As the sole independent entity entrusted to inform Muslims in Indonesia as to what is or isn’t forbidden, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has issued many questionable fatwas (rulings based on an interpretation of Islamic law by a recognized authority) in the past, which have included everything from the prohibition of playing Pokemon GO to being homosexual, which they said should be punishable by death.
Some might argue that the MUI is doing what they believe is in the best interests of all Muslims with their fatwas, which is why this one is oddly counterintuitive.
The MUI branch in Samarinda, East Kalimantan issued a fatwa against road speed bumps of all things, because they are supposedly harmful.
“If a speed bump disrupts road users, then it’s makruh (advised against but not sinful). But, if it claims lives, then it’s haram,” said MUI Samarinda head Zaini Naim, as quoted by Tempo on Sunday.
Zaini didn’t mention any specific cases of a speed bump being the direct cause of anyone’s death. He said the MUI actually issued the fatwa in 2013, and is now reiterating that it’s still in effect.
So why should speed bumps, which are designed for the safety of road users, be haram?
“In the time of the prophet, if there was a rock or even a wooden stick on the road, it must be removed,” Zainal said, but failing to address that there were no cars or motorcycles circa 600 AD.
It turns out that the fatwa might have be borne out of Zainal’s personal grudge, as he said that he has fallen twice off his vehicle while going over a speed bump in the past.
Perhaps someone should tell him to brake and slow down like every other responsible road user when approaching a speed bump.
But alas, Zainal conceded that the fatwa has been ignored by the citizens of Samarinda. He also said that the MUI doesn’t have the authority to turn the fatwa into traffic law.
“Our job is to give advice with fatwas. Its implementation is up to the government.”
Thank God for that.
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