BUILDING CIVILISED FAMILY RELATIONS: TOWARDS A NEW DISCOURSE OF FAMILY FIQH IN THE MILLENNIAL ERA

Abstract

In the context of the complex family life in the millennial era today, a fresh Islamic family legal discourse (family fiqh) is necessary in laying the foundation for civilised and just family relations that uphold humanity values. One stream of contemporary Islamic thought that strongly argues for this new discourse of family fiqh is progressive Islam. This school of thought firmly believes that all human beings are equal and must receive fair treatment at all levels of life, including in family relations. This paper seeks to examine how  progressive Islam proposes this new discourse of family fiqh that reflects and accommodates the values of equality, justice and humanity. It will be argued that in this view of progressive Islam,
there is a need for transformation towards a new family fiqh which upholds human values and equality whilst delivering Islamic thought acceptable to all circles and compatible with family life demands in the millennial era. The paper will also shed some light on the importance of premarital education based on this new discourse of family fiqh.