Fatwas and their controversy: the case of the council of Indonesian Ulama (MUI)

This article discusses a different side of two controversial fatwas - one against Muslims participating in Christmas celebrations and the other against pluralism, liberalism and secularism - issued by the Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI, Council of Indonesian Ulama). Most studies on MUI have emphasised...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Sirry, Munʾim A. 1971- (Author)
Format: Print Article
Language:English
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Published: Cambridge Univ. Press 2013
In: Journal of Southeast Asian studies
Year: 2013, Volume: 44, Issue: 1, Pages: 100-117
Further subjects:B Association
B Islam
B Religious institution
B State
B Interfaith dialogue
B Fatwa
B Controversy
B Religious organization
B Committee
B Discussion
B Indonesia
Description
Summary:This article discusses a different side of two controversial fatwas - one against Muslims participating in Christmas celebrations and the other against pluralism, liberalism and secularism - issued by the Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI, Council of Indonesian Ulama). Most studies on MUI have emphasised the role that the Council's fatwas have played in inciting sectarian violence in Indonesia. Without denying the connections between violence and the MUI fatwas, this article argues that these controversial fatwas have also opened up room for more fruitful and constructive discussions among different religious groups in Indonesia. This article asks: What were the roots of the controversy over these intolerant fatwas? How did the state respond to them? And what does the controversy over these fatwas tell us about the nature of public debate on Islam in Indonesia? By answering these questions this article will shed light on aspects of contemporary Indonesian public debates about Islam that have been overlooked in current scholarship. (J Southeast Asian Stud/GIGA)
ISSN:0022-4634
Contains:In: Journal of Southeast Asian studies