Generation Z's Perception of the Islamic Law on Panaik Money Among the Bugis Makassar Community in Sorong, Indonesia

Sudirman

Iskandar

Muhammad Syahrul Sambu

 

Abstract: This article discusses the perception of Generation Z (or Gen Z)1 in Bugis-Makassar society, regarding panaik money (also known as uang panai), which is a significant cultural tradition within the Bugis-Makassar community in Indonesia. It is a form of financial gift that the groom's family provides to the bride's family during marriage arrangements. This article examines how Gen Z views panaik money from an Islamic perspective. Data for this analysis were collected through interviews, surveys, and literature reviews. The literature review includes an analysis of panaik money as 'urf (custom) and its examination from the perspectives of maqasid al-Shari’ah (the objectives of Islamic law). In the empirical part, interviews were conducted with 20 individuals, comprising 10 males and 10 females. The survey involved 259 respondents representing diverse genders, Gen Z age groups, and educational levels. Gen Z's perception of panaik money is categorised into three main perspectives. This study found that 54% of Gen Z individuals in Bugis Makassar viewed panaik in wedding traditions as ‘allowed’, while the rest considered it fard (obligatory), akin to mahr, makruh (reprehensible), or haram (forbidden). Second, some perceived panaik money as ‘appropriate’, while others perceived it as ‘not appropriate’ according to Islamic law. Third, members of Gen Z within the Bugis Makassar society have criticised the tradition of panaik money. They debate whether it should be maintained or discontinued, each for their own reasons. This article focuses on studying Gen Z perceptions within the Bugis-Makassar community and does not provide insights from other age groups. Therefore, future research should include earlier generations, thus allowing for a cross-generational comparison of perceptions in the Bugis-Makassar community.