Family Responsibilities in Fulfilling the Rights of Family Members with Mental Health Disorders: Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah Perspective
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64691/byh4f103Keywords:
Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah, Mental Health, Family Responsibilities, ḥifẓ al-Nafs, ḥifẓ al-ʿAqlAbstract
Mental health issues within the family raise questions under Islamic law when the obligation to provide protection conflicts with the individual family member’s autonomy, dignity, privacy, and human rights. Mental health studies have predominantly focused on medical, psychological, and policy aspects. In contrast, the construction of family responsibility through the lens of maqāṣid al-sharīʿah (the objectives of Islamic law) has not been adequately formulated—particularly regarding protection standards and the limits of family intervention. This research aims to construct a framework for family responsibility toward members with mental health disorders, identify the rights that must be fulfilled, and define the limits of family authority based on maqāṣid al-sharīʿah. Using a normative legal research method, this study draws on conceptual, maqāṣid al-sharīʿah, and statutory approaches through a literature review of primary and secondary legal materials, fiqh literature, maqāṣid scholarship, mental health regulations, and relevant academic studies. A normative-qualitative analysis identified norms of responsibility and rights, linked them to ḥifẓ al-nafs (preservation of life) and ḥifẓ al-ʿaql (preservation of intellect), and assessed the proportionality of family intervention based on public interest (maṣlaḥah), justice, dignity, and autonomy. The findings establish three key standards: families must ensure basic needs, access to care, social support, and protection against discrimination; preserving life and intellect requires supportive, recovery-oriented action; and the member’s capacity constrains family authority, will, privacy, and best interests. Intervention is justified only when necessary to prevent serious harm while respecting individual rights. These findings affirm maqāṣid al-sharīʿah as the normative foundation for a model of family responsibility that is protective, proportionate, and rights-oriented.
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