Revisiting Ibn Taimiyah’s Political Legal Thought: Implications for Marriage Law Reform in Indonesia

Background: Ibn Taimiyah's political legal thought, particularly in as-Siyāsah asy-Syar‘iyyah fi Iṣlāḥ ar-Rā‘i wa ar-Rā‘iyyah, offers valuable insights into the relationship between Islamic law and state governance. These ideas are particularly relevant in understanding how Islamic principles can be integrated into modern legal systems, such as Indonesia's, where the majority of the population is Muslim. Aims: This study aims to analyze Ibn Taimiyah's political legal thought and explore its relevance in shaping marriage laws in Indonesia, focusing on the integration of Islamic values within state policies to promote social welfare. Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach with historical and comparative analysis was used. Data were collected through documentation techniques from as-Siyāsah asy-Syar‘iyyah and secondary sources related to Ibn Taimiyah’s ideas and the development of marriage law in Indonesia. Analysis was conducted inductively to connect these ideas with contemporary legal frameworks. Results: The findings highlight that Ibn Taimiyah’s emphasis on the state's role in enforcing Shari’ah law is highly relevant to the formation of marriage laws in Indonesia. His philosophy suggests that the state must facilitate the implementation of religious obligations, which is crucial for family law development. Conclusion: Ibn Taimiyah’s thought offers a framework for integrating Islamic governance principles into state law. His ideas are relevant for developing marriage laws in Indonesia, illustrating how Islamic political thought can guide legal systems in Muslim-majority countries.