Santara: Journal of Islamic Law and Humanity
Vol. 1 No. 2 (2025): Islamic Law and Humanity

Childfree in the Perspective of Islamic Feminism: A Comparative Study of the Thoughts of K.H. Husein Muhammad, Amina Wadud, and Fatima Mernissi

Moch Aufal Hadliq Khaiyyul Millati Waddin (Universitas al-Falah As-Sunniyah Kencong Jember, Indonesia)
Naser Ali Abdulghani (University of Benghazi, Libya)



Article Info

Publish Date
15 Aug 2025

Abstract

The childfree phenomenon among contemporary Muslims has sparked theological and social debate, highlighting the tension between the normative construction of motherhood in Islam and women's growing awareness of their bodily authority and social roles. This study aims to analyze and compare the responses of three Islamic feminist figures, K.H. Husein Muhammad, Amina Wadud, and Fatima Mernissi, to the childfree issue. The method used is a qualitative approach through literature study and comparative-critical discourse analysis. The results show that although their approaches differ, namely maqāṣidiyah (Husein Muhammad), textual hermeneutics (Amina Wadud), and historical-sociological criticism (Fatima Mernissi), all recognize women's right to autonomy over their bodies and reproductive decisions. Husein Muhammad emphasizes the aspect of maslahah within the framework of sharia, Wadud highlights spiritual justice and mutual benefit, while Mernissi views the childfree phenomenon as a form of resistance to the patriarchal narrative of motherhood. This article contributes to broadening the horizons of contemporary Muslim women through a synthesis of women's, theological, and sociological approaches to the discourse on Muslim women's reproductive rights.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

santara

Publisher

Subject

Religion Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice

Description

Santara: Journal of Islamic Law and Humanity is a peer-reviewed academic journal that explores the intersection of Islamic law and human values, rights, and ethics. It focuses on how Islamic legal principles can contribute to the development and protection of human dignity, justice, and equality in ...