Vol.
No.
, p 67-81 DOI:10.
47498/maqasidi.
ISSN: p-2798-981X, e-2798-9801 Marriage Is Scary and Gen ZAos Marriage Readiness:
A Sadd al-DharA'i Perspective Nur Isna Maulidya Putri1.
Siti AAoisyah2 1,2Universitas Al-Qolam Malang.
Indonesia Correspondence Email: nurisnamaulidyaputri22@alqolam.
Abstract The Marriage Is Scary phenomenon among Generation Z has emerged as a socially constructed perception shaped by continuous exposure to digital narratives surrounding marriage.
This phenomenon has contributed to an increasing tendency to postpone marriage, which, at the societal level, is reflected in the declining marriage rate observed in recent years.
However, such postponement should not be interpreted as a rejection of marriage.
rather, it represents a cautious and reflective process through which young people seek to ensure their psychological, emotional, and social readiness before entering marital life.
This study examines the influence of the Marriage Is Scary phenomenon on Generation Z's marriage readiness through the lens of Sadd al-DharA'i as a normative framework in Islamic law.
Employing a qualitative descriptive-analytical approach, the study draws on interviews with university students living in two contrasting social environments: an open environment characterized by intensive social media exposure and an Islamic boarding school .
environment where social media use is more closely regulated.
The findings reveal that the Marriage Is Scary phenomenon primarily affects psychological and social dimensions of marriage readiness without fostering anti-marriage attitudes.
Among Generation Z raised in religious environments, the phenomenon is instead internalized as a means of cultivating prudence and strengthening preparedness for marriage.
From the perspective of Sadd alDharA'i, the phenomenon can be understood as a condition requiring preventive management to avoid potential social harm .
while simultaneously promoting the realization of marital welfare .
in accordance with the objectives of Islamic law .
aqAid al-shara.
Consequently, this perspective encourages Generation Z to develop greater readiness to navigate the challenges of married life and to establish families founded upon social values and the Islamic ideal of a sakinah, mawaddah, and raumah marriage.
Keywords: Marriage Is Scary phenomenon.
Generation Z.
Marriage Readiness.
Sadd alDharA'i.
Introduction Marriage constitutes a fundamental social and religious institution that plays a pivotal role in preserving the moral, cultural, and spiritual values of Indonesian From an Islamic perspective, marriage is understood as a sacred covenant that embodies both an act of worship .
bAda.
and a profound moral responsibility, as reflected in the saying of the Prophet Muhammad .
eace be upon hi.
: AuMarriage is part of my Sunnah, and whoever turns away from my Sunnah is not of meAy .
uu al-BukhAr and auu Musli.
Beyond its religious significance, marriage is regarded as a means https://ejournal.
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1 June 2026 of attaining psychological tranquility, fostering social harmony, and ensuring the continuity of future generations.
Within the Indonesian cultural context, marriage extends beyond a contractual union between two individuals.
it represents a social commitment deeply rooted in religious values, collective responsibilities, and emotional bonds.
Nevertheless, rapid social transformation has substantially reshaped both the perception and practice of marriage, particularly within contemporary According to data released by Indonesia's National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) in 2023, marriage rates have steadily declined in recent years, particularly among individuals aged 20Ae24 yearsAia demographic that largely represents Generation ZAiwith an average annual decrease of approximately 2.
This decline should not be interpreted as evidence of an outright rejection of marriage.
rather, it reflects an increasing tendency among young people to postpone In this study.
Generation Z refers to individuals born between 1995 and 2012, who were between 13 and 30 years old in 2025.
As the first generation to mature within the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Society 5.
Generation Z has experienced unprecedented integration of digital technologies into virtually every aspect of social life (Sutrisno, 2018.
Irwansyah, 2019.
Rahmawati, 2.
Consequently, social media has become the primary platform through which they acquire, interpret, and construct knowledge.
The rapid, instantaneous, and fragmented nature of digital information consumption has significantly influenced Generation Z's perceptions of various aspects of life, including marriage (Tapscott, 2009.
Prensky, 2.
Continuous exposure to digital content portraying marital conflict, divorce, and failed intimate relationships has contributed to the social construction of marriage as an institution characterized by uncertainty, vulnerability, and risk (Hidayati, 2.
Previous studies have demonstrated that Generation Z individuals who experience intensive social media exposure tend to report higher levels of marriage-related anxiety than those raised in environments where social media use is more carefully regulated (Sari, 2022.
Rahmawati & Aziz, 2023.
Putra & Lestari, 2.
Within Indonesia's socio-religious context, religious educational institutions such as pesantren (Islamic boarding school.
also function as important spaces for value formation and normative guidance in digital media consumption, thereby encouraging a more reflective and cautious understanding of marriage among young people.
The phenomenon has become widely recognized through the expression Marriage Is Scary, which reflects Generation Z's fear of marriage shaped by digital narratives and shared social experiences.
This apprehension encompasses concerns about marital failure, financial burdens, post-marital social expectations, the perceived loss of personal freedom, as well as anxieties surrounding patriarchal culture and the complexities of spousal relationships (Khafsoh, 2.
The Marriage Is Scary discourse not only reinforces negative perceptions of marriage but also has the potential to https://ejournal.
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1 June 2026 weaken Generation Z's confidence in marriage as a sacred and meaningful institution (Syafiq, 2.
Nevertheless, this phenomenon should not be interpreted as a rejection of marriage itself.
Rather, it reflects a growing tendency among young people to approach marriage with greater caution, often resulting in the deliberate postponement of marriage as a process of self-reflection and personal preparation (Adhani & Aripudin, 2.
Marriage readiness is a multidimensional construct encompassing psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions.
Psychologically, it involves emotional maturity, effective stress management, and interpersonal communication skills.
Socially, it includes financial independence, preparedness to assume family responsibilities, and the ability to adapt to new social environments.
From a spiritual perspective, particularly within Islam, marriage is regarded as an act of worship .
bAda.
that requires moral consciousness, personal responsibility, and a long-term commitment to family life (Wulandari, 2024.
Syafiq, 2.
Deficiencies in any of these dimensions may increase the likelihood of marital conflict and relational instability, thereby undermining broader social cohesion.
Within the framework of Islamic law, marriage is understood not merely as a social contract but also as an act of worship intended to safeguard human welfare .
Consequently, the Marriage Is Scary phenomenon warrants examination through a normative legal framework capable of assessing the relationship between means and consequences.
One of the most relevant approaches within ul al-fiqh is the doctrine of Sadd al-DharA'i, a method of Islamic legal reasoning .
stinbA) that seeks to prevent actions or means .
likely to lead to harm .
(Al-Qarafi, n.
This doctrine was developed primarily within the MAlik and anbal schools of Islamic jurisprudence and is grounded in the principle of itibAr al-maAlAt, namely, the consideration of the foreseeable consequences of human actions (Ibn Qayyim, 2003.
Al-Zuhaili, 1.
Viewed through this perspective, digital narratives surrounding the Marriage Is Scary phenomenon may function as a dharah capable of undermining the moral and social significance of marriage if left unregulated.
When fear-based narratives are consumed uncritically and without normative guidance, they may evolve into pathways leading to broader social harm, particularly by diminishing marriage readiness and undermining the objectives of Islamic law in preserving lineage .
ife al-nas.
and human dignity .
ife al-ir.
(Munawaroh, 2022.
Salsabila.
Accordingly, this study investigates the impact of the Marriage Is Scary phenomenon on Generation Z's marriage readiness while examining its implications through the perspective of Sadd al-DharA'i as a preventive framework within Islamic legal thought.
Against this background, the present study addresses two interrelated research First, it examines how the Marriage Is Scary phenomenon influences the marriage readiness of Generation Z, a generation that has grown up in a highly https://ejournal.
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This inquiry seeks to understand the extent to which these narratives shape Generation Z's attitudes, perceptions, and orientations toward marriage as a social institution.
Second, the study explores the phenomenon through the perspective of Sadd al-DharA'i as a preventive approach in Islamic law, assessing its potential to prevent pathways leading to social harm .
while reinforcing the values of public welfare .
embedded in the institution of marriage.
integrating empirical findings with Islamic legal theory, this study aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how Generation Z perceives marriage and to propose a normative framework for restoring the positive meaning of marriage within contemporary society.
Research Method This study employed a qualitative approach using a descriptive-analytical design to examine the impact of the Marriage Is Scary phenomenon on Generation Z's marriage readiness through the perspective of the Sadd al-DharA'i doctrine.
qualitative approach was considered appropriate because the study seeks to explore meanings, perceptions, and social constructions surrounding marriage among Generation Z rather than to quantify causal relationships or behavioral patterns.
