Arsal, Maizul Imran

Controversies Over Cross-Religious Greetings: Fatwa Discourse and Religious Moderation in Indonesia

Introduction

Controversies over cross-religious greetings: fatwa discourse and religious moderation in indonesia. Examines the debate on cross-religious greetings in Indonesia through fatwa discourse and religious moderation. Concludes greetings are permissible (mubah) for fostering national harmony.

Abstract

This study examines the legal status of cross-religious greetings through a textual legal interpretation analysis based on fatwas and the concept of religious moderation. This practice, often observed in official events, has sparked significant debate among Muslim scholars and government officials. The controversy escalated following a fatwa issued by the East Java Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI), which declared cross-religious greetings haram due to concerns about the potential mixing of beliefs. This stance was countered by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, which argued that such greetings promote interreligious harmony and are therefore permissible. Employing a literature-based approach and legal interpretation theory, this research provides an academic perspective without intending to discredit any party. The study concludes that cross-religious greetings are permissible (mubah) when intended to uphold national harmony and religious pluralism. It highlights the importance of balancing adherence to religious principles with the need for societal unity and coexistence in a pluralistic nation.

Review

The paper "Controversies Over Cross-Religious Greetings: Fatwa Discourse and Religious Moderation in Indonesia" addresses a timely and significant issue within contemporary Indonesian society concerning the permissibility of cross-religious greetings. It effectively highlights the tension between differing interpretations of Islamic law and the imperative for national unity in a pluralistic context. The study meticulously outlines the core of the debate, specifically referencing the conflicting stances between the East Java Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI), which declared such greetings *haram* due to concerns about syncretism, and the Ministry of Religious Affairs, which advocated for their permissibility as a means of fostering interreligious harmony. Utilizing a literature-based approach and legal interpretation theory, the research aims to provide an objective academic perspective on this sensitive subject. A major strength of this study lies in its balanced and nuanced approach to a highly contentious issue. By employing textual legal interpretation analysis grounded in both fatwa discourse and the broader concept of religious moderation, the research offers a robust framework for understanding the complexities involved. The paper's contribution is significant in moving beyond a simple dichotomy, instead proposing a conditional permissibility (*mubah*) for cross-religious greetings when their intent is clearly to uphold national harmony and religious pluralism. This finding is particularly valuable for policymakers, religious leaders, and citizens alike, as it underscores the importance of balancing strict adherence to religious principles with the practical demands of societal unity and coexistence in a diverse nation like Indonesia. The explicit aim of providing an academic perspective without discrediting any party further enhances the study's credibility and potential for constructive engagement. Overall, this study presents a compelling and well-reasoned argument that has profound implications for interfaith relations and religious policy in Indonesia. While the abstract sufficiently details the study's scope and conclusions, the full paper would likely benefit from further exploration into the specific criteria for discerning "intent" in upholding national harmony, and perhaps a deeper engagement with the various schools of thought within Islamic jurisprudence that might inform such a nuanced ruling. Nevertheless, the research makes a vital contribution to the discourse on religious moderation, demonstrating how traditional legal interpretations can be reconciled with contemporary societal needs. Its findings offer a practical and academically sound resolution to a significant public controversy, providing a valuable resource for promoting understanding and fostering a more inclusive national identity.

Full Text

Comments

You need to be logged in to post a comment.