MUI Condemns Alcohol Brand's Challenge Requiring Quran Recitation for Free Drinks

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has condemned a marketing challenge by an alcoholic beverage brand that required participants to memorise and recite a chapter of the Quran in exchange for free alcohol. The MUI stated that such an action cannot be justified from any religious, moral, or legal standpoint. Prof. Asrorun Niam Sholeh, the MUI’s Chairman for Fatwa, asserted that the marketing gimmick, which pairs the recitation of a holy verse with an intoxicating drink, violates the sanctity of the Quran. He emphasised that the act degrades the holy book and is strictly forbidden. The controversy arose after a video circulated on social media showing a woman successfully reciting Surah Ad-Dhuha at a brand activation booth, after which the promoters cheered and offered her the alcoholic prize.