The analytical framework was informed by Peter L.
Berger and Thomas Luckmann's theory of social construction, which conceptualizes reality as a dialectical process consisting of externalization, objectification, and internalization.
Within this framework, the Marriage Is Scary phenomenon is understood as a socially constructed reality emerging from Generation Z's interaction with digital narratives, collective social experiences, and the normative values embedded in their respective social Participants were selected through purposive sampling following the approach proposed by Sugiyono.
The study involved twelve undergraduate students from AlQolam University.
Malang, aged between 19 and 23 years.
To examine the influence of different social environments on perceptions of marriage, participants were divided into two groups.
The first group consisted of six students residing in relatively unrestricted social environments characterized by intensive social media exposure, while the second group comprised six students living in pesantren (Islamic boarding school.
, where social media use is subject to greater institutional regulation.
This classification was not intended to distinguish between active and passive social media users in absolute terms but rather to explore how different social contexts shape perceptions and attitudes toward marriage.
Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted both face-to-face and online via WhatsApp and Instagram.
The interview data were complemented by field observations and documentary evidence to enrich contextual https://ejournal.
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1 June 2026 The interview protocol explored participants' perceptions of the Marriage Is Scary phenomenon, the factors contributing to its emergence, their motivations for marriage, and their perceived readiness to enter married life.
Data analysis followed the interactive model proposed by Miles and Huberman, encompassing data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing and The empirical findings were interpreted through the combined analytical lenses of Berger and Luckmann's social construction theory and the preventive legal reasoning embodied in the Sadd al-DharA'i doctrine, particularly its emphasis on preventing mafsadah .
ocial har.
To enhance the credibility and trustworthiness of the findings, the study employed source and methodological triangulation by comparing data obtained from participants representing different social Result and Discussion The interview findings were analyzed through the lens of Berger and Luckmann's social construction theory, revealing that the Marriage Is Scary phenomenon among Generation Z develops through three interrelated dialectical processes: externalization, objectification, and internalization.
During the externalization stage, most participants reported that they first encountered the Marriage Is Scary discourse through social media platforms and interactions with their This finding supports previous studies demonstrating that intensive engagement with digital media significantly reinforces perceptions of marriagerelated fear among Generation Z.
The objectification stage was characterized by the emergence of a shared social narrative in which marriage is increasingly portrayed as a risky and burdensome Interview data indicate that the widespread circulation of digital content depicting financial pressures, marital conflict, divorce, and post-marital trauma has transformed individual experiences into collectively accepted social realities.
As these narratives are repeatedly reproduced through digital platforms and interpersonal interactions, they become normalized and shape common understandings of marriage among young people.
At the internalization stage, these socially constructed narratives are absorbed into participants' personal value systems and influence their attitudes toward This process was reflected in respondents' expressions of hesitation, greater selectivity in choosing a life partner, and a tendency to postpone marriage until they perceived themselves to be psychologically, socially, and economically prepared.
Rather than fostering outright rejection of marriage, the internalization of the Marriage Is Scary discourse encourages a more cautious and reflective approach to marital https://ejournal.
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1 June 2026 Overall, the findings demonstrate that the social construction of the Marriage Is Scary phenomenon emerges through the dynamic interaction between digital media exposure, social environments, and individual processes of internalization.
These interconnected processes collectively shape Generation Z's perceptions of marriage, influence their attitudes toward marital commitment, and affect their level of marriage Table 1.
Interview Findings from Six Generation Z Participants Living in High Social Media Exposure Environments.
Participant (Ag.
Anggun Putri Rahayu .
Siti Aliyatul Maulidia Rifada Sagna Firdausi .
Malik Anwar .
Muh.
Amir Amrulloh Study Program Islamic Religious Education Islamic Law Family Mathematics Education Islamic Law Islamic Law Family Family Externalization (How Participants First Encountered the Marriage Is Scary Phenomeno.
Became familiar with the Marriage Is Scary trend through TikTok.
The portrays marriage as both frightening and meaningful, containing positive messages.
Learned phenomenon through social media.
Interprets Marriage Is Scary as fear recognizing both its negative and positive Encountered the trend TikTok.
Perceives that negative portrayals of marriage positive ones.
Recognized portraying marriage as numerous reports of marital problems, while positive aspects.
