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I am a Muslim, and why not for dating? Identity negotiation in romantic relationship practice among Indonesian Muslims

Muhammad Fakhruddin Al-Razi,Triyanti Nurkhikmah,S. Mukti

Published 2025 in Psychology & Sexuality

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT Romantic relationships before marriage among Muslims are not merely a matter of right and wrong but also involve complex negotiations of identity and agency. Understanding how individuals navigate these tensions is crucial in contemporary Muslim societies, where religious norms and modern relationship practices often intersect. This study investigates identity negotiation among Indonesian Muslims who engage in dating, an increasingly relevant yet underexplored topic. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 Indonesian Muslims aged 25 and older, each with dating experiences spanning over two years. The findings reveal that while dating and Islamic identities can sometimes contradict, they also coexist, shaped by common assumptions within Muslim communities. Rather than undermining religious identity, dating is often redefined to align with Islamic values. These insights contribute to the discourse on Muslim identity formation and provide a foundation for understanding evolving romantic relationship patterns in the modern era.

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