Premarital pregnancy among the Malays in Selangor : an analysis of the Malady and the Remedy from Qur`anic paradigm

Abstract

This research concerns premarital pregnancy in Selangor starting from the definition of premarital pregnancy, related laws, its prevalence in Malaysia especially in Selangor, its factors and solutions. Premarital pregnancy is the result of premarital sex, which is considered a crime in Islam. As Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country, the government sets laws dealing with the offences for this crime. This study describes the crime and its offences as well as its enforcement and related issues. It examines the recorded cases of premarital pregnancy in Malaysia, and the treatment offered by the government and NGOs. It identifies the factors of premarital pregnancy among Malays in Selangor. Interview questions were used to collect the data. The interviews were held in two rehabilitation centres in Selangor; Taman Seri Puteri Cheras and Pusat Perlindungan Wanita Baitul Ehsan, Sabak Bernam. These interviews involved 20 participants who were all Malay women who became pregnant outside of wedlock. The findings indicated the factors of their involvement in such cases were all about the “self”. The “self” is derived from the attitude of stubbornness, rebellion, peer pressure, and lust. These four factors reflect that the participants were having problems with themselves. Another primary focus of this research was to address the remedies derived from the Qur’an. As the research found that the “self” is a significant factor in the cases of premarital pregnancy, the research asserts the remedy for the problem. The research examines the Qur’anic verses that offer solutions which cover (1) internal, (2) external, and (3) practical dimensions. The internal treatment here refers to the purpose of life, patience and prayer, restraining desires, and ‘aql (reason). Hijab, covering the ‘aurah, lowering the gaze, and keeping away from khalwah are identified as external treatments. The the ultimate solution for premarital pregnancy derived from practical treatments. This includes the Story of Yusuf a.s., the story of the old man’s daughters, and Qur’anic education.