A Comparative Study of the Requirements for Taking a Second Wife According to Muhammad Syahrur and the Compilation of Islamic Law (KHI)

This research presents a comparative study of the requirements for taking a second wife in Islamic law, focusing on the perspectives of Muhammad Syahrur and the Compilation of Islamic Law (Kompilasi Hukum Islam/KHI) in Indonesia. The study examines Syahrur’s reformist interpretation, which emphasizes the ethical limitations of polygamy and advocates for monogamy as the ideal, in contrast with the KHI’s procedural approach that seeks to regulate polygamy through judicial permission, financial capability, and the consent of the first wife. By analyzing the legal, ethical, and gender-related implications of both perspectives, the research highlights the strengths and limitations of each approach in promoting justice and gender equality. The findings indicate that while the KHI offers a structured framework for regulating polygamy, it fails to address the deeper gender justice concerns raised by Syahrur’s reformist views. This study underscores the need for a reassessment of polygamy in Islamic legal systems, with a focus on aligning family law with contemporary values of human dignity, equality, and fairness. The research concludes by suggesting that ongoing dialogue and legal reform are essential to creating a more just and inclusive framework for family law in Muslim societies.