Proposed Solutions to Marital Crises During the Covid-19 Era According to Islamic Methods and the Islamic Family Law Enactment (State of Johor) 2003: A Study in the State of Johor

The COVID-19 pandemic, which occurred between 2019 and 2022, has brought various pressures to people’s lives globally. The new normal lifestyle restricted daily activities, further triggering global stress. One of the major consequences of this pandemic is the issue of domestic violence, which, more worryingly, often ends in divorce. China is among the countries with a high divorce rate during the COVID-19 era. In Malaysia, a total of 66,440 divorce cases were registered during the COVID-19 pandemic. This figure is quite significant and concerning.This study aims to examine the causes of domestic violence during the COVID-19 era and propose solutions based on Islamic methods and the Johor State Islamic Family Law Enactment 2003. A doctrinal legal analysis was adopted, focusing on the evaluation of relevant statutory provisions, case law, and Islamic sources. The rationale for selecting these materials lies in their legal authority, relevance to Malaysia’s Syariah legal system, and their compatibility with Islamic jurisprudential principles that emphasize justice and compassion in family matters. This includes integrating contemporary Islamic scholarly interpretations to ensure a more holistic understanding of gender equity and domestic rights within Islam.The findings of this study indicate that Islamic methods and existing legal mechanisms, particularly through the Johor State Islamic Family Law Enactment 2003, offer practical and principled approaches to addressing the issue of domestic violence, especially during times of societal crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic.