The Role of the Mamak Head of Inheritance

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 19 views

The Position of Mamak Head of Inheritance in the Minangkabau Inheritance System: Customary Law Meeting and Islamic Law

Introduction

The Minangkabau community has a unique inheritance system that differs from the inheritance system in Islamic law. In the Minangkabau customary system, heirlooms are collectively reduced to members of the people in the mother lineage (matricinial). Meanwhile, Islamic law regulates inheritance individually, where property is inherited from heirs from the father and mother's line. This article aims to explore the link between the two different systems and the role of the mamak head of the inheritance in the Minangkabau inheritance system.

The Minangkabau Inheritance System: A Unique Approach

The Minangkabau inheritance system is a matrilinial system, where children follow the mother's lineage and become members of their mothers. This system is different from the Islamic inheritance system, which regulates inheritance individually. In the Minangkabau system, heirlooms are collectively reduced to members of the people, regardless of sex. This collective approach is a key characteristic of the Minangkabau inheritance system.

The Islamic Inheritance System: A Comparison

The Islamic inheritance system, on the other hand, regulates inheritance individually, where property is inherited from heirs from the father and mother's line. The division of property is set in the Koran, and it is not distinguished between male and female heirs in receiving heritage. This system is based on the principle of justice, where each heir receives a fair share of the property.

The Principle of Balanced Justice: A Common Ground

Despite the differences between the two systems, there is an interesting link between them, namely the principle of balanced justice. In the Islamic inheritance system, it is not distinguished between male and female heirs in receiving heritage. This also applies in the Minangkabau inheritance system, where members of the people, both men and women, are entitled to receive inheritance. The difference lies in the ability of male heirs to lower his heirlooms to their children. In the Minangkabau system, male heirs cannot pass his heirlooms to their children because their children are not members of their people.

The Role of the Mamak Head of Inheritance

The mamak head of the inheritance, who is usually the oldest man or a man who is elder in the people, has an important role in regulating the use of heirlooms by members of the people. This role is crucial in maintaining the balance of justice in the Minangkabau inheritance system. The mamak head of the inheritance ensures that the collective approach of the Minangkabau system is maintained, and that each member of the people receives a fair share of the heirlooms.

The Development of the Minangkabau Inheritance System

The development of the Minangkabau inheritance system shows a tendency for the use of two forms of inheritance: collective inheritance of heirlooms and individual inheritance of livelihoods, as an influence of Islamic law. However, this tendency is not evenly distributed. Most respondents still use the Minangkabau traditional inheritance system as a whole.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Minangkabau inheritance system and the Islamic inheritance system have different characteristics, but both have the same balanced principle of justice. The mamak head of the inheritance plays an important role in regulating the use of heirlooms in the Minangkabau inheritance system. The development of the Minangkabau inheritance system shows the influence of Islamic law, but its application is still limited.

Recommendations

This research provides a deeper insight about the Minangkabau inheritance system and its role in society. This knowledge is important to preserve the Minangkabau customs and avoid conflicts related to inheritance in the future. The following recommendations are made:

The Minangkabau inheritance system should be preserved and maintained, as it is an important part of the community's culture and tradition.
The mamak head of the inheritance should continue to play an important role in regulating the use of heirlooms in the Minangkabau inheritance system.
The influence of Islamic law on the Minangkabau inheritance system should be further studied and understood, in order to ensure that the system is applied fairly and justly.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

The study was conducted in a limited area, and the findings may not be generalizable to other areas.
The study relied on interviews with respondents, and the data may be subject to bias.
The study did not explore the economic and social implications of the Minangkabau inheritance system.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to:

Explore the economic and social implications of the Minangkabau inheritance system.
Study the influence of Islamic law on the Minangkabau inheritance system in more detail.
Examine the role of the mamak head of the inheritance in regulating the use of heirlooms in the Minangkabau inheritance system.

