The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has highlighted the Simbang Kulon\nNight Carnival (SKNC) 2026 in Pekalongan, Central Java, which has\nsparked controversy due to its presentation of mystical-themed\nperformances judged to resemble satanic rituals.<\/p>\n
MUI Vice Chairman Cholil Nafis stated that the frightening\nattractions, which feature satanic symbols and the sadistic public\nslaughter of animals, are fundamentally contrary to the essence of\nIslamic teachings and the noble values of the Maulid Nabi\ncommemoration.<\/p>\n
\u201cCarnivals that are educational are certainly permitted, but when\nthey become animistic or frightening, they are certainly in conflict\nwith the Maulid Nabi celebrations,\u201d Kiai Cholil stated in Jakarta on\nMonday.<\/p>\n
In the SKNC 2026 footage that went viral on social media, the\nperformance featured performers wearing demon costumes, carrying books\nwith one-eye symbols and torches, as well as the use of inverted\npentagram symbols, which are universally identified with satanic\nmovements.<\/p>\n
The element that drew the most attention and caused public unrest was\na scene depicting the slaughter of a goat in the middle of the\nperformance sequence.<\/p>\n
In the context of demonstrating Islamic art and community\ntogetherness, Kiai Cholil warned against deviating into displays of\ndemons or slaughtering animals in an improper manner, such as severing\nthe neck until it detaches.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat is not the teaching of the Prophet,\u201d said Kiai Cholil.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, the caretaker of the Cendekia Amanah Islamic Boarding\nSchool urged organisers and the wider community to mark the month of\nMaulid Nabi with the recitation of the Holy Quran, the chanting of\nsalawat, the delivery of good advice (mauidhoh hasanah), stories of the\nProphet\u2019s exemplary life, and the provision of food as a form of\ngratitude (charity).<\/p>\n
The Chairman of the DSN MUI Management Body expressed hope that\norganisers in various regions would be more selective, wise, and\ncautious when designing cultural art expressions.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/mui-carnival-resembling-satanic-rituals-contradicts-islamic-teachings-1789383827", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }