SOFT LAW DALAM ENAKMEN KELUARGA ISLAM: ANALISIS CEASE AND DESIST SEBAGAI ALTERNATIF KEPADA PERINTAH KOMITAL

SOFT LAW IN ISLAMIC FAMILY LAW ENACTMENTS: AN ANALYSIS OF CEASE AND DESIST AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO COMMITTAL ORDERS

الملخص

The failure of former husbands to comply with maintenance orders remains a persistent issue in the enforcement of Islamic family law in Malaysia, with direct consequences for the welfare of wives and children. Existing mechanisms, such as committal orders, are often perceived as overly harsh and carry social and professional implications, particularly for civil servants. This article analyses the need for soft law instruments, such as cease and desist–type warning notices, as an early preventive approach in the enforcement of maintenance orders. The study adopts a qualitative approach through semi-structured interviews with three experienced Syariah and civil lawyers. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and doctrinal analysis. The findings indicate that warning notices issued by Syariah law firms have the potential to encourage voluntary compliance and serve as evidence of preliminary efforts prior to legal action. Although not legally binding, this approach is consistent with the principles of maqasid al-shariah and the doctrine of sadd al-zara’i, which emphasise the prevention of harm. The article recommends that this practice be standardised as acomplement to existing enforcement mechanisms within the Syariah Courts.. 

Abstrak

Kegagalan bekas suami mematuhi perintah nafkah kekal menjadi isu berlarutan dalam penguatkuasaan undang-undang keluarga Islam di Malaysia, dengan kesan langsung terhadap kebajikan isteri dan anak-anak. Mekanisme sedia ada seperti perintah komital sering dianggap terlalu keras dan membawa implikasi sosial serta profesional, khususnya kepada penjawat awam. Artikel ini menganalisis keperluan instrumen soft law seperti notis amaran berunsur cease and desist sebagai pendekatan pencegahan awal dalam penguatkuasaan perintah nafkah. Kajian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif melalui temu bual separa berstruktur bersama tiga orang peguam syarie dan sivil berpengalaman. Data dianalisis menggunakan analisis tematik dan analisis doktrin. Dapatan menunjukkan bahawa notis amaran daripada firma guaman syarie berpotensi mendorong pematuhan sukarela dan berfungsi sebagai bukti usaha awal sebelum tindakan undang-undang diambil. Walaupun tidak mengikat secara perundangan, pendekatan ini selari dengan maqasid al-syariah dan kaedah sadd al-zara’i yang menekankan pencegahan kemudaratan. Artikel mencadangkan penyeragaman amalan ini sebagai pelengkap kepada mekanisme penguatkuasaan sedia ada di Mahkamah Syariah.