MUI Urges Boycott of Pro-Israel Products to Bolster Palestinian Support

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) recently reiterated their stance on boycotting products associated with Israel. The decision aims to weaken the Israeli economy and deter further attacks on Palestine, the council said in their official website.

In a recent public address at the MUI Office in Central Jakarta, Prof. Sudarnoto, MUI Chairman for Foreign Relations and International Cooperation said the proceeds of sale will benefit Israel.

“By boycotting, we can weaken Israel's economy so that it will not attack again," he said, emphasizing the strategic nature of economic pressure in geopolitical conflicts.

The boycott targets a range of products, including food and beverages, with MUI's stance reinforced by Fatwa No. 83 of 2023 on the Law of Supporting the Palestinian Struggle. Prof. Sudarnoto stressed that this initiative aligns with humanitarian principles, urging Muslims and Indonesians to actively participate in the boycott.

MUI hasn't issued a definitive list of boycotted products, underscoring the emphasis on principles rather than specifics. Prof. Sudarnoto encouraged comprehensive research by all stakeholders, including communities and academic institutions, to identify products associated with Israel.

Prof. Sudarnoto appealed to Indonesian sellers to refrain from trading in such products, particularly during Ramadan. He drew attention to the paradox of halal dates potentially turning haram due to their association with funding Palestinian oppression.

"Do not sell Israeli products in Ramadan. Dates are halal, delicious, I am also a lover of dates, halal in substance, but they become haram because the money from their sale is used to kill Palestinians," he explained.

Through this fatwa, issued late last year, MUI also recommends that the government take firm steps in helping the Palestinian cause. They recommend the step in the form of diplomacy at the UN and to member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to pressure Israel to stop its aggression, and to encourage the UN to sanction Israel.

The stance reflects MUI's commitment to humanitarian causes and solidarity with Palestine, calling for collective action to address injustices and support vulnerable populations in the region. 

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