Perlindungan Finansial Keluarga Muslim: Analisis Realitas Sandwich Generation Perspektif Maqashid Syariah

Abstract

The sandwich generation, referring to individuals who simultaneously carry the responsibility of supporting their dependent children and elderly parents, has emerged as a significant socioeconomic issue among contemporary Muslim families. On the one hand, Islamic teachings emphasize the duty of honoring and providing care for parents, while on the other hand, parents are also required to ensure the welfare and future development of their children. This research seeks to examine the legal framework governing financial maintenance (nafaqah), determine the order of financial priorities, and propose practical solutions to address the overlapping economic obligations experienced by the sandwich generation from the perspective of Islamic jurisprudence. The study adopts a qualitative library research method using a normative and philosophical approach. The analysis is grounded in the concepts of the hierarchy of maintenance obligations (tartib al-nafaqat), Maqashid Shariah, and the principles of priority jurisprudence (fiqh al-awlawiyyat). The results reveal that Islamic law does not permit the imposition of financial responsibilities beyond an individual's capability, in accordance with the principle of ease and avoidance of hardship (al-yusr). Based on the hierarchy of maintenance obligations, most Islamic legal schools maintain that the financial needs of one's immediate family, particularly a spouse and children, should receive primary consideration when resources are insufficient. Imposing concurrent obligations that compromise the essential needs of children is inconsistent with the objectives of Islamic law, particularly the preservation of lineage (Hifz al-Nasl) and the protection of wealth (Hifz al-Mal). As an equitable legal alternative, the concept of family maintenance for relatives (nafaqah al-aqarib) should be reinterpreted from an exclusive personal duty into a shared and proportional obligation among all eligible children. Consequently, the expenses associated with the care and support of elderly parents should be distributed collectively according to the financial circumstances and capabilities of each child.