The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Darwin Saleh seems to have low self confidence nowadays, that he need to ask the Indonesian Muslim Cleric/Ulama Council (MUI) to announce the plan to restrict the sales of subsidized fuel (Premium).
After meeting with the Minister last Monday, MUI's official Ma'ruf Amin told reporters that MUI is planing to issue a Fatwa/Edict Haram for rich people to buy subsidized fuel (Premium).
He said that the purpose of such Fatwa/Edict is to make rich people realize that subsidized fuel is only for people who has low income. It would not be fair if people who can afford to buy higher priced fuels (Pertamax) to buy subsidized fuel.
The Chairman of MUI H. Amidhan, who was not present during the above meeting, said that the matter is still being discussed and MUI would not issue a Fatwa based on order.
Basically I agree that rich people should not buy subsidized fuels (Premium), because I don't agree with the use of money collected from Tax Payers to subsidize fuel except for public transportation.
But in my opinion, MUI as the highest Islamic level organization in Indonesia should not issue a Fatwa merely based on the request of the government, because by doing so MUI would only be a political tool.
However, I would fully agree if MUI issue Fatwa Haram on Corruptions, and/or Bribery and/or misuse of Taxpayers Money.
Showing posts with label MUI. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MUI. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Saturday, April 30, 2011
MUI Refused to Issue a Fatwa against NII
The Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI) refused to issue a Fatwa (Edict) that declare the Indonesian Islamic State (NII) movement as Haram (forbidden).
Gatra quoted MUI Chairman KH Amidhan as saying that MUI shall not issue such Fatwa because radical movement is already prohibited by the laws in Indonesia, therefore such Fatwa is not necessary.
Amidhan said that a Fatwa is issued for things which are still not clear (forbidden or not), whereas radical movement is clearly against the Law and Religion.
Gatra quoted MUI Chairman KH Amidhan as saying that MUI shall not issue such Fatwa because radical movement is already prohibited by the laws in Indonesia, therefore such Fatwa is not necessary.
Amidhan said that a Fatwa is issued for things which are still not clear (forbidden or not), whereas radical movement is clearly against the Law and Religion.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Hoping for a better Fatwa/Edict
The Indonesian Ulama(Cleric) Council (MUI) has just issued Fatwa (edict) which declared that Infotainment i.e. Gossips in the news media about life of celebrities is Haram (Forbidden) for Moslems.
Beside that, MUI have also declared that Changing Sex intentionally is also Haram (Forbidden) for Moslem.
As a Moslem who has always been proud to be born, grew up, function as a male, and never enjoy watching Infotainment, MUI's above Fatwa/Edict have no effect at all, because our national legal system does not recognize Fatwa/Edict as a legally binding law, thus it is up to the individual whether he/she wants to obey it.
I doubt that most Indonesian Moslems who are moderate would obey it, but Fanatic Moslems would surely obey it.
I hope that as the highest official Moslem authority, MUI would pay attention to other matters which are far more important for the people and country such as : Corruption, Drug abuse, Inter-Religious Harmony, Growing Violence, Crimes, Unemployment, etc. that way people in our country can live more peacefully and harmoniously.
Related articles quoted from The Jakarta Globe :
- Gossip TV, Magazines Banned, MUI Rules;
- From Gossip to Sex Changes, MUI Weighs in with Fatwas;
Beside that, MUI have also declared that Changing Sex intentionally is also Haram (Forbidden) for Moslem.
As a Moslem who has always been proud to be born, grew up, function as a male, and never enjoy watching Infotainment, MUI's above Fatwa/Edict have no effect at all, because our national legal system does not recognize Fatwa/Edict as a legally binding law, thus it is up to the individual whether he/she wants to obey it.
I doubt that most Indonesian Moslems who are moderate would obey it, but Fanatic Moslems would surely obey it.
I hope that as the highest official Moslem authority, MUI would pay attention to other matters which are far more important for the people and country such as : Corruption, Drug abuse, Inter-Religious Harmony, Growing Violence, Crimes, Unemployment, etc. that way people in our country can live more peacefully and harmoniously.
Related articles quoted from The Jakarta Globe :
- Gossip TV, Magazines Banned, MUI Rules;
- From Gossip to Sex Changes, MUI Weighs in with Fatwas;
Saturday, July 24, 2010
MUI and Kopi Luwak
Kopi Luwak (Luwak Coffee) is a special type of coffee that is made from coffee beans that have been eaten by a Civet who then excreted as a whole together with its Feces.
