10-11-2023 (JAKARTA) Indonesia’s top Islamic clerical body, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), issued a fatwa on Friday, urging Muslims in the country to boycott goods and services from companies that support Israel. The move aims to demonstrate solidarity with the Palestinians and condemn what the MUI refers to as “Israeli aggression.”
The religious edict declares that support for Israel or its supporters is considered “haram” or against Islamic law. Mr Asrorun Niam Sholeh, an executive of the council, stated that Muslims should avoid transactions and the use of products affiliated with Israel or those that support colonialism and Zionism.
“We cannot support the party that is at war with Palestine, including using products whose proceeds actually support acts of murder of the Palestinians,” emphasized Mr Asrorun Niam Sholeh during a press conference.
The MUI’s fatwa aligns with a growing campaign in the Middle East that calls for boycotts of Western brands that have shown support for Israel in its conflict with the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated when Hamas fighters breached the militarized border on October 7, resulting in the death of 1,400 people, primarily civilians, and the abduction of around 240 hostages, according to Israel. In response, Israel launched an offensive in Gaza, including bombardments and a ground campaign. The health ministry in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip reported that more than 10,800 people have been killed in the conflict, with the majority being civilians and many of them children.
It is important to note that fatwas hold no legal force but aim to encourage devout Muslims in Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, to refrain from certain actions. Indonesia has long been a staunch supporter of Palestinian independence and has called for a resolution to the conflict based on internationally agreed parameters set by the United Nations, which include a two-state solution.
