THE DOMINATION OF CUSTOMARY LAW IN MUSLIM MATRIMONIAL PROCEDURES Prohibiting Khiṭbah in the Sade Muslim Community

Abstract

Betrothal (khiṭbah) prior to marriage is considered a noble practice within Islamic tradition. However, among the Sade Muslim community, there are instances where betrothal is intentionally omitted and even opposed by the society. They practice the tradition of merariq, apparently abducting the bride without the prior consent of her family. Only afterward does the groom’s family approach the bride’s family to negotiate the marriage between them. This practice of ‘abducting’ prospective brides is not found in any Islamic teachings. This article aims to shed light on the motives behind the betrothal prohibition before the marriage contract (akad nikah) among the Sade Muslim community. This research involves fieldwork with ten key informants. The findings indicate that the prohibition of the betrothal process among the Muslim Sade is a longstanding cultural heritage within the society. This tradition is perceived as an emblem of the Sasak ethnic group, intentionally preserved amidst inevitable modernization.