, the bride-to-be is taken to the groom's house without a legitimate shar'ī bond. From the perspective of sadd al-dharī'a, this practice falls into the category of dharī'a, which, although initially permissible, leads to certain harm (mafsada). Accordingly, the researcher suggests that community leaders may preserve this tradition with necessary modifications, ensuring that any processes that could cause harm are avoided.