Viral Quran Recitation Challenge with Booze Prize, PBNU Official Speaks Out
A viral video showing a Quran recitation challenge with alcoholic drinks as prizes has drawn criticism from Katib Syuriyah PBNU, KH. Ikhsan Abdullah. He says using Surah Ad-Duha in a booze promotion in public spaces is totally inappropriate and hurts religious sensitivities. "Alcoholic drinks are haram. Promoting them in public spaces is also improper and against the law," he stressed in Jakarta, Tuesday (11/8/2026).
The video from a music festival shows participants reciting the holy verses and then being offered a choice of alcoholic drinks. Ikhsan emphasized that the Quran is a noble holy book that shouldn't be used as a marketing gimmick. He reminded that business freedom must come with social responsibility and respect for religious values.
PBNU encourages tabayun (clarification) to check if the challenge was an official part of the promotion before jumping to legal conclusions. Still, if a violation is proven, there must be accountability. Ikhsan also called on the public not to be anarchic and to pursue dialogue and legal channels instead.
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