MUI Asks Hajj Scheme to Return to the Core Principle of Istitha'ah
The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) is reminding the government not to only chase affordable hajj costs, but also to keep the purity of sharia principles, especially istitha'ah (capability) as the main condition for the obligation to perform hajj. The proposed Hajj Operation Cost (BPIH) of Rp107.34 million per pilgrim is seen as potentially shifting the meaning of capability.
MUI Deputy Chairman, KH. Cholil Nafis, stressed that hajj is only obligatory for those who are physically, mentally, and financially able. The term 'hajj subsidy' is said to be wrong because the funds used come from the management of pilgrims' initial deposit funds by BPKH, not from the state budget.
MUI considers that using the benefits belonging to all prospective pilgrims to reduce the departure cost for a certain year could create injustice across generations. Therefore, MUI urges a thorough evaluation so that the hajj financing policy remains grounded in the principles of justice and Islamic sharia.
https://mozaik.inilah.com/haji