By: Prof. Dr. KH. Asrorun Ni’am Sholeh, Lc., M.A. (Chairman of the MUI for Fatwa)
In living life, social relations with other people cannot be avoided. Various people with different religious and ethnic backgrounds will be encountered. Tolerance is the key to maintaining manners in relations between religious communities. LPPOM MUI supports tolerant relations according to religious rules.
Humans are created into tribes, nations, and different skin colors. All these differences are reality/sunnatullah and must be adequately addressed. Things obtained by given cannot be used to raise or lower a person’s status.
Allah SWT. said, “Surely the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you”. (Q.S. Al-Hujurat: 13). This righteousness is in line with the effort to pursue guidance. Every human being can attempt this.
Differences in religion are also a reality that exists in society. An attitude of tolerance without acknowledging the truth of other religious teachings is also important. Islam guides responding to differences to act in the middle, namely not too extreme or too liberal. Tolerance becomes wrong when associated with other religious teachings because it can lead to multiple interpretations.
There are two dimensions in religious communities. First, the dimension related to dogma/teachings. In this dimension, humans must respect each other, give freedom, and not force/hinder others from practicing religion.
Second, the dimension related to rationality/muamalah. This dimension can be done with non-Muslims. The obligations of Muslims are limited to measurable points, such as (in the case of buying and selling) the goods are halal, honest, do not reduce the weight, the seller and buyer are pleased with the price and goods.
There are several examples to provide a clearer picture of tolerance in society.
Saying Greetings
Some greetings have a muamalah dimension, such as “Hello …”, “Good morning …” or “How are you?”. Greetings like this are allowed to be said/done.
There are also greetings with a worship dimension, such as “Namo Buddhaya” or “To Hyang Widhi”. Greetings that are believed by other religions to be part of their worship are parts that need to be avoided for Muslims to say/do.
The pros and cons of the results of the MUI Fatwa Commission’s Ijtima’ Ulama on May 28-31, 2024, in Bangka Belitung regarding interfaith greetings explain that the community’s understanding of this tolerance is not yet deep, and they do not understand the substance of the greeting.
Leaders Present at Celebrations of Other Religious Events
Generally, religious celebrations have ritual and social aspects. In the ritual aspect (core worship activities), there is no need to be present. Meanwhile, in the muamalah aspect, such as socializing, Muslims can attend if invited/their presence is required.
Attending a Wedding Invitation at a Place of Worship of Another Religion
A wedding also has two dimensions, namely ritual and social. In the social dimension, such as a reception, attending is permissible. Even so, Muslims still need to be selective in the meal session because, as Muslims, they must ensure that the drinks and food consumed must be guaranteed halal.
Traveling to Places of Worship of Religions Other Than Islam
This is permitted for the muamalah aspect, such as enjoying the architecture and culture. However, if to get to the location, you have to perform certain rituals that violate Islamic law, such as praying with other beliefs, giving offerings (sesajen), or exposing your genitals, then that is not permitted.
Islam strongly encourages its followers to be tolerant of other human beings. However, this is not a reason for a Muslim to violate Islamic law or rules. Let’s be wise in our attitudes and actions. May Allah bless every step we take. (Abstracted from LPPOM/DIL Friday Study)
Source: Halal Journal Edition 169 https://halalmui.org/jurnal-halal/169/
