Indonesia’s highest Muslim council is to issue a fatwa declaring the spread of “fake news” to be un-Islamic amid concern over sectarian tensions, The Independent reported.
The Indonesia Ulema Council’s Chairman, Maaruf Amin, said: “We will issue it as soon as possible because the situation is worrying.
“Hopefully, at least Muslims won’t be involved anymore in hoaxes.”
The religious edict, which is not legally binding, is expected to be issued before the elections for the governor of Jakarta on 15 February, which have been rife with religious tension.
Incumbent governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, known as Ahok, is running against two Muslim candidates to become the first elected non-Muslim governor in Indonesia.
Right-wing Islamic groups have claimed voters in the world’s largest Muslim country should not vote for “non-believers” and Ahok has been embroiled in a blasphemy trial in which he stands accused of insulting the Quran.
The case arose from an incorrectly subtitled video, which went viral on social media late last year, of comments the politician made about his opponents’ use of the holy book in political campaigning.
Hundreds of thousands of Muslims led by the hardline Islam Defenders Front have twice descended on Jakarta to protest against Ahok and call for him to be jailed, sparking international alarm over the protection of religious minorities.
President Widodo has repeatedly urged social media users to refrain from spreading false posts and the government has invited executives from social media giant Facebook for talks to help combat the problem.
The Ulema Council, with representatives from the country’s main moderate and conservative Muslim groups, frequently issues such edicts but they usually have little immediate impact.
Courtesy: Independent
