Understanding the Concept of Ta’aruf in Pre-Marital Relationships: A Study of Family Law Students at UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh

The process of establishing a marriage bond often begins with introductions and the development of rapport between prospective partners. In Islam, this process is guided by the practice of ta'aruf, a method of introduction permitted under the Islamic law. Despite its religious legitimacy, many individuals, particularly students, remain hesitant to engage in ta'aruf, instead favoring alternative forms of introduction, such as dating or unrequited relationships (HTS), which are prohibited in Islam and more prevalent among contemporary youth. This study examines the understanding of family law students at UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh regarding the concept of ta'aruf, its advantages compared to other introduction models, and the factors influencing students' limited interest and readiness to implement it as the initial stage of marriage. A mixed-method approach was employed, involving 100 family law students across three cohorts (2022–2024). Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and observations. Findings indicate that students generally possess theoretical knowledge of ta'aruf and recognize its benefits; however, they lack familiarity with its full procedural implementation. Moreover, many students remain reluctant to choose ta'aruf as their preferred method of acquaintance prior to marriage. The study concludes that a gap exists between students' theoretical understanding of ta'aruf and its practical application. Psychological, social, and educational factors contribute to the preference for alternative introduction methods. The results suggest the need for enhanced education and guidance on Islamic legal values in the premarital process to facilitate not only comprehension but also practical application of ta'aruf in accordance with Islamic law.