The Practice of Islamic Law in Nusantara Traditional Customs

Abstract

This study explores the practice of Islamic law within Nusantara traditional customs, highlighting the dynamic interplay between religious norms and local cultural practices. Using a qualitative approach, the research investigates how Islamic principles are integrated into adat, focusing on domains such as marriage, inheritance, dispute resolution, and ritual ceremonies. The findings reveal that Islamic law is not applied rigidly; instead, it is interpreted, adapted, and harmonized with local customs to ensure social cohesion, maintain communal identity, and uphold both moral and legal legitimacy. Marriage practices demonstrate the blending of nikah requirements with traditional ceremonies, while inheritance and dispute resolution processes reflect a negotiation between Quranic prescriptions and communal values. Rituals further illustrate how Islamic and customary elements coexist to reinforce cultural meaning and ethical conduct. The study emphasizes the role of religious and adat leaders as mediators who facilitate the integration of normative systems, ensuring that law is culturally resonant and socially accepted. By examining this hybrid legal culture, the research contributes to broader discussions on legal pluralism, demonstrating that Islamic law in Indonesia is both flexible and contextually relevant. The Nusantara experience offers insights for other pluralistic societies, showing that religious norms can coexist with indigenous traditions without compromising ethical or social legitimacy.