<![CDATA[Silent treatment has become a significant communication problem in millennial families because it can create emotional distance, misunderstanding, and unresolved marital conflict. Previous studies have generally examined silent treatment separately from psychological, communication, or legal perspectives. However, research integrating Islamic family law and symbolic interactionism, particularly among millennial families in Medan, remains limited. This study aims to examine the forms and meanings of silent treatment, its implications under Islamic family law, and its interpretation through symbolic interactionism. This study employed empirical legal research using a socio-legal approach. Primary data were collected from 11 millennial married participants in Medan through in-depth interviews and an online questionnaire. Secondary data were obtained from the Qur’an, hadith, the Compilation of Islamic Law, legislation, and relevant academic literature. The findings reveal two main patterns of silence. First, temporary silence is used to regulate emotions, prevent harmful speech, and prepare for constructive dialogue. Second, prolonged silence is used as punishment, pressure, or emotional withdrawal and can lead to dysfunctional communication. Temporary silence may be acceptable when its purpose and duration are clearly communicated and dialogue is subsequently reopened. Conversely, prolonged punitive silence is inconsistent with mu‘āsyarah bil-ma‘rūf and the Islamic ideals of sakinah, mawaddah, and rahmah. Symbolic interactionism demonstrates that differences between the intended and received meanings of silence can generate negative assumptions and emotional distance. This study contributes an integrated socio-legal framework for distinguishing constructive emotional pauses from harmful silent treatment based on their purpose, duration, effects, and the reopening of communication.]]>
