Pre-marital Education for Prospective Brides and Grooms in Realizing Harmonious Families in Muslim Communities

Abstract

Marriage is a sacred institution in Islam aimed at establishing a harmonious, loving, and compassionate family. However, the reality is that divorce rates remain relatively high. In 2023, there were only 751 marriages, while there were 996 divorce cases. In 2024, there were 685 marriages, while the number of divorce cases reached 799. Despite the implementation of the Pre-marriage course program by Marriage Guidance and Preservation Advisory Board in accordance with the regulations of the Director General of Islamic Community Guidance, No. DJ.II/491 of 2009 and DJ.II/542 of 2013. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the premarital counseling program course in reducing divorce rates and to identify the challenges faced in West Sumatera in its implementation. This research uses a qualitative approach with field research methods through interviews, the Office of Religious Affairs, and course participants. The results of the study indicate that the implementation of the course has not been optimal due to several factors, including weak regulations (no sanctions for those who do not participate), lack of socialization, time constraints, costs that are considered burdensome, and minimal support from related parties. In addition, several external factors such as intervention by individuals and the transfer of authority to the Office of Religious Affairs also pose obstacles. Therefore, regulatory strengthening, inter-agency synergy, and a more massive education strategy are needed so that the premarital counseling program course can truly serve as a preventive instrument in reducing the divorce rate.