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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 religious edict reflects a strong show of solidarity with the Palestinians, condemning what the MUI terms "Israeli aggression."
The fatwa, a significant religious decree, declares support for Israel or its supporters as "haram," meaning it goes against Islamic law. Asrorun Niam Sholeh, an executive of the council, emphasized the call for Muslims to stand in solidarity with the Palestinians in their struggle against Israeli actions.
"MUI calls on every Muslim to avoid as much as possible transactions and the use of Israeli products and those affiliated with Israel, as well as those who support colonialism and Zionism," Sholeh stated during a press briefing on Friday. He highlighted the ethical stance, expressing that it is inconsistent for Muslims to support parties involved in conflict with Palestine, including utilizing products whose proceeds may contribute to what is perceived as the harm inflicted upon Palestinians.
The fatwa underscores the deep-rooted sentiments within Indonesia's Muslim-majority population, aligning with the broader global sentiment of solidarity with the Palestinian cause. The call for a boycott serves as a tangible expression of opposition to what the MUI deems acts of aggression against Palestinians, further intertwining religious and political dimensions in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
