MUI Condemns Viral Quran Memorisation Challenge for Alcohol

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has issued a strong condemnation of a viral marketing gimmick that involved a challenge to memorise a chapter of the Quran in exchange for alcoholic beverages. The MUI asserted that such an action is unjustifiable from any religious, moral, or legal standpoint.

The incident, which circulated widely on social media, showed a booth for an alcoholic beverage brand at a music festival challenging visitors to recite Surah Ad-Dhuha for a reward of liquor.

MUI Chairman for Fatwa, Prof. KH Asrorun Niam Sholeh, stated that the marketing ploy, which combined the recitation of a holy verse with an alcoholic drink reward, constitutes a desecration of the sanctity of the Quran. He emphasised that the perpetrators must be held accountable for their actions.

The event organiser, The Sounds Project, responded by expressing anger and disappointment, stating they never approved such activities. They have formally reprimanded the sponsor involved and demanded a thorough resolution of the case. The organiser also pledged to identify the individuals directly responsible and conduct an internal evaluation to prevent similar incidents in the future.