Learned about the trend through various social Believes fear of marriage exposure to negative Objectification (Collective Framing of the Marriage Is Scary Narrativ.
Internalization (Personal Attitudes and Marriage Readines.
The significantly influenced perceptions of marriage, frightening only when entered with the wrong Feels about marriage but does not reject it.
Prefers to postpone marriage in order to Believes Generation Z to learn from others' experiences and strive to build healthy and successful Does particularly anxious education and career Acknowledges that the perceptions of marriage but believes marriage will not be frightening when shared with the right partner.
Does Views the motivation for selfimprovement preparation for finding compatible spouse.
Considers marriage a and careful preparation in multiple aspects of Chooses to postpone deepening knowledge about marriage and engaging in personal reflection and selfdevelopment.
Views marriage as a serious commitment that requires comprehensive Believes the trend should encourage Generation Z to think Does Believes demonstrated through https://ejournal.
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Encountered the trend Instagram.
TikTok, and X.
Perceives marriage as often falling short of expectations, despite some positive more critically Acknowledges that the discourse generates fear among Generation Z but motivate young people to prepare for marriage exclusively on negative overwhelmed by fear.
Does Considers postponing marriage a rational decision that personal maturity and entering married life.
The interview findings indicate that the Marriage Is Scary phenomenon among Generation Z is largely shaped by intensive exposure to social media, particularly through platforms such as TikTok.
Instagram, and X.
The dominant narratives portrayed on these platforms frequently depict marriage as an institution characterized by challenges, uncertainty, and risk.
Although these narratives also convey positive messages emphasizing the importance of psychological, emotional, and social preparedness before marriage, negative representations remain considerably more prevalent.
As a result.
Generation Z has developed a shared understanding that a successful marriage cannot be achieved without adequate preparation and the presence of a compatible life partner.
At the stage of internalization, these narratives do not necessarily foster antimarriage attitudes.
Instead, they encourage Generation Z to adopt a more critical and reflective perspective toward marriage.
Many participants expressed a preference for postponing marriage in order to prioritize self-development, higher education, career advancement, and a deeper understanding of the responsibilities and meaning of marital life.
These findings suggest that, rather than discouraging marriage altogether, the Marriage Is Scary phenomenon functions as a mechanism through which Generation Z cultivates greater awareness, prudence, and preparedness in approaching marriage as a long-term commitment.
Table 2.
Interview Findings from Six Generation Z Participants Living in Environments with More Regulated Social Media Use Respondent (Name and Ag.
Afida Rahma Shintiya .
years ol.
Study Program
EXTERNALIZATION
(Classification of the Process through Which Generation Z Forms Its Perceptions "Marriage Is Scary" Issu.
OBJECTIFICATION (Classification of the Social Narrative Framing Pattern of Generation Z Regarding "Marriage Is Scary") INTERNALIZATION (Classification of the Process Value Internalization Attitude Formation of Generation Z toward the "Marriage Is Scary" Phenomeno.
Islamic Family Law Learned about the trend through TikTok.
Marriage Is Scary is perceived as a depiction of marriage as many negative portrayals Marriage should be built upon faith rather than The generated by this trend Not afraid, but uncertain that marriage may not Therefore, the trend serves as a medium for https://ejournal.
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Wirda Jamillatun NisaAo years ol.
Indana Zulfa years ol.
Nur Yaqin Zakaria .
years ol.
Maulana Saufil Ula years ol.
Jibran Hakim years ol.
English Language Education The narrative of fear of marriage is widespread across social media.
Its predominantly negative due to the abundance of stories about marital problems, although the trend also has positive MAQASIDI: Jurnal Syariah dan Hukum Vol.
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1 June 2026 Generation Z to become more selective and wise self-reflection choosing a life partner.
The trend is intimidating and strongly influences marriage readiness.
encourages individuals prepared and self-aware before entering married Afraid, but not to the Marriage should take place when it aligns with Islamic teachings and Mathematics Education The fear of marriage narrative spread through Nevertheless, the trend also contains positive Marriage frightening, as reflected in the Marriage Is Scary narrative, but this also signifies that marriage requires comprehensive preparation in every aspect of life.
Islamic Family Law The fear of marriage circulated across social Its influence is largely negative because of the many reported although it also offers positive lessons.
Marriage Therefore, the Marriage Is Scary trend should reshape Generation Z's mindset so they become better prepared to enter marriage based on the principles of Islamic law.
