Independence of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) in Reforming Fatwas

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) is a fairly influential social organization (ormas) in Indonesia. Through its fatwas, the MUI contributes to Indonesian society by providing explanations of Islamic law that can be used as guidance. Several surveys have shown that the Indonesian public's trust in MUI fatwas is quite high. However, over time, MUI fatwas have frequently changed, raising questions about the legal basis for these changes, and whether they align with the principles of ushul fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) and the maqasid (Islamic principles) of sharia. This study aims to analyze the legal basis for these changes in MUI fatwas and examine their alignment with the maqasid (Islamic principles). The results indicate that a number of the changed MUI fatwas are based on the maqasid (Islamic principles), and the MUI appears to have consistently used the maqasid (Islamic principles) as the basis for its fatwas since its inception.