Islamic Legal Analysis of the Dual Income No Kids (DINK) Phenomenon from the Perspective of Maqashid al-Shari’ah and the Theory of Maslahah

Abstract

Dual Income No Kids (DINK) is a lifestyle choice in which married couples consciously decide not to have children in pursuit of careers, financial stability, or personal freedom. This phenomenon raises normative issues in Islam because it is not in line with the objectives of marriage, namely, to preserve lineage (hifz al-nasl) and protect life (hifz al-nafs). This article seeks to examine the phenomenon of DINK from the perspective of maqashid al-shariah and the theory of maslahah. The study is descriptive-qualitative research using a normative theological approach. The results show that the DINK decision can be justified according to sharia, provided it is based on considerations of public benefit (maslahah) and legitimate responsibility. However, if it is driven by hedonistic or individualistic motives without a valid sharia-based reason, the decision has the potential to contradict maqashid al-shariah. Therefore, a reflective, adaptive, moderate, and contextual approach in Islamic law is needed to respond to this social phenomenon, to ensure alignment with the objectives of marriage in sharia, as well as the goal of forming an excellent generation in Islam.