According to coffee lovers, the taste of Kopi Luwak is so special that the price per cup is very expensive.
Recently, the Indonesian Moslems Council (MUI) have been thinking about issuing a Fatwa (Edict) that forbid Moslem drinking Kopi Luwak.The reason is because Kopi Luwak has gone through a process similar to the extraction of the Civet's Feces which is considered as Najis i.e. cannot be consumed.
But after several days, the MUI decided that Kopi Luwak can be consumed by Moslems if the beans are cleaned properly.
MUI 's said decision will surely make the producers and sellers of Kopi Luwak very happy. Therefore, I would not be surprise if they launch massive advertisement saying that Kopi Luwak is 100% Halal (permitted).
Related Articles :
- Kampanye Tenggak Kopi Luwak (Politikana)
- On Coffee (Colson)
- Kopi Luwak - A Post Script (Rob Baiton)
According to coffee lovers, the taste of Kopi Luwak is so special that the price per cup is very expensive.
Recently, the Indonesian Moslems Council (MUI) have been thinking about issuing a Fatwa (Edict) that forbid Moslem drinking Kopi Luwak.The reason is because Kopi Luwak has gone through a process similar to the extraction of the Civet's Feces which is considered as Najis i.e. cannot be consumed.
But after several days, the MUI decided that Kopi Luwak can be consumed by Moslems if the beans are cleaned properly.
MUI 's said decision will surely make the producers and sellers of Kopi Luwak very happy. Therefore, I would not be surprise if they launch massive advertisement saying that Kopi Luwak is 100% Halal (permitted).
Related Articles :
- Kampanye Tenggak Kopi Luwak (Politikana)
- On Coffee (Colson)
- Kopi Luwak - A Post Script (Rob Baiton)
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
MUI Rejected Body Scanners
The Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI) has rejected the plan to use of Body Scanners on passengers at the airports because it is against the Islamic laws and human rights.
Please find below a related article in The Jakarta Globe for reference.
An airport staff member demonstrating a full body scan in progress at Britain’s Manchester Airport. (AFP Photo)
MUI Says Airport Body Scanners Would Violate Human Rights
The Indonesian Council of Ulema (MUI) had rejected a plan to use full body scanners in Indonesian airports, claiming it would be a violation of Sharia law and human rights.
“Don’t use it in Indonesia. We are not a paranoid or frightened country, What we are afraid of is the scanner violating human rights and being used as a toy to abuse women,” Amidhan, the council’s chairman, told detik.com.
The council agreed with Pope Benedict’s objections to full body scanners.
“It violates human rights. If only the bones are visible then it’s all right but if it’s the body then it could become a toy,” Amidhan said.
The MUI said that there would be one exception, however.
“It could only be used in emergency situations regarding national security and women should scan women and men scan men,” he said.
Amidhan said that he believed Indonesia was not in an emergency situation at the moment and airport security staff could still make use of other tools.
“As long as other equipment is available, it’s not an emergency,” he said.
The government planned to use ProVision scanner made in USA. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had said the scanner would not show individual’s “sensitive parts.” At present, ProVision scanners are on trial in Canadian and French airports, while in Indonesia, the device would be used for passengers heading to the United States.
Please find below a related article in The Jakarta Globe for reference.
MUI Says Airport Body Scanners Would Violate Human Rights
The Indonesian Council of Ulema (MUI) had rejected a plan to use full body scanners in Indonesian airports, claiming it would be a violation of Sharia law and human rights.
“Don’t use it in Indonesia. We are not a paranoid or frightened country, What we are afraid of is the scanner violating human rights and being used as a toy to abuse women,” Amidhan, the council’s chairman, told detik.com.
The council agreed with Pope Benedict’s objections to full body scanners.
“It violates human rights. If only the bones are visible then it’s all right but if it’s the body then it could become a toy,” Amidhan said.
The MUI said that there would be one exception, however.
“It could only be used in emergency situations regarding national security and women should scan women and men scan men,” he said.
Amidhan said that he believed Indonesia was not in an emergency situation at the moment and airport security staff could still make use of other tools.
“As long as other equipment is available, it’s not an emergency,” he said.
The government planned to use ProVision scanner made in USA. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had said the scanner would not show individual’s “sensitive parts.” At present, ProVision scanners are on trial in Canadian and French airports, while in Indonesia, the device would be used for passengers heading to the United States.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Is Valentine's Day Haram?
The Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI) has issued a fatwa/Edict that consider Valentine Day as Haram (Forbidden).
Although MUI's decision is not part of our national legal system therefore there is no sanction for violation, however considering that MUI is the highest official Islamic organization in Indonesia, therefore such Fatwa would be followed by many Muslims especially those who are fanatics.
The problem is that most Indonesian Muslims are moderates who think and see things from a positively point of view. For them, Valentine Day is a celebration of Love, that is not related to any religion.
I can only hope that these two different groups of people would not conflict frontally against each other.
Please find below an article in The Jakarta Globe for your reference.
Although MUI's decision is not part of our national legal system therefore there is no sanction for violation, however considering that MUI is the highest official Islamic organization in Indonesia, therefore such Fatwa would be followed by many Muslims especially those who are fanatics.
The problem is that most Indonesian Muslims are moderates who think and see things from a positively point of view. For them, Valentine Day is a celebration of Love, that is not related to any religion.
I can only hope that these two different groups of people would not conflict frontally against each other.
Please find below an article in The Jakarta Globe for your reference.
A man works out in a Jakarta gym. The Indonesian Ulema Council has warned against provocative aerobics moves and tight clothes in gyms. (JG Photo)
Indonesian Clerics Slap a Ban on Valentine's Day
Devout Muslims should not spend Sunday gazing at their sweethearts across a romantic, candle-lit dinner, the Indonesian Ulema Council has recommended, declaring celebrations of Valentine’s Day as forbidden in Islam.
Amidhan, head of the council, also known as the MUI, told the Jakarta Globe that celebrating Valentine’s Day was tantamount to spreading Christianity.
“We have to ban Valentine’s Day because we are celebrating another religion’s holiday,” the outspoken cleric said. “Santo Valentino was a Christian, so it is not allowed in Islam. People who celebrate Valentine’s Day are spreading Christian beliefs.”
Muslim leaders in the Islamic stronghold of East Java have already called on their congregations not to celebrate the holiday, arguing that it was sinful and would promote casual sex.
The MUI also ruled against aerobic exercises in “sexy” attire, and expressed reservations about Koranic verses used as cellphone ringtones. “Overenthusiastic aerobic moves with sexy attire, such as tight pants, can arouse sexual desire,” Amidhan said.
“Besides, women are not allowed to wear such attire as they reveal their aurat,” he said, referring to parts of the body that must be covered.
The MUI’s South Sumatra chapter on Friday declared that most workout clothing was un-Islamic and that aerobic exercises involved movements that could ignite sexual desire.
MUI leaders in Tasikmalaya, West Java, also declared Koranic ringtones inappropriate because it would “degrade” the holy book if phones rang in the bathroom or at places such as discotheques.
Soleh Mahmud, deputy secretary general of the hard-line Islam Defenders Front (FPI), supported the MUI’s advice.
“We have seen the degradation of morals among Muslims in this country as they are adopting Western lifestyles,” he said. “The MUI should be the moral compass for the country’s Muslims.”
But Azyumardi Azra, a prominent academic who advises the vice president, said the MUI was going overboard with its fatwas, or religious decrees.
“They should weigh the issues they want to ban carefully as we have to see it in the social, cultural and political contexts,” he said.
If the MUI continues to issue edicts and bans without considering the broader context, Muslims will just end up ignoring them, Azyumardi said.
“The substance of Valentine’s Day is love, and love is the basis of Islam,” he said. “We don’t have to relate this to faith, as that’s just going overboard. It seems to me that those ulemas who issued the fatwa are narrow-minded.”
Amidhan, head of the council, also known as the MUI, told the Jakarta Globe that celebrating Valentine’s Day was tantamount to spreading Christianity.
“We have to ban Valentine’s Day because we are celebrating another religion’s holiday,” the outspoken cleric said. “Santo Valentino was a Christian, so it is not allowed in Islam. People who celebrate Valentine’s Day are spreading Christian beliefs.”
Muslim leaders in the Islamic stronghold of East Java have already called on their congregations not to celebrate the holiday, arguing that it was sinful and would promote casual sex.
The MUI also ruled against aerobic exercises in “sexy” attire, and expressed reservations about Koranic verses used as cellphone ringtones. “Overenthusiastic aerobic moves with sexy attire, such as tight pants, can arouse sexual desire,” Amidhan said.
