The Relevance of Islamic Inheritance Law to Customary Law: A Study in Sarolangun Regency

Abstract

This study discusses the relevance of Islamic inheritance law and customary inheritance law in the context of the community in Sarolangun Regency. This research is an empirical juridical study with a case study approach, involving in-depth interviews with customary leaders, religious scholars, and local community members, as well as analysis of legal and customary documents aimed at obtaining scientifically accountable conclusions. The conclusion of this study is that there are significant differences between Islamic inheritance law and customary inheritance law, particularly regarding the distribution of inherited assets. Islamic inheritance law, based on the Quran and Hadith, regulates the distribution more rigidly and in detail, whereas customary inheritance law is more flexible and often adjusts to the social and economic conditions of the family. However, a convergence was found where the Sarolangun community integrates both legal systems to achieve justice and harmony in the distribution of inheritance. The study also found that in practice, many families choose to follow customary inheritance law first and then adapt to the provisions of Islamic inheritance law. This reflects a dynamic and complementary adaptation between the two legal systems.