REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesian Council of Ulama (MUI) issued a fatwa on the use of non-Muslim religious attributes. In the fatwa number 56 in 2016, MUI said it was haram for a Muslim to use non-Muslim religious attributes.

The fatwa defined the religious accents as something that is used or being wore as an identity, a characteristic or a particular sign of a religion or a particular religious community, whether it was related to beliefs, rituals, and traditions of a particular religion. ''Using a non-Muslim religious attribute is forbidden. Inviting and/or instructing the use of non-Muslim religious attribute is haram for Muslims,'' said Chairman of Fatwa Commission MUI, Hasanuddin, in a press conference on Wednesday (12/14).

The fatwa was made based on the consideration that there was a phenomenon occurred among the society during the commemoration of non-Muslim Holy days. Some Muslims used non-Muslim religious symbols, sometimes under the name of tolerance and friendship. In MUI’s perspective, this would have an impact on missionary endeavor of other religions.

Furthermore, said Hasanudin, there were also some business owners, such as hotels, supermarkets, department stores, restaurants; even a government office, required their Muslim employees to use non-Muslim religious accents. “There were questions among some Muslims on the law of wearing non-Muslim religious accents. Therefore, it is considered necessary to issue a fatwa on it as guidelines,'' said Hasanuddin.

On the same fatwa, MUI suggested Indonesian Muslims to maintain harmony between religious communities and societies, nation and state without desecrating Islamic teachings. It was also stated that a Muslim should not confuse the faith and worship in Islam and other religious beliefs.

Muslims were also requested to give mutual respect on other religious beliefs. As a form of tolerance, Muslims should respect other religious believers in doing their prayer and worship, but not believing on their theological truth.

Muslims are encouraged to choose halal businesses, not involving the production, distribution, and trade of any non-Muslim accents. Company leaders are asked to fulfill the rights of Muslims to practice their religious teachings and not to force them to use non-Muslim religious accents.

Hasanuddin also urged the government to provide protection to Muslims as citizens. Muslims should be able to carry out their religious beliefs within the country’s protection. The government is obliged to prevent, to monitor, and to take action against those who make rules (including bond or contract) and conduct solicitation, coercion, and pressure on employees to engage in an event which was contrary to their religious teachings.

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