What is it about?
Dr. Soleh Hasan Wahid, Dr. Anjar Kususiyanah & Dr Fuady Abdullah in this study explore how digital platforms, especially YouTube, influence public perception and trust in fatwas issued by institutions such as the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) in an increasingly digital world. It specifically examines MUI fatwas on cryptocurrencies, vaccinations, and boycotts of Israeli products, assessing the impact of digital dissemination on these religious edicts.
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Why is it important?
This research underscores the criticality of aligning fatwas with Indonesia’s contemporary socio-economic and cultural contexts. It advocates for enhancing the capacity and credibility of fatwa institutions in the digital era, focusing on improving communicative capabilities and increasing religious knowledge to ensure fatwas’ continued relevance and effectiveness in addressing contemporary challenges.
Perspectives
The analysis indicates a predominantly negative sentiment within the Indonesian online community towards MUI’s fatwas on vaccines, cryptocurrencies, and boycotting Israeli products. This negativity reflects a disconnect between the public’s understanding and acceptance of these religious edicts. Additionally, variations in netizens‘ comprehension of religious and economic concepts significantly shape their responses to fatwas. This study highlights the need for broader education and more effective communication strategies concerning fatwas, stressing the importance of transparency and context.
Prof Abdallah Abdulrahman Elkhatib
Qatar University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Strengthening the Trust and Authority of Fatwa Institutions in the Digital Era: Lessons from Indonesia, Journal of College of Sharia & Islamic Studies, July 2025, Qatar University,
DOI: 10.29117/jcsis.2025.0425.
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