Sharia Economic Law The narrative of fear of marriage is widespread Although it is dominated by negative stories about marriage, the trend also positive lessons.
English Language Education Learned about the trend through the X platform.
Marriage Is Scary reflects fear of marriage due to negative narratives, but individuals should focus on its positive lessons Marriage requires careful and thorough preparation.
This people to focus on its positive aspects so they maturely for married The narrative may make Generation Z feel afraid of marriage, but it themselves for marriage, solely on its negative https://ejournal.
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php/maqasidi Afraid, and therefore intends to postpone marriage until fully prepared in every aspect.
She also chooses to avoid relationships to prevent ending up with the wrong partner, as is often portrayed among today's Not afraid, and plans to prepared both physically and spiritually, so that the marriage can be carried out in accordance social realities while remaining guided by Islamic principles.
Not afraid, because the trend encourages greater Delaying marriage due Not afraid, because the trend motivates greater personal preparedness.
Postponing until one is truly ready is viewed as a wise choice in today's context.
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Marriage Is Scary and Gen ZAos Marriage ReadinessA Nur Isna Maulidya Putri & Siti AAoisyah MAQASIDI: Jurnal Syariah dan Hukum Vol.
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1 June 2026 Based on the interview findings, it can be concluded that the Marriage Is Scary phenomenon does not foster fear of marriage among Generation Z participants living in pesantren (Islamic boarding schoo.
Although the respondents were familiar with the Marriage Is Scary discourse through social media, their exposure was relatively limited and predominantly consisted of negative narratives surrounding marital life.
Nevertheless, the religious values, normative guidance, and strong foundation in Islamic family jurisprudence .
iqh al-usra.
cultivated within the pesantren environment enabled participants to interpret these narratives critically.
Rather than perceiving them as reasons to reject marriage, participants regarded them as reminders of the importance of adequate preparation before entering married life.
Consequently, most respondents expressed no fear of marriage.
instead, they preferred to postpone marriage until they considered themselves both psychologically and spiritually prepared in accordance with Islamic teachings.
These findings suggest that, within the pesantren context, the Marriage Is Scary phenomenon functions primarily as a catalyst for self-reflection and enhanced marriage readiness rather than as a factor contributing to anti-marriage attitudes.
A comparative analysis of the findings presented in Tables 1 and 2 demonstrates that the Marriage Is Scary phenomenon among Generation Z is socially constructed through exposure to digital narratives, regardless of whether individuals reside in environments characterized by intensive social media exposure or in settings where digital media use is more carefully regulated.
While differences in social environments influence both the intensity of media exposure and the interpretation of marriage-related narratives, they do not produce fundamentally different attitudes toward marriage itself.
Participants living in environments with high levels of social media exposure reported more frequent encounters with negative portrayals of marriage, leading them to develop more critical and reflective attitudes that encouraged caution and the postponement of marriage until adequate personal readiness had been achieved.
In contrast, participants residing in pesantren environments interpreted similar narratives more selectively due to the influence of religious values, normative guidance, and a stronger understanding of Islamic family Although these differing social contexts shaped the process of internalization in distinct ways, both groups ultimately shared a common orientation: neither rejected marriage as an institution.
Instead, the Marriage Is Scary phenomenon served as a mechanism for cultivating greater awareness, prudence, and preparedness, encouraging Generation Z to approach marriage with both rational consideration and religious responsibility.
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1 June 2026 The Impact of the Marriage Is Scary Phenomenon on Generation ZAos Marriage Readiness The Marriage Is Scary phenomenon has a direct influence on the formation of marriage readiness among Generation Z, particularly across the psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions.
The interview findings indicate that negative narratives surrounding marriage circulated through social media contribute to the development of cautious attitudes and an increasing tendency to postpone marriage among young However, this influence does not translate into a rejection of marriage.
Instead, it encourages the reinterpretation of marriage as a serious, long-term commitment that requires comprehensive psychological, emotional, social, and normative preparedness (Putra & Lestari, 2.
Among Generation Z participants living in environments characterized by intensive social media exposure, the Marriage Is Scary phenomenon appears to reduce psychological readiness in the short term.
Continuous exposure to digital narratives portraying marital conflict, divorce, and failed relationships generates feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, and concerns about personal inadequacy.
Nevertheless, these emotional responses do not remain confined to fear alone.
