During such celebrations, tolerance can be shown by being grateful for and enjoying the holidays, which are also national holidays, and the benefits can be enjoyed by the whole community.
"Now, in fact, (religious holidays) have become national holidays. We (as Muslims) also enjoy this holiday. Non-Muslims also do the same thing when they enjoy Eid al-Fitr holiday," MUI chairperson for fatwa, Asrorun Niam Sholeh, said here on Thursday.
He then gave the example of tolerance shown by non-Muslims when Muslims fast, namely by enjoying typical snacks during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
He said he considers this as a form of tolerance, which is carried out by enjoying the celebration and supporting each other.
"The Islamic principle in building religion is lakum diinukum waliyadiin, which means for you your religion, for me my religion," he said.
"This principle is carried out by not disturbing the worship carried out by people of other religions, but on the contrary, we facilitate it," he added.
Niam explained that tolerance, which involves enjoying other religious holidays, is an inclusive social dimension. Therefore, he said he believes that such tolerance needs to be encouraged.
However, he also stressed tolerance that is not justified or wrong, namely tolerance that is carried out by carrying out the rituals of worship of other religions.
Such tolerance, he said, is not justified since such worship activity is exclusive.
Therefore, Niam emphasized that tolerance between religious communities cannot be realized through syncretism, or by harmonizing one belief with another.
"Therefore, there must be proportionality in interpreting tolerance, in interpreting the freedom to practice one's religion," he said.
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Translator: Sean Filo Muhamad, Katriana
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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