<![CDATA[This study discusses the cultural phenomenon as the reason for the emergence of the marriage-is-scary trend in Parepare City from the perspective of Islamic family law. This study aims to analyze the social and cultural factors that influence the emergence of the “marriage is scary” trend among the younger generation, and examine this phenomenon through the approach of Islamic family law and maqāṣid ash-syarī‘ah. This study is a field research study with an empirical juridical approach and uses a descriptive qualitative method. Data sources consist of primary data and secondary data obtained through interviews, observations, and documentation. Data analysis techniques are carried out through the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The theories used in this study are rational choice theory and maqāṣid ash-syarī‘ah theory. The results of the study show that: 1) factors that influence the marriage-scare phenomenon in Parepare City include economic, psychological, and social factors. Economic instability, high living costs, and financial pressures such as dowry are the main reasons why the younger generation is afraid of getting married; 2) Bugis-Makassar cultural factors, particularly the concept of siri' na pacce and the tradition of dowry (panai'), exert significant social pressure on the institution of marriage, thus viewing marriage as a symbol of family honor that demands material wellbeing and social status; 3) Islamic family law views marriage as an act of worship and a means of preserving offspring (hifẓ al-nasl). Therefore, cultural practices that hinder marriage by burdening prospective spouses need to be reconstructed to maintain Islamic principles of wellbeing.]]>