References

[List of references cited in the study]

Appendices

[Appendices containing additional data and information]

Glossary

[Glossary of terms used in the study]

Index

[Index of terms and concepts used in the study]

Abstract

This article explores the position of the mamak head of inheritance in the Minangkabau inheritance system, in the perspective of customary law and Islamic law. The study found that the Minangkabau inheritance system is a unique approach that differs from the Islamic inheritance system. The mamak head of the inheritance plays an important role in regulating the use of heirlooms in the Minangkabau inheritance system. The study also found that the influence of Islamic law on the Minangkabau inheritance system is still limited. The article provides a deeper insight into the Minangkabau inheritance system and its role in society.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Position of Mamak Head of Inheritance in the Minangkabau Inheritance System

Q: What is the Minangkabau inheritance system?

A: The Minangkabau inheritance system is a unique approach to inheritance that differs from the Islamic inheritance system. In the Minangkabau system, heirlooms are collectively reduced to members of the people in the mother lineage (matricinial).

Q: What is the role of the mamak head of the inheritance in the Minangkabau inheritance system?

A: The mamak head of the inheritance plays an important role in regulating the use of heirlooms in the Minangkabau inheritance system. This role is crucial in maintaining the balance of justice in the Minangkabau inheritance system.

Q: How does the Minangkabau inheritance system differ from the Islamic inheritance system?

A: The Minangkabau inheritance system is a collective approach, where heirlooms are passed on to members of the people, regardless of sex. In contrast, the Islamic inheritance system is an individual approach, where property is inherited from heirs from the father and mother's line.

Q: What is the principle of balanced justice in the Minangkabau inheritance system?

A: The principle of balanced justice in the Minangkabau inheritance system is based on the idea that each member of the people, both men and women, is entitled to receive a fair share of the heirlooms. This principle is similar to the Islamic inheritance system, where each heir receives a fair share of the property.

Q: How does the mamak head of the inheritance ensure that the collective approach of the Minangkabau system is maintained?

A: The mamak head of the inheritance ensures that the collective approach of the Minangkabau system is maintained by regulating the use of heirlooms among members of the people. This role is crucial in maintaining the balance of justice in the Minangkabau inheritance system.

Q: What is the influence of Islamic law on the Minangkabau inheritance system?

A: The influence of Islamic law on the Minangkabau inheritance system is still limited. However, the Minangkabau inheritance system is showing a tendency to adopt two forms of inheritance: collective inheritance of heirlooms and individual inheritance of livelihoods.

Q: Why is it important to preserve the Minangkabau inheritance system?

A: It is important to preserve the Minangkabau inheritance system because it is an important part of the community's culture and tradition. The Minangkabau inheritance system has been in place for centuries and has played a significant role in maintaining social harmony and balance in the community.

Q: What are the implications of the Minangkabau inheritance system for women?

A: The Minangkabau inheritance system has significant implications for women. In the Minangkabau system, women are entitled to receive a fair share of the heirlooms, regardless of their sex. This approach is in contrast to the Islamic inheritance system, where women may receive a smaller share of the property.

Q: What are the implications of the Minangkabau inheritance system for men?

A: The Minangkabau inheritance system has significant implications for men. In the Minangkabau system, men are expected to play a key role in regulating the use of heirlooms among members of the people. This role is crucial in maintaining the balance of justice in the Minangkabau inheritance system.

Q: What are the future directions for research on the Minangkabau inheritance system?

A: Future research should aim to explore the economic and social implications of the Minangkabau inheritance system. Additionally, research should examine the influence of Islamic law on the Minangkabau inheritance system in more detail.

Q: What are the practical applications of the Minangkabau inheritance system?

A: The practical applications of the Minangkabau inheritance system are numerous. The system has been used to resolve disputes over inheritance and to maintain social harmony and balance in the community. Additionally, the system has been used to promote economic development and to reduce poverty in the community.

Q: What are the limitations of the Minangkabau inheritance system?

A: The limitations of the Minangkabau inheritance system include its limited scope and its potential for conflict. Additionally, the system may not be suitable for all communities, particularly those with different cultural and social norms.

Q: What are the recommendations for policymakers and practitioners?

A: Policymakers and practitioners should take into account the unique characteristics of the Minangkabau inheritance system when developing policies and programs. Additionally, they should work to promote the Minangkabau inheritance system as a model for other communities to follow.