Founder of Indonesia Halal Watch (IHW), KH Ikhsan Abdullah, expressed deep concern over a circulating video showing the promotion of alcoholic beverages using memorization of Surah Ad-Dhuha as part of a challenge, with alcoholic drinks offered as prizes. "In my view, such an action is highly inappropriate and has hurt the religious sensitivities of the community, particularly Muslims," Kiai Ikhsan told Republika on Tuesday.
Kiai Ikhsan explained that the Quran is a holy book for Muslims and serves as a source of correct guidance with an exalted position in Islamic life. Using Quranic verse memorization as a gimmick or game to obtain alcoholic beverages is therefore inappropriate and degrading, he said. The matter is further compounded because the promotion occurs in public spaces and functions as entertainment, he added.
Alcohol is forbidden for Muslims to consume, making the public promotion of such beverages improper and unlawful, particularly when using Quranic verses, Kiai Ikhsan noted. He said that while respecting business freedom and corporate creativity, such freedoms must be exercised alongside social responsibility, propriety, and respect for the religious and cultural values of Indonesian society.
However, IHW also said it does not wish to reach conclusions hastily based only on video excerpts and information circulating on social media. Kiai Ikhsan, who also serves as Katib Syuriyah of PBNU, said the principle of tabayyun, or verification, is an important part of community life as outlined in Quranic Surah Al-Hujurat Verse 6. IHW therefore requested direct clarification from the event organizers and the beverage producer or brand owner involved to understand the matter fully.
