The inheritance system and resolution of inheritance disputes in Jambi Malay customs: A case study in Merangin Regency - Rafikah Rafikah; Devrian Ali Putra; Suci Nora Julina Putri; Rafik Darmansyah (Satwika : Kajian Ilmu Budaya dan Perubahan Sosial, 2025)
The inheritance system in Merangin Regency, Jambi, is the result of acculturation between customary law and Islamic principles, rooted in the philosophy of Adat Bersendi Syarak, Syarak Bersendi Kitabullah (Custom Based on Sharia, Sharia Based on the Qur'an). In practice, inheritance distribution is carried out through three main approaches: family consensus, customary deliberations involving religious and traditional leaders, and compliance with Islamic legal provisions. Dispute resolution in inheritance matters generally prioritizes deliberation over formal legal procedures, reflecting local wisdom in preserving social harmony. This study adopts a case study method with a qualitative approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, direct observation, and document analysis related to inheritance practices and dispute resolution in the study area. This method was chosen to gain an in-depth understanding of the social dynamics, cultural values, and legal practices prevailing within the Jambi Malay indigenous community. The findings reveal that the inheritance system in the Jambi Malay society emphasizes deliberation and mutual agreement over litigation. Customary institutions play a central role as mediators in resolving disputes. While Islamic inheritance principles are acknowledged, their implementation is often adapted to local social and cultural contexts. Inheritance distribution is not carried out immediately after death, but follows several customary stages such as debt settlement and family meetings to reach a consensus. This study recommends the importance of a harmonious integration between customary law and Islamic law to establish a more just, contextual, and widely accepted inheritance system for all elements of society.   Sistem kewarisan Kabupaten Merangin Jambi merupakan hasil akulturasi antara hukum adat dan prinsip-prinsip Islam yang berpijak pada filosofi "Adat Bersendi Syarak, Syarak Bersendi Kitabullah". Dalam praktiknya, pembagian warisan dilakukan melalui tiga pendekatan utama, yaitu secara kekeluargaan, melalui musyawarah adat yang melibatkan tokoh agama dan adat, serta berdasarkan ketentuan hukum Islam. Penyelesaian sengketa waris umumnya lebih mengedepankan jalur musyawarah dibandingkan jalur hukum formal, mencerminkan kearifan lokal dalam menjaga keharmonisan sosial. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode studi kasus dengan pendekatan kualitatif. Data dikumpulkan melalui wawancara mendalam, observasi langsung, dan studi dokumen terhadap praktik pewarisan dan penyelesaian sengketa di wilayah studi. Metode ini dipilih untuk memperoleh pemahaman mendalam mengenai dinamika sosial, nilai-nilai budaya, dan praktik hukum yang hidup di tengah masyarakat adat Melayu Jambi. Temuan penelitian menunjukkan bahwa sistem kewarisan dalam masyarakat Melayu Jambi lebih mengutamakan musyawarah dan mufakat daripada penyelesaian melalui jalur hukum. Lembaga adat berperan penting sebagai mediator dalam penyelesaian sengketa. Meskipun prinsip hukum waris Islam diakui, pelaksanaannya sering kali disesuaikan dengan konteks sosial dan budaya lokal. Pembagian warisan tidak dilakukan segera setelah kematian, melainkan mengikuti sejumlah tahapan adat seperti pelunasan utang, dan pertemuan keluarga untuk mencapai kesepakatan. Studi ini merekomendasikan pentingnya integrasi yang harmonis antara hukum adat dan hukum Islam guna menciptakan sistem kewarisan yang lebih adil, kontekstual, dan dapat diterima oleh seluruh elemen masyarakat.