MUI bans men from wearing women’s clothing in Aug. 17 carnival
The fatwa commission cited an Imam Bukhari hadith and said cross-dressing in public festivities runs against Islamic and social norms.
The Fatwa Commission of Majelis Ulama Indonesia has banned men from wearing women’s clothing, especially in carnivals marking Aug. 17 independence celebrations. Deputy Secretary of the MUI Fatwa Commission Abdul Muiz Ali said imitating the opposite sex, or tasyabbuh, is forbidden under Islamic law. He cited an authentic hadith narrated by Imam Bukhari on the curse for men who imitate women and vice versa. According to Muiz, independence celebrations should be filled with positive activities that reflect gratitude, strengthen unity and contribute to the nation. He also said that in practice, August parades often ignore ethical and religious norms. MUI also highlighted the social impact of using opposite-sex clothing in the modern era.