“Besides, women are not allowed to wear such attire as they reveal their aurat,” he said, referring to parts of the body that must be covered.
The MUI’s South Sumatra chapter on Friday declared that most workout clothing was un-Islamic and that aerobic exercises involved movements that could ignite sexual desire.
MUI leaders in Tasikmalaya, West Java, also declared Koranic ringtones inappropriate because it would “degrade” the holy book if phones rang in the bathroom or at places such as discotheques.
Soleh Mahmud, deputy secretary general of the hard-line Islam Defenders Front (FPI), supported the MUI’s advice.
“We have seen the degradation of morals among Muslims in this country as they are adopting Western lifestyles,” he said. “The MUI should be the moral compass for the country’s Muslims.”
But Azyumardi Azra, a prominent academic who advises the vice president, said the MUI was going overboard with its fatwas, or religious decrees.
“They should weigh the issues they want to ban carefully as we have to see it in the social, cultural and political contexts,” he said.
If the MUI continues to issue edicts and bans without considering the broader context, Muslims will just end up ignoring them, Azyumardi said.
“The substance of Valentine’s Day is love, and love is the basis of Islam,” he said. “We don’t have to relate this to faith, as that’s just going overboard. It seems to me that those ulemas who issued the fatwa are narrow-minded.”
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Pre-Wedding Photo is Haram?
Further, said organization also declared that it is Haram for females to have their hair Rebond because it will arouse sexual desire.
Later, I was very glad when I read that the above news was denied by the Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI) which said that it is not Haram to take photos before wedding. MUI said that the photos can only be Haram if the photos show the couple kissing.
For detailed media reports on the above (in Indonesian) please click here, here, here and here.
I hope that in the future religious organizations would consider various aspects before declaring Haram. If it is limited for members of such organization then it's okay. But if it is intended for the public, it would surely be protested.
Although Haram declared by religious organization would not have legal consequences according to our legal system, but it bring some kind of moral obligations for many Muslim.
Photo: Courtesy of Kompas.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Anti Beggars by-law
One of the purposes of fasting during the month of Ramadhan is to enable Muslims feel the suffering of poor people and show sympathy by giving charity.
For which purpose, several institutions have been given authority to collect the charities and to channel them to the poor people.
However, there are some people who want to give their charity directly to the poor among others to beggars. That is why, there are so many beggars on the streets of Jakarta during Ramadhan, most of them are organized by certain people who arrange the travel of those beggars from their homeland in other provinces among others Central Java.
In order to prevent those beggars from coming to Jakarta, two years ago the municipalty government and Parliament of Jakarta have passed a by-law in 2007 which forbid people from giving money to beggars, which carries a punishment of Rp 20 million (US$ 2,000) fine or 60 days in jail.
During the first ten days of Ramadhan, 12 Jakarta citizens have been arrested for giving money to beggars. Besides, the Jakarta Social Agency has gathered 850 beggars, including 83 infants.
The enforcement of this by-law is supported by the Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI) on one condition i.e. its enforcement should be carried selectively in the sense that people who donate to others who are really in need should not be arrested. MUI has even issued a Fatwa Haram for Beggars.
Meanwhile, a civil rights movement i.e. Urban Poor Consortium rejected this by-law, they said that such law can only be applied when there is no more poverty in Jakarta.
For details on the above, please click here, here, here and here.
Considering the above, I felt that the timing for enforcement of above by-law is inappropriate, because during Ramadhan people are supposed to be more tolerant and forgiving toward others. However, considering the by-law has already exists its enforcement should inevitably be carried outn step by step.
Firstly, it should be accompanied by taking firm action against those responsible for bringing those beggars to Jakarta. Afterwards, there should be integrated efforts between the central government, the Jakarta government and government of the provincce where those beggars orginated, to prevent the beggars from leaving their villages i.e. by providing more job and/or money making opportunities for them.
Photo: Courtesy of Weelinx
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Side Effects of Social Media
Last night I saw on SCTV the Chairman of the Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI) i.e. Umar Shihab stating that Facebook is good because it enable people to conduct socialize with others, therefore in line with the Islamic rules. He also said that MUI has no plan to discuss about Facebook.
Shihab made the statement in the wake of the news reports that a certain Ulama organization in East Java has declared that Facebook and Friendster are Haram (forbidden) in East Java if they are used excessively for gossipping and flirting.
The above statement brings a relief for me because MUI as the highest Islamic Organization has realised abouth the true benefit that Facebook and other Social networking sites could bring to people in general and Moslems in particular. Although MUI's eddict/fatwa would not have legal impact, however it would have a social impact on Moslems who would think that it would be sinful not to obey the eddict/fact.
Fears on the side effects of Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter not only exist in Indonesia, but also in the U.S. According to Legal Blog Watch there were some cases of Defamation using Twitter. According to a lawyer i.e. Howard Price if an employee spreads Defamatory postings on the company's blog or Twitter account, it's not just the employee who face liability but the company may be liable as well.
The speed and fluidity of media like Twitter can also invite disclosure of trade secrets or classified information about a publicly traded company. Due to which fact the Securiy Exchange Commission (SEC) has provided guidance which makes clear that a company employee "speaking" in a company-sponsored interactive forum would not be deemed to be acting in an individual capacity. Thus, a company could not disclaim liability by arguing that the employee's communications were unauthorized.
As a Blogger and owner of accounts in Facebook and Twitter, the above made me more passionate in writing more things which would be informative and meaningful to others, but also more careful, so that my words would not annoy others, therefore peacefulness can be maintained.
Shihab made the statement in the wake of the news reports that a certain Ulama organization in East Java has declared that Facebook and Friendster are Haram (forbidden) in East Java if they are used excessively for gossipping and flirting.
The above statement brings a relief for me because MUI as the highest Islamic Organization has realised abouth the true benefit that Facebook and other Social networking sites could bring to people in general and Moslems in particular. Although MUI's eddict/fatwa would not have legal impact, however it would have a social impact on Moslems who would think that it would be sinful not to obey the eddict/fact.
Fears on the side effects of Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter not only exist in Indonesia, but also in the U.S. According to Legal Blog Watch there were some cases of Defamation using Twitter. According to a lawyer i.e. Howard Price if an employee spreads Defamatory postings on the company's blog or Twitter account, it's not just the employee who face liability but the company may be liable as well.
The speed and fluidity of media like Twitter can also invite disclosure of trade secrets or classified information about a publicly traded company. Due to which fact the Securiy Exchange Commission (SEC) has provided guidance which makes clear that a company employee "speaking" in a company-sponsored interactive forum would not be deemed to be acting in an individual capacity. Thus, a company could not disclaim liability by arguing that the employee's communications were unauthorized.
As a Blogger and owner of accounts in Facebook and Twitter, the above made me more passionate in writing more things which would be informative and meaningful to others, but also more careful, so that my words would not annoy others, therefore peacefulness can be maintained.
Friday, March 6, 2009
MUI's threat
Not long ago, the Indonesian Moslem Cleric/Ulama Council(MUI) passed controversial Fatwa/Edicts which determined that Cigarette Smoking, Yoga chanting and Refusal to Vote as Haram/Sinful acts.
While many people are still questioning about MUI's real reason for passing such Edicts, suddenly the news media reported that MUI is now forcing President SBY to follow their wish. According to The Jakarta Globe, a leader of MUI Cholil Ridwan has threatened the President to ban the religious secte Ahmadiyah, otherwise it will pass an Edict banning people from casting votes for the incumbent President in the next Presidential election.
Fortunately, said threat was later on denied by MUI's Chairman Umar Shihab who said that Cholil's statement was his own opinion and does not represent MUI.
I am happy that Cholil's threat does not represent MUI and hope that in the future, leaders of MUI will take actions based on the best interest of Indonesian Moslems as a whole. Because although such Fatwa/Edict are not recognized by our country's legal system, however considering MUI is the highest Moslem religious authority in our country, they will no doubt be obeyed, especially by those living in the rural area.
While many people are still questioning about MUI's real reason for passing such Edicts, suddenly the news media reported that MUI is now forcing President SBY to follow their wish. According to The Jakarta Globe, a leader of MUI Cholil Ridwan has threatened the President to ban the religious secte Ahmadiyah, otherwise it will pass an Edict banning people from casting votes for the incumbent President in the next Presidential election.
Fortunately, said threat was later on denied by MUI's Chairman Umar Shihab who said that Cholil's statement was his own opinion and does not represent MUI.
I am happy that Cholil's threat does not represent MUI and hope that in the future, leaders of MUI will take actions based on the best interest of Indonesian Moslems as a whole. Because although such Fatwa/Edict are not recognized by our country's legal system, however considering MUI is the highest Moslem religious authority in our country, they will no doubt be obeyed, especially by those living in the rural area.
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