The Relevance of Islamic Pre-Marital Counseling Da’wah to Gender Equality in Households in Mandailing Natal

Abstract

This research stems from concerns over the high divorce rate in Mandailing Natal Regency, particularly in the Office of Religious Affairs (KUA) Panyabungan, where one of the main triggers is the persistence of patriarchal culture, gender role imbalance, and injustice within marital relations. In accordance with the Regulation of the Minister of Religious Affairs, PP APRI, and Circular Letter of the Director General of Islamic Community Guidance, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Number 02 of 2024, Pre-Marital Guidance is required to incorporate Islamic counseling as an effort to prevent and reduce divorce rates in Mandailing Natal.
The purpose of this study is to examine the actualization of da’wah through Islamic pre-marital counseling and how gender equality values are instilled by counselors for prospective brides and grooms at KUA Panyabungan. This study employs a qualitative approach with a case study design, utilizing in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis as methods of data collection. The research subjects include KUA counselors, prospective brides and grooms, and married couples.
The findings of this study indicate that Islamic Pre-Marital Counseling serves as one of the da’wah methods employed by KUA Panyabungan counselors, specifically through mau‘izhah hasanah (good counsel). The material conveyed implicitly integrates gender equality values and emphasizes the principles of rahmah (compassion), musawah (equality), and ‘adl (justice). Counselors expect this process to foster greater awareness among prospective couples, helping them to avoid discriminatory practices, build more egalitarian households, and ultimately prevent divorce.