ISLAMIC FAMILY LAW IN THE DIGITAL SPACE: Gender Bias in the Discourse of Family Law in Instagram

Abstract

This study departs from the widespread social media content created and distributed by conservative groups. One of the topics frequently addressed by this group is family law discourse, which includes instructions for selecting a mate, marriage advice, the fulfillment of rights and obligations in the family, and other topics related to relationships in domestic life. Using Foucault’s discourse analysis approach, this article investigates the dominant narratives that portray family law. The data for this study was gathered by examining discourse on the Instagram platforms @nikahsyari.com, @nikahbarokah, and @yuknikah.syari. These platforms were selected based on their popularity—number of followers. This research finds that marriage content on those Instagram platforms reflects what I refer to as fiqh-oriented and gender bias. The vast number of followers divided into online premarital classes enables account managers to subtly support and spread their ideology while attracting as many members as possible to their online courses. As a result, this conservative teaching influences the religious views and practices of their members, particularly regarding marriage and gender relations in the household.