Journal of Indonesian Islamic Studies
Vol. 5 No. 2 (2026): Journal of Indonesian Islamic Studies (April)

DNA Testing in Determining the Lineage of Children Born Out of Wedlock: A Maqāṣid al-Sharī‘ah Perspective

Mohammad Arjati Firmansyah (UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang)
Abd Rouf (UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang)



Article Info

Publish Date
10 May 2026

Abstract

The determination of lineage (nasab) for children born out of wedlock remains a contested issue in Islamic family law, particularly regarding the admissibility of DNA testing as legal evidence. This study examines the legal position of DNA testing in determining the lineage of children born out of wedlock and analyzes its implications from the perspective of maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah. This study employed normative legal research with descriptive-analytical characteristics using conceptual, statutory, and comparative approaches. Data were collected through library research and analyzed qualitatively using inductive-deductive reasoning. The findings reveal that DNA testing possesses strong scientific validity in establishing biological relationships and may function as corroborative evidence in lineage determination. However, within Islamic law, DNA testing cannot independently establish nasab shar‘i, as legal lineage remains contingent upon lawful marriage. From the perspective of maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah, DNA testing supports the realization of ḥifẓ al-nasl (protection of lineage), ḥifẓ al-nafs (protection of life), and ḥifẓ al-‘irḍ (protection of dignity) by ensuring biological certainty, protecting children’s rights, reducing social stigma, and strengthening parental responsibility. Nevertheless, its application also presents potential risks, including genetic data misuse, privacy violations, and family conflict. This study concludes that the benefits of DNA testing outweigh its potential harms, provided that its implementation remains limited, legally regulated, and accompanied by strict protection of personal genetic data. Therefore, DNA testing should be positioned as a modern evidentiary instrument that supports the realization of maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah without replacing the legal requirements of lineage recognized in Islamic law.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jiis

Publisher

Subject

Religion Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Other

Description

Journal of Indonesian Islamic Studies is a high-quality open-access and peer-reviewed research journal with e-ISSN 2808-8395. Journal of Indonesian Islamic Studies providing a platform that welcomes and acknowledges high quality empirical original research papers about is a publication media to ...