MUI Issues Notes on the Burial of Live Sailfin Catfish

The Secretary of the MUI Fatwa Commission, KH Miftahul Huda, has reminded that the mass burial of sailfin catfish while still alive contravenes two principles. Miftah stated that these two principles are the principle of rahmatan lil ’alamin and the principle of animal welfare or kesrawan (animal welfare). Nevertheless, he acknowledged that the DKI Government’s policy in controlling sailfin catfish or pleco is good or has maslahah, as it falls under hifẓ al-bī’ah (environmental protection). This is because sailfin catfish or pleco can damage river ecosystems and threaten local fish. “This aligns with maqāṣid syariah, entering the category of modern ecological ḍharūriyyāt,” said Kiai Miftah, during a conversation with MUI Digital in Jakarta on Saturday (18/4). Miftah explained that this environmental policy also falls under Hifẓ an-Nasl (sustainability of living beings), as it can preserve biodiversity and prevent the extinction of local species, thereby maintaining the balance of generations of living beings. However, from a Sharia perspective, there is a problem: killing animals is permissible if there is maslahah, but the method of burying sailfin catfish alive contains an element of torture because it prolongs death. Miftah emphasised that this is not in accordance with the principle of ihsan (kindness) as per the Prophet’s hadith. The next problem, said Miftah, is from the perspective of animal welfare ethics. Burying live fish is considered inhumane. One of the general principles of animal welfare is to minimise suffering. “That method is considered to cause unnecessary suffering,” he said. Response from Pramono In response to this, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung stated that he will seek input from experts who understand Sharia regarding the procedures for burying animals. “Regarding the earlier question, there is advice and criticism from MUI, later I will ask the experts to adjust the procedures,” said Pramono in South Jakarta. He explained that the policy of capturing sailfin catfish is carried out because their population in Jakarta’s waters has become dominant. According to him, the presence of these fish has disrupted the ecosystem balance. “Indeed, sailfin catfish in Jakarta’s aquatic biotics are already more than 60 percent. Even KKP reported more than 70 percent, but I stated more than 60 percent,” he said.