MUI: The Trust Of The Aolia Congregation Is Not In Accordance With Islamic Sharia And Enlivens Ulama's Opinions

Deputy Chairman of the MUI Advisory Council Zainut Tauhid Sa'adi. (ANTARA/HO-MUI)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) expressed that the trust held by the leaders and congregations of Aolia was not in accordance with Islamic law and examined the opinion of the majority of scholars who had scientific authorities. "The trust held by the leader of the Aolia congregation is not in accordance with Islamic law," said Deputy Chairman of the MUI Advisory Council Zainut Tauhid Sa'adi in Jakarta, Antara, Monday, April 8. Previously, Aolia congregation in Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY), held Eid prayers on Friday, April 5 and started fasting on Thursday, March 7. According to Zainut, although the teachings of the Aolia congregation are not categorized as a heretical sect, these teachings shed light on the opinion of the majority clerics (mainstream) who have scientific and clerical authority, so that the teachings can be called deviant. The decision of the leader of the Aolia congregation in determining the beginning of Ramadan and the beginning of Syawal did not use the argument or legal basis that could be accounted for. "The belief of the Aolia congregation does not have a basis for sharia and fiqh at all," he said. Nevertheless, Zainut invited the public not to blaspheme or make fun of them. According to him, Aolia's congregation could do that because of their ignorance. For this reason, he said, it is the duty of MUI and other Islamic organizations to remind and provide understanding of true religious teachings. "Religiousism must be based on sunnah, not only based on the lust or personal tastes of its leaders who do not have the authority of religious science," he said. Meanwhile, the Head of the MUI for Fatwa Asrorun Ni'am Sholeh said that the difference in the provisions of the Aolia congregation was a mistake that was very necessary to remind. "Cases in a community in Gunungkidul are clearly mistakes, they need to be reminded," said Ni'am. He said that the trust believed by the Aolia congregation needed to be studied further.

According to him, if this is public ignorance, then it must be reminded immediately. However, if the religious practice is carried out consciously and with confidence, then it is forbidden.