Original Research: Historical Thought and Source Interpretation
Minangkabaunese matrilineal: The correlation between the Qur’an and gender
Submitted: 08 May 2023 | Published: 22 January 2024
About the author(s)
Halimatussa’diyah Halimatussa’diyah, Faculty of Ushuluddin and Islamic Thought, Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Fatah, Palembang, IndonesiaKusnadi Kusnadi, Faculty of Da’wah and Communication, Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Fatah, Palembang, Indonesia
Ai Y. Yuliyanti, Faculty of Ushuluddin, UIN Sunan Gunung Djati, Bandung, Indonesia
Deddy Ilyas, Faculty of Ushuluddin and Islamic Thought, Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Fatah, Palembang, Indonesia
Eko Zulfikar, Faculty of Ushuluddin and Islamic Thought, Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Fatah, Palembang, Indonesia
Abstract
Upon previous research, the matrilineal system seems to oppose Islamic teaching. However, the matrilineal system practiced by the Minangkabau society in West Sumatra, Indonesia has its uniqueness. Thus, this study aims to examine the correlation between the Qur’an and gender roles within the context of Minangkabau customs, specifically focusing on the matrilineal aspect. The present study employs qualitative methods for conducting library research through critical analysis. This study discovered that the matrilineal system practiced by the Minangkabau society aligns with Qur’anic teachings that respect the position of women in Islam. In the matrilineal system of Minangkabau, women hold significant strength and play an influential role in cultural and traditional practices. The Minangkabau tribe’s matrilineal system encompasses three key elements: marriage, inheritance and offspring. The marriage system is exogamous. Additionally, the practice of marriage is localised, with the husband typically residing in the wife’s household. Their inheritance is divided into pusako tinggi [from ancestors from generation to generation] and pusako randah (from the efforts of married couple). Women get pusako tinggi as they serve as protectors and a symbol of their community. In comparison, men take the responsibility of overseeing its preservation to prevent any form of misuse. Pusako randah is distributed as Islamic teaching. Lineage determination is primarily based on paternal lineage, aligning with Islamic teaching. Upon comprehensive analysis, it becomes evident that there is no conflict between the matrilineal system and Islamic teachings, particularly concerning principles of gender equality. Both women and men have significant roles, as the Qur’an provides extensive explanations regarding gender equality.
Contribution: This research holds significant findings in establishing a great relation between Islamic teachings based on the Qur’an and the matrilineal principles practiced by the Minangkabau tribe.
Keywords
Sustainable Development Goal
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