MUI Issues Three Warnings for August Celebrations: Cross-Dressing, Competition Fees, Public Disruption

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has issued a series of warnings concerning the upcoming August 17th independence day celebrations, focusing on attire, competition funding, and public disruption.

A key decree from the MUI's Fatwa Commission prohibits men from dressing as women, particularly during Independence Day carnivals. KH Abdul Muiz Ali, the Deputy Secretary of the Fatwa Commission, stated that cross-dressing (tasyabbuh) is forbidden by Islamic law. He cited a hadith narrated by Imam Bukhari, where the Prophet Muhammad cursed men who imitate women and vice versa. This prohibition, he clarified, applies in both private and public spaces, including entertainment stages and public roads.

Beyond religious prohibitions, the MUI also highlighted the social implications of cross-dressing. Muiz warned that the practice could be exploited to promote Lesbian, Gay, Sodomy, and Pedophilia (LGSP) agendas, a term the MUI uses to refer to LGBT issues. He stated that in the current era, cross-dressing tends to campaign for LGBT practices, which are forbidden by religion and contradict social norms.

Furthermore, the MUI addressed concerns regarding August celebrations' logistical and financial aspects. Organizers are cautioned to ensure parade routes do not inconvenience public road users. Regarding competition registration fees, the MUI warned that using these fees to fund prizes could be considered gambling (qimar), which is also forbidden in Islam. While general competitions are permissible, the source of prize money must not be from participant registration fees.