MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – Muhammadiyah Central Board, through its Hajj and Umrah Department, is encouraging pilgrims to carry out the slaughter of dam animals in Indonesia rather than in Saudi Arabia.
The appeal was delivered by Muhammad Ziyad, Chairperson of the department, on Tuesday (28/4) at the Muhammadiyah Central Board’s Da’wah Building in Jakarta. He said the recommendation follows a religious ruling issued by the Council of Religious Opinion and Reform, which permits relocating the site of slaughter for the sake of broader public benefit.
Ziyad emphasized that the decision represents a form of ijtihad, or independent legal reasoning, that should be implemented with confidence. He also urged pilgrims not to hesitate in practicing the ruling.
“This is an appeal to Muhammadiyah members. The Council for Religious Opinion and Reform has issued its ijtihad. Therefore, let us carry it out without doubt,” he said.
A Shift Rooted in Public Interest and Contemporary Realities
Ziyad explained that the decision to allow slaughter in Indonesia rests on considerations of greater public welfare. While grounded in scriptural evidence, the ruling also reflects the realities of modern-day Hajj practices.
According to the council, the essence of dam does not lie solely in the location of slaughter but in fulfilling the broader objectives of Islamic law (maqasid al-shari’ah). Consequently, distributing the meat in Indonesia is seen as more effective in reaching communities in need.
Moreover, Ziyad pointed to environmental concerns in the Holy Land. The large number of animals slaughtered during the Hajj season can create waste management challenges and potential pollution if not handled properly.
At the same time, there is concern that the meat produced in Saudi Arabia is not always utilized optimally. In contrast, Islamic teachings frame dam as having a social function. That is to support human welfare (qiyaman lin-nas), including meeting nutritional needs.
By conducting the slaughter in Indonesia, the benefits of dam can be distributed more widely. This approach, he said, directly supports communities still facing poverty and malnutrition. It also aligns with Islam’s emphasis on social justice and collective well-being.
Ensuring Accountability and Expanding Impact
Muhammadiyah also stressed the importance of accountable and professional management in carrying out dam. The entire process—from slaughter to distribution—must comply with Islamic guidelines while maintaining transparency.
In this context, pilgrims are encouraged to channel their dam through authorized institutions such as Lazismu to ensure proper oversight and meaningful social impact.
The ruling, Ziyad added, demonstrates Muhammadiyah’s dynamic approach to religious interpretation. It shows a willingness to respond to changing conditions while remaining anchored in core Islamic principles. As a result, the act of dam is framed not only as a ritual obligation but also as a sustained contribution to social welfare.
