Indonesian Ulema Council Bans Men From Dressing as Women During National Day Events

The Indonesian Ulema Council's Fatwa Commission has declared it forbidden for men to wear women's clothing, especially during the August 17th Independence Day festivities. The commission's deputy secretary, KH Abdul Muiz Ali, stated that cross-dressing, or "tasyabbuh," is prohibited by Islamic law.

"It is forbidden by law for men to appear or wear clothing typically worn by women. Likewise, it is forbidden for women to appear or wear clothing typically worn by men," Muiz said, as quoted by the official MUI website. He emphasized that national celebrations should be filled with positive activities that reflect gratitude and strengthen unity.

Muiz explained the prohibition is based on a sahih hadith narrated by Imam Bukhari, where the Prophet Muhammad cursed men who imitate women and vice versa. He clarified that this ban applies universally, whether in private or public settings like entertainment stages and public roads.

Beyond religious grounds, Muiz highlighted the social implications of cross-dressing in modern times. He warned that the practice could be exploited to advance hidden agendas related to Lesbian, Gay, Sodomy, and Pedophilia (LGSP). "In the current context, wearing the opposite gender's clothing tends to campaign for LGBT (LGSP) practices, which are clearly forbidden by religion and contradict social norms," he stated.