Sharing Interfaith Inheritance in Muslim Communities Based on Maqasid al-Shariah

Iim Fahimah

 

Abstract: This article examines the distribution of interfaith inheritance, i.e., inheritance in families with members of various religions in North Sumatra through the maqasid al-shari’ah approach. In the pluralistic society of North Sumatra, the distribution of inheritance is often a sensitive issue that requires consideration of Islamic law and local customs. In inheritance situations involving religious differences within the family, this article examines the application of principles of maqasid al-shari’ah, which focus on the general objectives of Islamic law, namely, protections of religion (hifz al-din), soul (hifz al-nafs), intellect (hifz al-'aql), descendants (hifz al-nasl), and property (hifz al-mal). This examination is a qualitative analysis based on interviews with religious leaders, Islamic jurists, and the families involved. The of study results show that applying maqasid al-shari’ah in the distribution of inheritance in multi-religious families can provide a fair and harmonious solution. However, closer cooperation is required between religious authorities and the government in providing clear guidelines for distributing inheritance in multi-religious families to create justice and prosperity in society.