The Implications of Fazlur Rahman's Double Movement Theory on the Legality of Virtual Marriage in Islamic Law

Implikasi Teori Double Movement Fazlur Rahman terhadap Legalitas Pernikahan Virtual dalam Hukum Islam

Abstract

This article examines the implications of Fazlur Rahman’s Double Movement Theory for assessing the legality of virtual marriage in Islamic law. It responds to the expansion of digital communication in Muslim family life after the COVID-19 pandemic, which has intensified debates on ijab and qabul, guardianship, witness presence, identity verification, electronic evidence, registration, and the protection of spouses and children. Using a qualitative hermeneutic-legal approach, this study analyzes Islamic legal texts, contemporary scholarly debates, fatwa and regulatory responses, and comparative practices in several Muslim jurisdictions. The findings show that virtual marriage cannot be judged solely by the physical co-presence of the contracting parties. Its validity must be evaluated through the substantive objectives of Islamic marriage law, including valid consent, contractual clarity, reliable witnessing, legal certainty, protection of lineage, public accountability, and prevention of harm. Through the Double Movement framework, this study argues that virtual marriage may be legally recognized only when all pillars and requirements of marriage are fulfilled through reliable electronic procedures, supported by verified identity, real-time communication, credible witnesses, official supervision, authenticated electronic evidence, and enforceable registration. Conversely, virtual marriage should be restricted when digital procedures create uncertainty, enable manipulation, or weaken the protection of women, children, and family rights. The study contributes an integrative framework that connects Islamic legal hermeneutics, maqasid-oriented reasoning, and practical safeguards for digital family law reform.

Artikel ini mengkaji implikasi Teori Double Movement Fazlur Rahman dalam menilai legalitas pernikahan virtual dalam hukum Islam. Kajian ini merespons meluasnya penggunaan komunikasi digital dalam kehidupan keluarga Muslim setelah pandemi COVID-19, yang memperkuat perdebatan mengenai ijab dan qabul, perwalian, kehadiran saksi, verifikasi identitas, alat bukti elektronik, pencatatan, serta perlindungan pasangan dan anak. Dengan menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif hermeneutik-yuridis, penelitian ini menganalisis teks hukum Islam, perdebatan akademik kontemporer, respons fatwa dan regulasi, serta praktik komparatif di beberapa yurisdiksi Muslim. Temuan penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pernikahan virtual tidak dapat dinilai semata-mata berdasarkan kehadiran fisik para pihak yang berakad. Keabsahannya harus dievaluasi melalui tujuan substantif hukum perkawinan Islam, meliputi keabsahan persetujuan, kejelasan akad, keandalan saksi, kepastian hukum, perlindungan nasab, akuntabilitas publik, dan pencegahan kemudaratan. Melalui kerangka Double Movement, penelitian ini berargumen bahwa pernikahan virtual dapat diakui secara hukum hanya apabila seluruh rukun dan syarat perkawinan terpenuhi melalui prosedur elektronik yang andal, didukung oleh verifikasi identitas, komunikasi waktu nyata, saksi yang kredibel, pengawasan resmi, autentikasi alat bukti elektronik, dan pencatatan yang mengikat secara hukum. Sebaliknya, pernikahan virtual harus dibatasi ketika prosedur digital menimbulkan ketidakpastian, membuka peluang manipulasi, atau melemahkan perlindungan perempuan, anak, dan hak-hak keluarga. Penelitian ini berkontribusi dengan menawarkan kerangka integratif yang menghubungkan hermeneutika hukum Islam, penalaran berbasis maqasid, dan perlindungan praktis bagi reformasi hukum keluarga digital.