Abstract
This study explores the teaching of Islamic family law in pesantren (Islamic boarding school) from the perspectives of kiai (religious leader) and ustadz (Islamic teacher), with a specific focus on how they perceive and interpret the development of santri’s (students’) understanding of Islamic family law. The study utilized a qualitative method with a case study design, and was conducted at Pesantren Syaichona Cholil Balikpapan, Pesantren Al-Falah Banjarbaru, and Pesantren Hidayatullah Balikpapan, Indonesia. The study collected the data by means of in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis. The framework of maqāṣid al-sharī’ah (objectives of Islamic law) was used to analyze the data obtained. The study found that, first, the teaching of Islamic family law by kiai is still predominantly based on the study of turāth (classical Islamic texts), including Fatḥ al-Qarīb, Fatḥ al-Mu’īn, and Minhāj al-Ṭālibīn, which become the primary frameworks for understanding issues related to family law. This approach is also complemented by the development of moral values through akhlāq (moral) education and the exemplary conduct of kiai and ustadz. Second, contextual learning approaches have not yet optimally developed, leading to some santri experience difficulties to relate the fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) concepts with contemporary social realities, including the issues of gender equality, economic conditions, and divorce. Third, the kiai understand the potential to integrate the maqāṣid al-sharī’ah approach as a more holistic framework in teaching family law in pesantren. This study contributes to the discussion on the reform of Islamic legal education in pesantren by offering a family law pedagogy that is more responsive to contemporary and social realities. The study also emphasizes the importance of curriculum innovation and teaching methods for family fiqh that can combine the depth of classical Islamic learning tradition with sensitivity to social change and the demands of justice in the lives of contemporary Muslim families.