MUI Clarifies Islamic Ruling on Cross-Dressing During 17 August Competitions

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has reminded the public not to wear clothing that resembles the opposite gender during activities celebrating Indonesia’s Independence Day, including 17 August competitions and carnivals. KH Abdul Muiz Ali, Deputy Secretary of the MUI Fatwa Commission, stated that a man wearing attire specifically designated for women constitutes tasyabbuh, or imitating the opposite gender. The MUI has declared this practice haram and sinful from the perspective of Islamic law. “It is haram for men to appear or use clothing typically worn by women. Conversely, it is also haram for women to appear or wear clothing typically used by men,” KH Muiz Ali told MUI Digital on Friday (7/8). He explained that the prohibition is based on a hadith of the Prophet Muhammad, which forbids men from imitating women and women from imitating men. “In the current context, wearing the clothes of the opposite gender tends to promote the practice of the LGBT movement, which is clearly prohibited by religion and contradicts social norms,” KH Muiz Ali said. The MUI cited a hadith narrated by Imam Bukhari, in which the Prophet Muhammad cursed men who imitate women and women who imitate men. Based on this hadith, the MUI considers the use of clothing specifically identified as belonging to the opposite gender to be impermissible. The council clarified that the issue is not merely about colour or style, but about clothing that is specifically known in societal custom as attire for the opposite gender. Therefore, men wearing clothes identified as women’s attire to participate in competitions or carnivals remains a concern from the perspective of Islamic law. The MUI emphasised that this ruling applies to activities in both public and private spaces. Regarding the 17 August competitions themselves, the MUI stated that the events can still be held. However, the council reminded organisers to choose concepts that do not conflict with religious provisions. This means committees can organise various competitions such as traditional games, sports, agility contests, and other creative activities without making cross-dressing a part of the event. The MUI had previously warned that Independence Day competitions must be free from elements of gambling, particularly concerning the use of registration fees as prizes. The council believes that the Independence Day celebration should remain a positive momentum to strengthen social relations and community togetherness. Organisers of carnivals were also reminded to maintain public order, including ensuring that activities do not disrupt road users. The MUI suggested that committees replace cross-dressing competitions with more creative alternatives that comply with religious rules, such as environmental decoration contests, traditional games, sports, independence quizzes, or creativity competitions with appropriate attire for each participant. The MUI does not prohibit 17 August competitions, but it urges that their implementation avoids practices deemed contrary to Islamic law, including men wearing clothing specifically designated for women.