Two Women Swear While Stepping on the Qur'an, Muhammadiyah: Lack of Knowledge

Two women with the initials NR and MT in Lebak, Banten, have been designated as suspects following the viral spread of a video on social media showing them swearing an oath while stepping on the Qur’an. The Muhammadiyah Central Board assesses the case as a manifestation of the community’s ignorance regarding the proper treatment of the holy book. “In my view, the case illustrates that many Muslims do not know how to treat or what is prohibited regarding the Qur’an,” said Muhammadiyah Central Board Chairman Dadang Kahmad to reporters on Monday (13/4/2026). Dadang believes the two women lack sufficient religious knowledge, presenting a challenge for religious leaders to provide comprehensive education to the entire ummah. “Looking at the image of the two of them, there is an impression that they indeed lack knowledge of the religion. This is a challenge for religious figures to provide information about religion evenly to the entire society across all levels,” he added. NR and MT, residents of Sukaraja Village, Malingping Subdistrict, Lebak, committed an act of religious blasphemy. In the viral video, NR is seen forcing MT to swear an oath by stepping on the holy book of Muslims. The action took place on Wednesday (8/4). Lebak Police Public Relations Officer IPTU Moestafa Ibnu Syafir stated that the case was triggered by an issue involving makeup tools in the form of powder and perfume, ordered by NR online. Without clear evidence, NR accused MT of taking her makeup tools. “So, they were actually friends; the salon owner ordered the package and it was stored there. The owner accused MT; dissatisfied with the admission, she then conducted the Qur’an oath,” he explained. Based on the examination results conducted by the Lebak Police Criminal Investigation Unit, both have been officially named as suspects and detained. They are charged under the religious blasphemy article. “They have been designated as suspects. Yes, they were immediately detained,” said Moestafa.