Fenomena Fatherless dalam Perspektif Bimbingan dan Konseling Islam: Suatu Studi Pustaka

Abstract

The phenomenon of "fatherlessness"—or the absence of a father figure within the family—is a social issue on the rise in various countries, including Indonesia. This condition encompasses not only the physical absence of a father due to divorce, death, or work commitments but also emotional absence, where the father is physically present yet uninvolved in child-rearing. The consequences are multifaceted, ranging from psychological issues such as low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression to social problems like juvenile delinquency and difficulties in forming interpersonal relationships. Furthermore, on a spiritual level, the child loses a role model for internalizing religious values. While previous studies have examined this phenomenon from psychological and sociological perspectives, research within the framework of Islamic Guidance and Counseling (BKI) remains limited. This study employs a literature review method, analyzing diverse sources—including books, scholarly journals, articles, and classical Islamic texts such as tafsir (exegesis) and hadith. A descriptive-analytical approach is used, emphasizing the integration of modern concepts of fatherlessness with Islamic teachings. The findings indicate that Islam affirms the father's irreplaceable role as the family's leader, protector, and educator. From the BKI perspective, addressing fatherlessness involves reinforcing spiritual values, providing emotional support for the child, empowering mothers to serve as substitute figures, and fostering community support grounded in Qur'anic and Prophetic values. Thus, this study offers both theoretical and practical contributions to the development of Islamic counseling services in addressing the challenges faced by modern families.