MUI East Java Clarifies Rules to Prevent 17 August Competitions from Becoming Haram

The East Java Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has provided guidance to the public regarding the holding of competitions to celebrate the 17 August Independence Day, emphasising the importance of the source of prizes and the nature of the games to ensure they do not conflict with Islamic law.

Secretary of the East Java MUI Fatwa Division, KH Nur Fauzi Palestin, stated that the legal ruling on competition prizes must be examined in detail, particularly regarding the origin of the prize funds. He explained that prizes become haram if they are sourced from participant contributions or registration fees.

The ruling is different if the prizes come from external parties. Prizes provided by sponsors are permissible as long as the funds were obtained and given through halal means. Similarly, prizes from individual donors are allowed provided the source and method of giving are halal.

Regarding the participant fees that have been collected, Kiai Fauzi advised that these funds should not be used for prizes. Instead, the money should be allocated for operational needs, such as providing competition equipment and other technical requirements.

Kiai Fauzi also reminded the public that the issue of sharia compliance in Independence Day competitions is not limited to the source of prizes. The format of the competitions must also be observed to ensure that activities intended to enliven the independence celebrations do not contain elements that contradict Islamic law. He noted that even if prizes are funded by halal sponsors or donors, the event can still be considered haram if the activities themselves are prohibited.