<![CDATA[Although the designation of dzawil arham as heirs in Islamic inheritance law has received attention in various studies, studies that specifically discuss judicial considerations in the Determination of the Maninjau Religious Court Number 23/Pdt.P/2024/PA.Min from the perspective of maslahah remain limited. This study aims to analyze the judges’ legal considerations in designating dzawil arham as heirs and to assess their conformity from the perspective of maslahah. This study used a qualitative approach with a normative-empirical and descriptive-analytical design. The research participants consisted of judges of the Maninjau Religious Court selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through literature study, document analysis of Determination Number 23/Pdt.P/2024/PA.Min, and semi-structured interviews, then analyzed qualitatively using a deductive approach. The results show that the designation of dzawil arham as heirs was based on proof of lineage, the absence of heirs from the categories of ashabul furudh and ashabah, as well as considerations of benefit and justice in line with the objectives of Islamic law (maqashid al-syari‘ah). This finding contributes to the development of maslahah theory in the practice of legal discovery (rechtsvinding) within the Religious Courts and broadens understanding of the application of Islamic inheritance law in the context of the Indonesian judiciary. The conclusion of this study affirms the importance of integrating positive law and the principle of maslahah in resolving inheritance cases, particularly in cases that are not explicitly regulated. The implications of this study indicate the need to optimize the benefit-oriented approach by judges in deciding inheritance cases and open opportunities for comparative studies on the designation of dzawil arham in various Religious Courts in Indonesia.]]>
