The Integration of Fiqh and Customary Values in Malay Riau Marriage Practices: An Islamic Social Ethics Perspective

Abstrak

The traditional marriage ceremony of the Malay Riau community reflects a harmonious integration between Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) and deeply rooted local customs. In practice, marriage is not merely a legal or emotional union, but a social and moral institution that embodies respect, honor, and collective responsibility. This study aims to explore how Islamic legal values are incorporated into the customary system of Malay Riau marriage and how this integration represents a balance between religious norms and cultural identity. Using a qualitative descriptive approach through literature review and field observation, this research reveals that essential fiqh principles—such as intention (niyyah), marriage contract (ijab qabul), and mutual responsibility between spouses—are expressed in local rituals and symbols that uphold Islamic law. The integration between fiqh and adat demonstrates that Malay traditions do not contradict Islam; instead, they enrich its social and ethical meaning in daily life. Consequently, the Malay Riau marriage tradition serves as a living example of how Islamic law and local wisdom can synergize to strengthen social ethics and sustain Islamic values within the community.