IMPLEMENTATION OF MARRIAGE PROPOSAL PRACTICES DURING RAMADAN IN TAPA DISTRICT: AN ISLAMIC LEGAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the practice of Marriage proposal during Ramadan in the Tapa District. The approach used in this study is a normative sociological approach, which involves observation, interviews, and document processing. This involves oral question-and-answer sessions with informants conducted directly with the research objects. Marriage proposal is a traditional custom that has been practiced by the people in Tapa District for a long time. The Marriage proposal process begins when a man proposes to a woman during Ramadan or around this period. During Ramadan, the man requests or "momutu" (relieves) the responsibility from the woman's parents or family by delivering the woman's needs for suhoor, iftar, clothing, and Eid needs. This process can be carried out with the involvement of the "utolia" (customary leader) or just between the two families involved in the proposal. The delivery of these needs, or Marriage proposal, is not solely based on the woman's request but also considers the man's capability. From the perspective of its object, the implementation of Marriage proposal falls under "al-urf al-amali," a customary practice related to civil transactions recognized by society. In terms of its scope, Marriage proposal is considered "al-urf al-khas," a custom that applies only in a specific place and is not known elsewhere. In this case, it is a tradition for the people in Tapa District. Regarding its validity from an Islamic legal perspective, the practice of Marriage proposal is classified as "al-urf al-shahih," a custom that does not contradict the Quran and Sunnah, does not legalize what is forbidden, does not negate obligations, does not eliminate benefits, and does not cause harm to society. For instance, giving gifts such as clothing and jewelry to a woman who has been proposed to is considered acceptable