Rather, they evolve into a process of critical self-reflection that motivates participants to strengthen their psychological readiness, enhance emotional maturity, and exercise greater discernment in selecting a life partner before entering marriage (Wulandari, 2.
From a social perspective, the phenomenon also reshapes how Generation Z understands the responsibilities associated with marriage, particularly with regard to economic preparedness, financial independence, and the capacity to fulfill family Marriage is increasingly perceived as an institution that demands careful planning and the ability to navigate the complexities of family life.
Consequently, postponing marriage is viewed as a rational strategy for minimizing the risks of marital conflict and relationship failure, which are frequently highlighted in digital media narratives (Nasution & Putri, 2.
In contrast, among Generation Z participants living in environments where social media use is more carefully regulatedAiparticularly within pesantren (Islamic boarding schoo.
communitiesAithe Marriage Is Scary phenomenon exerts a considerably weaker influence on marriage readiness.
The religious environment functions as a normative filter through which digital narratives are critically evaluated and transformed into opportunities for self-reflection rather than sources of fear.
Within this context, marriage readiness is understood as part of one's religious devotion .
bAda.
and moral responsibility under Islamic law.
Consequently, concerns about marriage do not develop into excessive anxiety but instead serve as motivation to prepare oneself physically, emotionally, spiritually, and morally in accordance with Islamic teachings (Khafsoh, 2.
Taken together, these findings suggest that the principal impact of the Marriage Is Scary phenomenon lies not in fostering anti-marriage attitudes but in reshaping https://ejournal.
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1 June 2026 Generation Z's orientation toward marriage readiness.
Rather than discouraging marriage, the phenomenon encourages young people to approach marriage with greater awareness, selectivity, and maturity.
Its influence, however, varies according to the intensity of digital media exposure and the normative characteristics of individuals' social and religious environments.
Accordingly, the Marriage Is Scary phenomenon can be understood not as a deterrent to marriage but as a catalyst for cultivating more deliberate and responsible preparation for married life (Rahmawati & Aziz, 2.
Examining the Marriage Is Scary Phenomenon Through the Doctrine of Sadd alDharA'i From the perspective of the Sadd al-DharA'i doctrine, the Marriage Is Scary phenomenon among Generation Z may be understood as a dharah .
that has the potential to lead to mafsadah .
ocial har.
if left unmanaged and without appropriate normative guidance.
The widespread circulation of fear-based narratives about marriage on social media is, in principle, mubAu .
, as it represents personal experiences, individual opinions, and collective reflections on contemporary marital life.
However, when such narratives become predominantly negative and gradually shape collective perceptions that undermine confidence in marriage as a sacred institution, they may function as a dharah leading to broader social harm.
Such harm includes the erosion of the sacred value of marriage in Islam and a shift in young people's understanding of marriage from a religious commitment to a source of fear and uncertainty (Khafsoh, 2.
Within the framework of Sadd al-DharA'i, legal evaluation is determined not only by the apparent nature of an act but also by its foreseeable consequences .
tibAr al-maAlA.
Continuous exposure to the Marriage Is Scary discourse without critical reflection or normative guidance may cultivate excessive pessimism toward marriage, heighten fear and anxiety, and encourage the disproportionate postponement of These consequences may ultimately undermine the objectives of Islamic law .
aqAid al-shara.
, particularly the preservation of lineage .
ife al-nas.
, family stability, and social order.
Accordingly, although the Marriage Is Scary discourse does not explicitly discourage marriage, the predominance of its negative social consequences warrants its consideration as a dharah whose harmful potential should be regulated and mitigated (Ibn Qayyim, 2003.
Al-Zuhaili, 1.
Classical discussions of Sadd al-DharA'i classify means according to the probability and predominance of the harm they are likely to produce.
Within this framework, the Marriage Is Scary phenomenon may be categorized as a dharah that ghAliban .
tends toward harm when the narratives surrounding marriage remain unbalanced and are not accompanied by a comprehensive understanding of marriage from the perspective of Islamic teachings.
This tendency is https://ejournal.
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1 June 2026 reflected in the emergence of marriage-related anxiety and growing skepticism toward marriage among some members of Generation Z, often outweighing efforts to cultivate constructive readiness for married life.
Consequently, the doctrine of Sadd al-DharA'i calls for normative intervention aimed at limiting or regulating such pathways before their harmful consequences become more pervasive and socially systemic (Salsabila.
