Deaf Muslims Also Have the Right to Understand Religion, Fiqh Sign Language Vocabulary Being Compiled

The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs has begun compiling a standardised religious sign language vocabulary for the sensorily disabled deaf community in Indonesia. The affirmative programme, named Kosa Isyarat Keislaman Indonesia (KOSMIN), is designed to map and unify sign language for various Islamic terms that currently lack a standardised form. The launch took place during an event marking the Islamic New Year 1 Muharam 1448 Hijriah at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta. The programme is part of an effort to provide inclusive religious services for all citizens, including those with disabilities. Director General of Islamic Community Guidance at the Ministry, Abu Rokhmad, stated that many religious terms, both in theology and fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) related to worship, lack agreed-upon sign language, which often confuses deaf individuals. He noted that even basic concepts like heaven and hell do not yet have standardised signs, nor do daily fiqh terms such as menstruation, postpartum bleeding, irregular bleeding, and nocturnal emission. The ministry is therefore stepping in to achieve this significant standardisation.