REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (Majelis Ulama Indonesia or MUI) for Fatwa KH Asrorun Niam Sholeh affirmed support of MUI for the Palestinian independence struggle over Israeli aggression. On the contrary, supporting Israel and supporting Israel proponents is illegitimate

"Supporting parties known to support Israeli aggression, both direct and indirect, such as by purchasing products from manufacturers who manifestly support Israeli aggression is haram," Kiai Niam said while delivering MUI Fatwa No. 83/2023 on the Law on Support to the Palestinian Struggle at the MUI Office in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Friday (10/11/2023).

Niam appealed to Muslims to avoid as much as possible the transaction and use of Israeli and Israeli-affiliated products as well as those that support the colonization by Israeli Zionism of Palestine.

He said support for the Palestinians is now mandatory. Therefore, people should not support those who are fighting the Palestinians, including the use of products whose results are demonstrably supportive of genocide in Palestine.

Niam explained, supports for Palestinian independence, including by distributing zakat, infaq, and alms for the benefit of the Palestinian people's struggle should be done. Muslims are encouraged to support the Palestinian struggle, such as movements to raise funds for humanity and struggle, praying for victory, and performing shalat ghaib for Palestinian shuhada.

Fatwa Number 83 of 2023 concerning the Law on Support for Palestine also recommends that the government take firm steps to help Palestinian struggle. For example, through diplomacy at the UN to stop the war and sanctions against Israel, sending humanitarian aid, and consolidating OIC countries to pressure Israel to stop aggression.

Apart from that, the MUI also emphasized that zakat from Muslim communities in Indonesia can be distributed for the benefit of the jihad for Palestinian independence. "Basically, zakat funds must be distributed to mustahik who are in the vicinity of the muzakki. In the event of an emergency or urgent need, zakat funds may be distributed to mustahik who are in further places, such as for the Palestinian struggle," explained Niam.

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