MUI Center Allows Merry Christmas, Abu Janda Praises Cholil Nafis: You Are A True Muslim, Cool Kiai

JAKARTA - Social media activist Permadi Arya alias Abu Janda spoke up after the Central Ulema Council (MUI) allowed Christmas greetings for Christians. According to Abu Janda, this MUI statement has ended the polemic that often arises every year before Christmas.

"Alhamdulillah, @muicenter MUI CENTER has finally ended the polemic over Christmas greetings: Muslims CAN wish me a merry Christmas," explained Abu Janda via his Instagram account, @permadiaktivis2, quoted on Monday, December 20.

The statement that you may wish me a Merry Christmas was conveyed by the Head of the Central MUI Da'wah and Ukhuwah Commission, Cholil Nafis on the basis of the MUI Fatwa issued on March 7, 1981.

Cholil said, every year, he always explained about this fatwa. "It's okay to say Merry Christmas in the context of mutual respect and tolerance. Especially those who have Christian families or are officials," explained Cholil via his Twitter account @cholilnafis published today.

In 2015, Cholil stated that the MUI fatwa only forbade participating in Christmas ceremonies.

According to Abu Janda, there is no evidence in the Qur'an or Hadith that forbids wishing you a Merry Christmas.

"What forbids people who use COCOKLOGICAL PROVISIONS interpreting arguments using lust instead of using knowledge. Thank you Kiai @cholilnafis Chairman of the MUI, you are a true Muslim who we rarely see lately, Cool kiai," said Abu Janda.