Social Rehabilitation of Individuals Involved in Prostitution in Palopo: A Maqāṣid al-Syarī‘ah Perspective

Abstract

Purpose - This study examines the implementation of social rehabilitation for individuals involved in prostitution in Palopo City and analyses government intervention, religious guidance, and economic vulnerability through the Maqāṣid al-Sharī‘ah framework of Al-Ghazālī. The study treats livelihood protection and economic empowerment not merely as social-policy concerns, but as dimensions of Islamic Economic Law, particularly ḥifẓ al-māl and the protection of lawful means of subsistence.

Method –  This study employs qualitative empirical legal research. Primary data were obtained through interviews and observations involving government officials, Satpol PP personnel, an Islamic religious counselor, religious and community leaders, and one informant whose identity is anonymised. Secondary data comprise legislation, local regulations, government documents, and relevant literature. Data were analysed through data condensation, data display, and conclusion verification, while source, technique, and time triangulation were used to strengthen credibility

Result – Government intervention is predominantly oriented toward monitoring, enforcement, data collection, initial guidance, and inter-agency coordination. Curative rehabilitation is constrained by the absence of a dedicated social protection facility. Religious guidance contributes to moral and spiritual recovery but has limited reach among individuals still involved in prostitution outside correctional settings. Economic vulnerability emerges as a structural barrier to sustainable reintegration because livelihood needs may remain after control measures end.

Implication – The findings indicate an implementation gap between regulatory control and comprehensive social rehabilitation. From a maqāṣid perspective, sustainable rehabilitation requires an integrated sequence of protection, psychosocial and religious recovery, economic empowerment, and reintegration. The study therefore reconceptualizes ḥifẓ al-māl as including protection of lawful livelihood, household economic security, access to productive opportunities, and reduction of economic vulnerability, while recognizing its interdependence with ḥifẓ al-nafs, ḥifẓ al-dīn, ḥifẓ al-‘aql, and ḥifẓ al-nasl.