Sandwich Generation in the Quran: A Maqasidi Perspective on Family Welfare

Abstract

The sandwich generation refers to individuals of productive age who simultaneously bear responsibilities toward their parents and immediate families, often facing economic, social, and psychological challenges. This article aims to analyze the concept of birr al walidayn, or filial piety toward parents, in the Quran and reconstruct the understanding of the sandwich generation from a maqasid perspective. This study employs a qualitative approach using content analysis and thematic interpretation. The primary data consist of Quranic verses related to filial piety, financial support, human capacity, and family protection, while secondary data are drawn from classical and contemporary exegetical works and relevant academic literature. The data are analyzed using the framework of maqasid al shariah to identify the objectives of Islamic law, values of public benefit, and dimensions of well-being reflected in these verses. The findings indicate that children responsibilities toward their parents are not limited to financial support but also encompass spiritual, moral, emotional, social, and economic dimensions. However, the fulfillment of these responsibilities should be based on the principles of capacity, justice, proportionality, and family protection to prevent harm to oneself or other family members. From a maqasid perspective, maintaining a balance between filial piety and family well-being constitutes an effort to preserve life, wealth, and progeny, represented by hifz al nafs, hifz al mal, and hifz al nasl. This study contributes to the discourse on the sandwich generation by offering an integrative Quranic framework for strengthening family resilience and social well-being in the contemporary era.