Applying the doctrine of Sadd al-DharA'i to the Marriage Is Scary phenomenon should not be interpreted as advocating the suppression of public discussion about Rather, it seeks to guide public discourse in a manner that remains consistent with the objectives of Islamic law.
This approach is grounded in the legal maxim dar al-mafAsid muqaddam alA jalb al-maAliu ("preventing harm takes precedence over promoting benefit"), which emphasizes that the prevention of harm should be prioritized over the attainment of benefit.
Consequently, digital narratives that have the potential to normalize fear of marriage should be balanced through educational and normative initiatives that reaffirm marriage as an act of worship, a moral responsibility, and a means of establishing a family grounded in malauah .
ublic welfar.
(Munawaroh, 2.
In this regard, religious educational environments such as pesantren (Islamic boarding school.
may be viewed as practical manifestations of the Sadd al-DharA'i principle within contemporary society.
In these settings, the Marriage Is Scary discourse is not internalized as a justification for rejecting marriage but is selectively interpreted as a reminder of the importance of entering marriage with adequate preparation.
The findings demonstrate that strengthening religious values and normative guidance can effectively prevent the harmful potential of the same digital narratives, transforming them from possible sources of social harm into opportunities for self-reflection, personal development, and enhanced marriage readiness (Syafiq, 2.
Overall, the Marriage Is Scary phenomenon should be understood, through the perspective of Sadd al-DharA'i, as a contemporary social reality that requires preventive management rather than outright rejection or neglect.
When these narratives are appropriately directed through educational, religious, and normative approaches, their potential harmful effects can be minimized while preserving the benefits and sanctity of marriage.
This perspective is consistent with the Qur'anic injunction in Q.
17:32.
AuDo not even approach unlawful sexual intercourse .
inA)Ay, which illustrates that Islamic law not only prohibits zinA itself but also seeks to prevent all pathways .
harA'.
that may lead to it.
In this context, excessive and unmanaged fear of marriage may itself become one such pathway by distancing young people from lawful marriage and increasing the risk of relationships outside the ethical framework of Islamic law.
Therefore, managing the Marriage Is Scary discourse through the doctrine of Sadd al-DharA'i represents a preventive strategy for safeguarding both human dignity .
ife al-ir.
and lineage .
ife al-nas.
, two essential objectives of the https://ejournal.
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1 June 2026 maqAid al-sharah.
More broadly, these findings demonstrate the methodological adaptability of Islamic law in responding to contemporary digital phenomena while remaining firmly oriented toward the higher objectives of the Sharah (Ibn Qayyim.
Conclusion The findings of this study demonstrate that the Marriage Is Scary phenomenon among Generation Z represents a socially constructed reality shaped by digital narratives surrounding marriage.
Rather than fostering rejection of marriage, the phenomenon primarily reorients young people's understanding of marriage Continuous exposure to predominantly negative narratives encourages greater caution and contributes to the postponement of marriage as a means of achieving more comprehensive psychological, social, and spiritual preparedness.
The study further reveals that social context significantly influences how these narratives are interpreted.
Generation Z individuals living in environments characterized by intensive social media exposure tend to develop more critical and reflective attitudes toward marriage, whereas those residing in pesantren (Islamic boarding schoo.
environments interpret the same narratives through the lens of religious values and normative guidance.
Consequently, the pesantren environment functions as a value-based filter that transforms fear-based digital narratives into opportunities for self-reflection and enhanced marriage readiness rather than antimarriage attitudes.
From the perspective of the Sadd al-DharA'i doctrine, the Marriage Is Scary phenomenon may be understood as a contemporary dharah .
that has the potential to lead to mafsadah .
ocial har.
if left unmanaged.
Accordingly, preventive strategies grounded in normative education, digital literacy, and religious guidance are essential to ensure that digital discourse surrounding marriage remains aligned with the objectives of Islamic law .
aqAid al-shara.
These findings highlight the capacity of Sadd al-DharA'i to serve not only as a classical legal doctrine but also as a dynamic analytical framework for addressing contemporary socio-digital challenges affecting Muslim youth.
By promoting a balanced understanding of marriage as both a moral responsibility and a meaningful lifelong commitment, this approach contributes to the realization of families characterized by sakinah .
, mawaddah .
, and raumah .
Bibliography