Harmonization of Islamic Law and Local Culture in Indonesia: An Analysis of the Legal Maxim Al Adatu Muhakkamah

Authors

  • Deko Rio Putra Universitas Islam Negeri Fatmawati Sukarno Bengkulu
  • Arini Julia Universitas Islam Negeri Fatmawati Sukarno Bengkulu
  • Chantika Aprilia Pratiwi Universitas Islam Negeri Fatmawati Sukarno Bengkulu
  • Deca Anisa Putri Universitas Islam Negeri Fatmawati Sukarno Bengkulu
  • Dela Febrianingrum Universitas Islam Negeri Fatmawati Sukarno Bengkulu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64420/ijris.v3i2.564

Keywords:

Al-Adatu Muhakkamah, Local culture, Islamic law, Maqasid syariah, urf

Abstract

 

Background: Local cultural diversity in Indonesia frequently encounters tension with Islamic teachings, sparking persistent debates regarding the normative boundaries of tradition in social life. Objective: This study aims to analyze the application of the al-‘ādatu muḥakkamah legal maxim in evaluating and determining the legitimacy of local cultural practices within Islamic jurisprudence. Method: The research adopts a qualitative library-based approach using documentation techniques and thematic content analysis of authoritative ushūl al-fiqh treatises and contemporary Islamic legal literature. Results: Customary validation requires a phased evaluation mechanism comprising compliance testing against textual sources (naṣṣ), widespread applicability, consistent social implementation, and the realization of public interest (maṣlaḥah). Cultural practices fulfilling these parameters constitute valid customs (‘urf ṣaḥīḥ), whereas those infringing upon core dogma and explicit prohibitions represent corrupt customs (‘urf fāsid). Conclusion: The al-‘ādatu muḥakkamah maxim serves as an adaptive and selective legal instrument, effectively reconciling normative religious doctrines with the sociological dynamics of a pluralistic society. Originality/Value: This review provides conceptual and methodological novelty in Islamic legal philosophy and sociology by synthesizing the literature on the systematic operationalization of al-‘ādatu muḥakkamah to assess Indonesian customs an area historically lacking a formalized, phased evaluation framework. It delivers an integrated diagnostic model that informs both academic research agendas and culturally sensitive religious policy-making.

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Published

2026-08-30

How to Cite

Putra , D. R. ., Julia, A. ., Pratiwi, C. A. ., Putri, D. A. ., & Febrianingrum, D. . (2026). Harmonization of Islamic Law and Local Culture in Indonesia: An Analysis of the Legal Maxim Al Adatu Muhakkamah. Indonesian Journal of Research in Islamic Studies, 3(2), 85–95. https://doi.org/10.64420/ijris.v3i2.564

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 2 (2026): Indonesian Journal of Research in Islamic Studies, 3(2), 2026

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