<![CDATA[The phenomenon of waithood, reflected in the delayed transition to marriage, has become increasingly prominent in contemporary social settings. This phenomenon has begun to mushroom in various parts of Indonesia, including in Bareng District, Jombang Regency. This study aims to understand the social dynamics behind the waithood phenomenon in Bareng, Jombang, by integrating Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs theory and maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah. This study is based on the lack of research integrating Maslow’s hierarchy of needs with maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah in understanding the waithood phenomenon, as well as the need for analysis grounded in the lived experiences of the Bareng, Jombang community. This study employs a qualitative approach through a case study in Bareng, Jombang, complemented by content analysis of primary data obtained from interviews. The results show that the delay in marriage among local youth is influenced by economic pressure, educational attainment, and changing social values. The integration of Maslow's five needs and maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah provides a holistic framework of understanding, which highlights the need for social policies that pay attention to the balance between material and spiritual needs in addressing the phenomenon of waithood. This study recommends contextualized and value-based interventions in addressing the declining interest in marriage among the younger generation. This article contributes by integrating Maslow’s hierarchy of needs with maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah as a framework to understand waithood. From a socio-legal perspective, it advances the discourse on Islamic family law by providing a contextual understanding of marriage readiness that integrates psychological considerations with the normative objectives of Islamic law.]]>
