Kartika: Jurnal Studi Keislaman
Vol. 6 No. 3 (2026): Kartika: Jurnal Studi Keislaman (August)

Balancing Birr al-Wālidayn and Family Obligations: A Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah Perspective on Sandwich Generation Families

Intan Juana (Universitas KH Achmad Muzakki Syah Jember)
Abdul Halim (Universitas KH Achmad Muzakki Syah Jember)



Article Info

Publish Date
04 Aug 2026

Abstract

The sandwich generation phenomenon has become a socio-economic issue growing within contemporary families, particularly among households facing economic instability. Individuals in this category bear the dual responsibility of supporting both their nuclear family and their elderly parents, thus facing a dilemma in determining financial priorities. This study analyzes the practice of financial priority among sandwich generation families in Sukorejo Village, Jember, from the perspective of Maqāṣid al-Syarī'ah. Using a qualitative empirical method through interviews, observation, and documentation, the data were analyzed using the Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña interactive model. The findings reveal three main priority patterns: first, prioritizing parents due to the strong commitment to birr al-wālidayn and cultural values of filial piety; second, prioritizing the nuclear family due to urgent daily needs, children's education, and household welfare; and third, attempting to balance support for both generations despite limited and unstable income. From the Maqāṣid al-Syarī'ah perspective, these practices reflect efforts to simultaneously realize ḥifẓ al-dīn (protection of faith), ḥifẓ al-nafs (protection of life), ḥifẓ al-nasl (protection of progeny), and ḥifẓ al-māl (protection of property). The study concludes that financial priority among sandwich generation families cannot be understood as a binary choice between filial piety and responsibility toward the nuclear family, but rather as a process of balancing interconnected obligations to achieve maṣlaḥah (public good). This research contributes to the development of Islamic family law studies through a maqāṣid-based understanding of financial responsibilities in multigenerational families.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

kartika

Publisher

Subject

Religion Economics, Econometrics & Finance Education

Description

KARTIKA: Jurnal Studi Keislaman covers a variety of subjects, ranging from Islamic history, law, sufism, theology, politics, philosophy, the Qur’an and hadith, to modern and contemporary developments including such issues as democracy, gender, and human rights as well as social and cultural ...