Pre-Marital Seclusion (Kahiya) from the Perspective of Islamic Law

Abstract

The pre-marital seclusion (Kahiya) tradition is still practiced by the people of Wambuloli Village, Central Buton Regency, as part of a custom aimed at maintaining the honor and readiness of the bride-to-be. However, in its implementation, there are a number of customary practices that raise questions about their compliance with Islamic legal principles. This study aims to analyze the implementation of the pingitan (Kahiya) tradition and examine these practices from an Islamic legal perspective. This study uses a qualitative method with a normative-empirical approach. Data were collected through observation, structured interviews, and documentation involving traditional leaders, religious leaders, and women undergoing seclusion. The data were analyzed descriptively and analytically through the stages of data condensation, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results show that the pingitan tradition contains positive values in the form of maintaining the honor and mental development of the bride-to-be, however, some practices such as neglecting sharia obligations and certain symbolic beliefs have the potential to conflict with Islamic legal principles. This study concludes that the pingitan tradition can be preserved as long as adjustments are made to align with the principles of public welfare and the basic values of Islamic law. This research emphasizes the importance of dialogue between customs and religion in maintaining a balance between cultural preservation and the implementation of sharia.