Indonesia Expat
News

MUI Issues Fatwa Banning Muslims Partaking in Christmas Festivities

mui

On Wednesday, December 14, the nation’s independent clerical body, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) issued a fatwa forbidding Muslims partaking in the Christmas festivities.

The fatwa issued by MUI forbids Muslims from wearing Christmas accessories or clothing that symbolizes the Christian holiday.

While the fatwa encouraged Muslims to continue and preserve friendship with their non-Muslim friends by wishing them well for the major religious holidays, it prohibited them from taking part in any of the festivities related to Christmas, particularly the wearing of accessories symbolic to religions of other faiths.

The fatwa is primarily referring to the banning of Muslims to wear Santa hats.

See: Militant Islamic Group Forces Christian School to Remove Ad with Student in Hijab

In line with the prohibition, the recently issued fatwa by the MUI likewise forbids companies and businesses compulsory imposing the wearing of Christmas accessories while at work. The same advice was likewise issued by the independent clerical body last year.

MUI concluded their decree with a stipulation that the Indonesian government must “prevent, monitor and punish” those entities who urge Muslims to wear Christmas accessories.

While everyone considers it fair that people of other religion and faith will have apprehensions about celebrating Christian holidays such as Christmas, it should be emphasized that MUI’s decree is not recognized as a law in Indonesia and as such will not hold the government legally liable to have it enforced across the archipelago.

Image credits: Abna24

Related posts

Jakarta’s Best Apartment Complex to Live in 2020

Indonesia Expat

European Investment Bank (EIB) Opens Representative Office in Jakarta

Indonesia Expat

Bali Nine Drug Smuggler May Face Charges in Australia after being Released

Indonesia Expat

Jokowi Makes fun of DPR Members for Frequent Visits Abroad

Indonesia Expat

Airlines Claim PCR Tests Not Mandatory Depending on Destination City

Indonesia Expat

Here’s How to Report Cell Phones Purchased from Abroad and Avoid Getting Blocked

Indonesia Expat