MUI Respects Muhammadiyah's Fatwa on Slaughtering Dam Animals in Indonesia

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Cholil Nafis, stated that differences in views regarding the ruling on the slaughter of dam animals between MUI and Muhammadiyah should be approached with mutual respect.

“We respect the decision of Muhammadiyah’s Majelis Tarjih and Tajdid which permits the payment of dam in Indonesia,” Cholil Nafis said in Jakarta on Thursday.

Nevertheless, he explained that there are also opinions from other scholars stating that the slaughter of dam must be carried out in the Holy Land. In that view, the dam worship is understood as a form of worship that is taabudi in nature.

“Taabudi is something that is given, a worship that does not need to be rationalised. So it is not a matter of distributing the meat, but the slaughtering process itself,” said Cholil Nafis.

Meanwhile, according to him, Muhammadiyah’s view that permits the slaughter of dam in Indonesia places more emphasis on the aspect of benefit or a rational approach (ta’aquli), especially in providing broader economic benefits to the community.

“How to rationalise a worship to bring prosperity to others. We respect that difference, please carry it out according to each one’s beliefs,” he said.

“For Muslims, please carry it out according to their beliefs, and there is no need to oppose or debate which could reduce the devotion in worship,” he added.

Previously, the Central Leadership of Muhammadiyah through the Hajj and Umrah Development Institute (LPHU) invited members who are prospective pilgrims for Hajj 2026 to perform the slaughter of dam animals in the homeland.