Fenomena Childfree di Kalangan Muslim: Analisis Agama, Biopolitik, dan Keadilan Gender serta Implikasinya bagi Pendidikan Agama Islam Transformatif

Abstract

The phenomenon of childfree in contemporary Muslim societies has evolved from a personal choice into a complex sociological debate, situated at the intersection of bodily autonomy, religious norms, and social pressures. This article critically examines the issue through a critical literature review employing three analytical frameworks. First, the deconstruction of religious interpretations on procreation using a progressive maq??id al-shar?‘ah approach. Second, a Foucauldian biopolitical analysis that reveals how religious and state discourses regulate bodies and reproductive choices. Third, an Islamic feminist perspective that exposes gender biases embedded in the construction of motherhood. The findings indicate that although classical Islamic jurisprudence provides potential legitimacy for childfree choices through the principle of ?if? al-nafs (protection of life), such space is often narrowed by the hegemony of pro-natalist discourses. These discourses are frequently instrumentalized by the state and religious institutions as biopolitical tools to manage population. Moreover, the burden of reproduction is disproportionately imposed on women, reinforcing patterns of subordination and restricting their agency in life choices. This situation underscores the urgency of reforming Islamic Religious Education (PAI). Rather than remaining doctrinal and normative, PAI should be reoriented toward a transformative model that promotes critical literacy of texts, upholds gender justice, and recognizes diverse life choices. In doing so, PAI can serve as a more inclusive and relevant learning space, enabling authentic expressions of faith in the modern era.