Menag reminds officials to be aware of gratification disguised as gifts

Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar. ANTARA/HO-Kemenag

JAKARTA - Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar reminded officials to be aware of gratification in the guise of gifts, because in Islam gifts received because of their positions can change status to prohibited gratification.

"When the gift has the potential to influence the decisions, policies, or objectivity of an official, then his status is prohibited. The Prophet SAW has given a clear limit on the gifts received because the post cannot be justified," said the Minister of Religion as quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, June 4.

The warning was conveyed by the Minister of Law and Human Rights in a National Anti-Corruption Webinar on Higher Education entitled "Gratification in Islamic Perspective" which was held by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) online. This webinar was attended by university leaders, lecturers, and academics from various regions.

The Minister of Religion quoted the story of a zakat collector during the time of the Prophet SAW. who received a gift while carrying out his duties. The Prophet then reprimanded the officer and questioned whether he would still receive the gift if he did not have a position.

"This reprimand confirms that the gifts received because of their positions or positions are not ordinary gifts, but have the potential to become a prohibited form of gratification," he said.

The Minister of Religion also cited the example of Umar bin Khattab who was very careful to maintain integrity in the administration.

Umar once ordered that the profits of his son's livestock business be handed over to the Baitul Mal because he was afraid of special treatment due to the status of his son as the son of the caliph.

Umar also rejected the gift of a luxurious prayer mat from the Governor of Kufah because he considered that the funds were better used to help people in need.

In addition to gratification, the Minister of Religion explained a number of forms of corruption known in Islam, such as al-ghulul (misuse of trust), riswah or bribes, illegal commissions, mark up prices and specifications of goods, abuse of power, to the provision of sponsorship which has hidden intentions.

According to him, all these practices are contrary to the values of honesty and justice taught by religion.

"The position is a trust that must be guarded with full responsibility. Misuse of office is a very great form of betrayal. Therefore, a leader must be fair, objective, and not abuse his authority for personal gain," he said.

The Minister of Religion invited all participants to make integrity, trust, and honesty as a guide in daily life. He reminded that blessings are much more important than the wealth obtained through haram ways.

"Corruption not only damages the life of the perpetrator, but also has a bad impact on families and communities. Wealth obtained through improper means will not bring good to life in this world and the hereafter," he said.