Jurnal Elsyakhshi
Vol. 3 No. 2 (2025): December

Childfree Choices among Muslim Millennials: A Thematic Analysis of Social Factors and Islamic Legal Perspectives

Nurul A'la (Universitas Islam Negeri Imam Bonjol Padang, Indonesia)
Ghaitsha Nur Adilla (Universitas Islam Negeri Imam Bonjol Padang, Indonesia)
Muhammad Fadlan (Universitas Islam Negeri Imam Bonjol Padang, Indonesia)
Syifa Salsabila Saneva (Al-Azhar University, Egypt)



Article Info

Publish Date
28 Dec 2025

Abstract

The choice to live childfree has emerged as a growing lifestyle phenomenon among Muslim millennials, raising important social and religious debates within contemporary Muslim family life. This study aims to examine the social factors influencing childfree decisions and to analyze this phenomenon from the perspective of Islamic law, particularly through the framework of maqasid al-shari‘ah. Employing a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews with Muslim couples who consciously chose to remain childfree and were analyzed thematically using NVivo 12 software. The findings reveal five primary factors shaping childfree choices: economic considerations, mental health and psychological readiness, personal life experiences, social pressure, and ecological awareness. From an Islamic legal perspective, the decision not to have children is generally viewed as inconsistent with the fundamental objectives of marriage, especially the preservation of lineage (hifz al-nasl). Nevertheless, Islamic law allows space for ijtih?d when such decisions are based on legitimate and contextually justifiable considerations and do not constitute a rejection of Islamic principles. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on Muslim family dynamics and offers a conceptual foundation for further research on changing family practices in the modern Muslim context.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

elsyakhshi

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Economics, Econometrics & Finance Environmental Science Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice

Description

Jurnal Elsyakhsi is an international peer-reviewed journal published by Institute of Research and Community Service STAI Solok Nan Indah, Indonesia in collaboration with the International Islamic Studies Development and Research Center (IISDRC). Details on our focus and scope can be viewed here. ...