The System of Inheritance Law in Minangkabau: A Social History Study

M. Iqbal

Indonesian Journal of Education, Social Sciences and Research (IJESSR)
Vol 1, No 2 (2020)

The Minangkabau tradition is unique in that it adheres to a matrilineal family system. The family system, which outlines descent from the mother's side, certainly affects the inheritance system. In the Minangkabau customary law system, assets are basically classified into 2 (two) namely high inheritance and low inheritance assets, and one more is livelihood property. When Islam entered the Minangkabau realm, there was a fear that the foundations of Minangkabau customary law would be eroded by the arrival of Islam. However, it turns out that the arrival of Islamic law does not necessarily change drastically and radically the provisions of the customary law. For high heirlooms, the Minangkabau traditional inheritance law system is used; while low inheritance and basic livelihood assets are faraidh.