MUI's Key Message on Independence Day: A Time for Gratitude and Unity

The Deputy Secretary of the Fatwa Commission of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), KH Abdul Muiz Ali, has invited the public to interpret the anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s independence as a momentum to be grateful for the blessings of Allah SWT while strengthening national unity. According to him, Indonesia’s independence is a mercy from Allah that should be appreciated by carrying out His commands and filling independence with productive and beneficial activities.

Kiai Muiz stated that for those who practice their faith perfectly, receiving a blessing naturally leads to expressing gratitude to Allah SWT. Independence is a mercy and blessing from Allah SWT. Allah commands gratitude when receiving blessings. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala says: “And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favour]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.’” (QS Ibrahim: 7).

According to Kiai Muiz, independence is a blessing of unity, and it was through unity that the Indonesian people achieved freedom. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala says: “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favour of Allah upon you - when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favour, brothers. And you were on the edge of a pit of the Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus does Allah make clear to you His verses that you may be guided.” (QS Ali Imran: 103).

Kiai Muiz said that the manner in which the public celebrates Independence Day is left to the discretion of each community group. “In Jakarta, for example, they recently held communal prayers and dhikr at Monas and at Istiqlal; that is part of the effort to express gratitude for the blessing of independence given by Allah to the Indonesian nation,” said Kiai Muiz.

Kiai Muiz conveyed that competitions are also permitted, as they are allowed for training discipline and agility. What is prohibited are competitions that require participants to pay an entry fee where the prizes are drawn from that money, as this contains an element of gambling. “So, if there is a registration fee, it should be for the participants’ own consumption, not for the competition prizes,” he said.

Kiai Muiz also suggested filling Independence Day with dhikr and prayer, expressing gratitude to Allah through supplication. “A grateful person says Alhamdulillah and shows their gratitude by carrying out His commands and avoiding His prohibitions,” he said. Kiai Muiz reminded the public to fill independence with productive activities that are beneficial for themselves, their nation, and their country. He urged people not to be divided, as Indonesia’s independence was fought for by all groups and all religions.